The devices with the designation "ControllerE" or "SmartLink" are the ifm AS-i master family of the second generation. The AS-Interface gateways ControllerE and SmartLink are primarily intended for use as gateways between up to two AS-Interface networks and fieldbuses. The range includes the device/slave interfaces PROFIBUS, DeviceNet, CANopen and Modbus TCP. With the AS-Interface gateways ControllerE and SmartLink, all advantages of the AS-Interface wiring system can be used with the previously mentioned fieldbuses. To the programmer of the higher-level PLC, the ControllerE and SmartLink devices are normal, decentralised input/output modules.
As an option, some of the devices can also be programmed via the CODESYS V2.3 software.
