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Copyright Pepperl+Fuchs
16.08.12
AS-Interface
7.7
Introduction
What is AS‑Interface?
The actuator-sensor interface (AS‑Interface) replaces
conventional wiring technology at the sensor-actuator
level. The AS‑Interface minimizes installation effort, has
a comprehensive diagnostic function, and enables
flexible system enhancements. AS‑Interface is an
open installation system that is recognized and
accepted around the world. Many manufacturers
offer a wide range of compatible products.
The main benefits of AS‑In-
terface
AS‑Interface transfers digital and
analog I/O signals and safe I/O
signals over a two-core cable
that also supplies the nodes and
their peripherals with power. Installation via the profiled flat cable is
performed using insulation piercing technology. This is easy and failsafe
thanks to the polarity-protected geometry of the flat cable.
AS‑Interface is fast and can achieve response times of less than 3 ms.
The installation of an AS‑Interface is completely flexible and topology-
free. The use of passive splitters means it is very quick to install. If
required, modules can be supplied with power via a second black flat
cable. The slaves are assigned with addresses locally within seconds
using a handheld device. If you replace a product at a later point for
maintenance purposes, the addresses are assigned automatically
by the master. Program routines for decentralized processes can
also be managed in the master in order to replace small control units.
AS‑Interface is transparent to the higher-level control unit and behaves
like an I/O plug-in card. In doing so, AS‑Interface has a considerably
higher functional density because 1000 I/Os can be realized on a
construction width of less than 100 mm.The diagnostic function enables
detection of duplicate addresses or a short circuit to ground, the
evaluation of sporadic faults, and the separate detection of overloads
on the bus and peripheral side through to the port-related LED display
on the module.
Compared with conventional wiring technology, this removes the need
for parallel wiring, as well as a number of plug and terminal connections.
Control cabinets and cable trays can be designed much smaller and the
documentation is also simpler.
This additional functionality and the reduced wiring result in
considerable cost savings over the service life in the application.
Manchester coding (alternating pulse modulation) and potential-free
differential signal transfer enable AS‑Interface to achieve extremely
high data security and immunity, despite the use of an unsheathed two-
wire cable.
The choice of AS‑Interface topology is flexible and can be based
on line, star, or tree structures. Even larger networks can be created
cost-effectively using bus terminations and repeaters with an overall
network length of 1 km. A maximum of two repeaters can be switched
consecutively. Higher-level systems are connected with the gateway
integrated into the master. All common international gateway functions
are available, meaning that AS‑Interface is always upward compatible
with all control unit types when installed in the field.
8.8
AS‑Interface System Components
AS‑Interface products from Pepperl+Fuchs are certified by the
independent AS‑Interface testing body to ensure interoperability
between products. This is indicated by the AS‑Interface shadow logo
on our products.
Masters, gateways, and power supplies
A master with gateway function controls the AS‑Interface system and
makes the process data available to all higher-level control unit types
in a defined configuration. Typically, this involves more than 32 bytes of
digital I/O data and additional diagnostic data. AS‑Interface operates
like a conventional I/O card in the control unit, making it possible to
convert a system to AS‑Interface without changing the control unit
software.
The master is usually installed in the control cabinet and stores the
configuration used. Individual communication errors do not result
in a fault, although they are listed in the statistical error memory for
diagnostic purposes.
Masters with an integrated monitor function enable the connection
of the safe slaves to the same AS‑Interface cable.
AS‑Interface power supplies are used to supply power.
AS‑Interface slaves
Sensors/actuators with AS‑Interface
These devices can be connected directly to
the flat cable via passive splitters, and offer
the advantage of transferring additional
information such as prefault diagnostics
and parameterization options.
Modules
Standard sensors and actuators
can be connected to modules for
control cabinet installation or field mounting up to IP68/69K degree of
protection. Analog modules that automatically detect the connected
sensor (I, U, PT100) are also available.
The color-coded terminals in our control cabinet modules at installation
depths of 50 mm and 100 mm facilitate reliable assignment during
installation.We offer various PCB solutions for installation in the terminal
box and integration into the housing.
Field modules with a direct cable output for connecting up to two
sensors, and modules for connecting via M8 and M12 connectors are
available in different housing designs.
AS‑Interface Safety at Work for safety-related
applications
A single AS‑Interface cable can be used to connect components such
as emergency stop buttons, safety light grids, or safety door locks in
mixed operation while using the same protocol. You only need to
integrate a safety monitor and safe slaves into the segment.The monitor
evaluates data communication on the AS‑Interface cable using dynamic
code sequences that are taught in to the monitor during commissioning.
AS‑Interface guarantees a safe shutdown time of a maximum 40 ms.
A safety monitor integrated into the master can control up to 16 safe
shutdown circuits with multiple safe inputs and outputs. Safe outputs
can be grouped together and controlled simultaneously via a shutdown
circuit without jitter.
Field and control cabinet modules, emergency stop buttons, door locks,
and locking door guards with integrated AS‑Interface chip are available
as slaves with safe inputs. The bus communication and the deployed
technology have been assessed by BGIA as safe and certified by TÜV.
AS‑Interface can be used even for the highest safety level PLe specified
in the new machine safety guideline ISO 13849-1. Machines can be
controlled in accordance with stop category 0 (immediate energy
shutdown) and 1 (controlled shutdown). Several AS-Interface segments
can also be coupled together safely. In accordance with IEC 61508
approval, it is possible to achieve up to SIL3.
Addressing device, diagnostics and parameter-
ization tools
AS‑Interface slaves can be easily assigned an address locally during
installation using the AS-Interface handheld programmer. Addresses
that have already been assigned can also be displayed. The handheld
device can also be used to read input data and control outputs, e.g.
during a commissioning test.
The AS-i Control Tools software provides a clear diagnosis that can
be displayed visually. The ASIMON+ software is used to define all
safety-related functions and import them into the monitor. The use of
Drag & Drop makes this action simple, clear, and very functional.
7.3
The AS‑Interface Installation
Flat cable
The flat cable is one of the biggest benefits of AS‑Interface. The
flat shape of the cable prevents reverse polarity and the slaves are
connected within seconds thanks to the insulation piercing technology.
AS-Interface
AS-Interface,
Master/Gateways
7 7
.1
AS-Interface,
Power Supplies, Power Extender and Repeater
7
.2
AS-Interface,
Safety at Work
7
.3
AS-Interface,
Modules
7
.4
AS-Interface,
Indicating/Operating
7
.5
AS-Interface,
Accessories
7
.6
