ifm electronic - Fieldbus gateways
- Support of the AS-i standard 2.1 for extended functionality.
- Powerful controllers with easy-to-use graphic display.
- ”Safety at Work” for safety-related applications.
- Wide range of modules for control cabinets and field applications.
- Intelligent system solutions for special tasks.
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Introduction
The actuator-sensor interface (AS-i) sets new technological standards in the design and automation of installations. This leads to economic advantages for the OEM and the user for project management, commissioning and maintenance of machines. In contrast to conventional fieldbuses AS-i has a finely granulated structure and can therefore be integrated even into proximity sensors. AS-i considerably reduces wiring complexity since conventional parallel wiring of each sensor or actuator to the controller is no longer necessary. This saves the user a great number of terminals, splitter boxes, input/output cards and cable lines.
Wide selection of connection options
Via its field connections AS-i allows low-cost connection of conventional devices. Up to 248 binary sensors and 186 actuators can be connected per AS-i line. It is also possible to integrate sensors with bus capability into the system at any time. These sensors with integrated AS-interface supply more information to the controller without the need of additional wiring. Therefore this latest sensor generation is also referred to as intelligent sensors.
Voltage supply and data via one cable
Voltage supply and data communication of all sensors are normally performed via a (yellow) AS-i cable. For some modules actuators can also be sup-plied via this cable. If a higher output current or emergency stop switch-off is required, actuators are supplied via a second black flat cable with a separate 24 V auxiliary voltage.
AS-i in the automation pyramid
AS-interface has established itself at the lowest automation level, it is locat-ed below the fieldbuses. The strengths of AS-i are its simple structure, speed, quick wiring and price/performance ratio. It can be used as a feeder bus for higher bus systems, they in turn then ensure a non time critical transmission of the data over longer distances to the host controller.
ifm electronic
ifm electronic gmbh is one of the leading manufacturers of automation technology world-wide. More than 3,000 employees in more than 70 countries develop solutions for 80,000 customers in the manufacturing industries. By optimising technical processes in the automotive, chemical and cosmetics industries or in environmental technology and automation of buildings ifm electronic has consistently set new standards and thus ensures tomorrow's production processes.
The family-run company with headquarters in Essen started with the invention of inductive proximity sensors in 1969. The German production in Tettnang on Lake Constance has ensured brand quality right from the start. Today "efector" stands for position and fluid sensors, object recognition, diagnostic and identification systems. The brand "ecomat" is synonymous with networking and control systems. In 2007 ifm made a turnover of more than € 410 million with above-average product quality, exceptional innovations and consistent close contact to the customer.
