Overview

• Introduction
• The main components
• Piercing technology
• Network topology
• Runs safely and reliably
• Economic
• Standardization
• Certification

The AS-Interface solution is more an intelligent wiring system than a real field bus. Simple sensors and actuators can be connected over a two leader bus, including the power supply, at very low costs. In the traditional wiring, every single signaling transmitter and -recipient is wired directly with the superior control. Rampant cable trees and voluminous control cubicles were the consequence. With the AS-Interface system, the cables and primarily the assembly cost are reduced. By the open structure of the system, it is no competition but the technical and economic addition for the primary field busses. With the large product line of many companies, the AS-Interface offers solutions for the integration of most different sensors and actuators into almost all automation networks.

The equipment listed in the graphic cannot illustrate the complete product line. Many products are offered by several manufacturers. Therefore visit the online product catalog to obtain a detailed summary of the available variety.

The simple connection technique of the AS-Interface system is ensured by the defined, electromechanical interface with piercing technology.

• mechanically coded flat cable
• two wires for data and power
• insulation piercing connectors
  • simple and safe
  • protection class up to IP67, even after disconnecting
• directly connected slaves
  • sensors, actuators
  • valve terminals
  • electrical modules etc.

The protocol of the AS-Interface system ensures a simple extendibility. The AS-Interface network can be configured like any conventional electrical installation. Every AS-Interface Slave is freely addressably and can get connected to the bus cable in any arbitrary place. This makes a modular construction possible, and due to the robust operating principle, there are no limits to the structure and any network topology can be used: e.g. bus, star, or tree topologies.

Reliable transmission of data:

• Each telegram will be checked by the receiver for possible faults. This will be done by checking the parity bit and several other independant values.
• By these means an extremly high reliability is achieved in detecting of single and multiple faults.
• The repetition of a single telegram consumes 150 µs only and is already taken into account in the specified cycle time.
• AS-Interface may be used even in an environment with high electro-magnetic noise, like welding machines and frequency convertors.

Hardware

• I/O cards in PLC, PC
• size of cabinets
• PG-fittings
• multiple connectors
• cable ducts, bridges
• tracks of slip rings
• terminal housings
• distributing clamps
• cable / wiring

Expenditure

• less installation time
• less test time
• less time to create wiring diagrams
• less expenditure of labelling cables and clamps

Standardization of the AS-Interface system in IEC 62026-2 is a further example for the success of the system. However, a norm does not suffice to ensure the full and easy integrability of all certificated AS-Interface products.

All AS-Interface products correspond to

• Euro Norm EN 50295 and
• World Standard IEC 62026-2

The certified products of the AS-Interface system ensure the highest possible degree of system security to the customer. The products are fully compatibly and interchangeable. The simplicity of the system and the interoperability only can be achieved by the AS-Interface certificate.

A product to rely on

The specifications of AS Interface are complete and their compliance is monitored by the Certification Board. Users recognise tested and certified products by the AS-Interface shadow logo, combined with the corresponding test number.