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  1. Advantages of AS-i
  2. System integration and set-up

System integration and set-up of AS-Interface

What is needed to get started with AS-Interface?

The master, a power supply unit as well as various standard participants form the basis of every AS-i system. Non-safe participants are also possible (mixed operation). The master ensures data exchange with the participants by means of cyclic polling. The AS-Interface power supply units supply the participants and sensors with energy.

Quick controller integration

AS-Interface systems can be easily connected to different controllers, e.g. from Siemens, Rockwell, Schneider or Omron:
In addition to the hardware, ifm offers startup packages for data connection to the PLC.

PLC startup packages

Use our startup packages to set up AS-Interface systems in combination with industrial controllers from various manufacturers. ifm provides ready-made programming examples and apps.Configuration and setup is considerably facilitated and errors are avoided.​
Download the following contents for free:

  • setup guide for fast integration into the PLC (Siemens, Rockwell, Omron, Schneider)
  • device description files (GSDML, ESI, EDS)
  • operating instructions
  • example programs for Siemens controllers
  • system solution apps such as DTA-RFID, O3D cameras, IO-Link

The required startup packages can be found in the download section of the respective product detail pages:

  • Please enter a valid product number.

For documentation for products not shown on our website, please contact Customer Service at 800-441-8246 or info.us@ifm.com.

Addressing your AS-i slaves

Address basics

A total of 32 AS-i basic addresses (0...31) are available for an AS-i system

Address 0 Addresses 1...31
  • Is the factory setting of each AS-i slave
  • Is used exclusively for automatic addressing in the event of a slave replacement
  • Cannot be used for the AS-i communication
  • Can be used for communication without restriction
  • Are also called single addresses
  • For slaves with extended addressing mode, each basic address can be divided into an A and a B address
    • example, 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B ... 31A, 31B
    • This means that a maximum of 62 AS-i slave addresses are available

Hand-held addressing unit (AC1154)

Modules must be addressed and although thee master can be used, the hand-held addressing unit is a good investment. 

  • Place in the ADDR mode to address units.
  • Functions and error codes are listed on the back of the unit.

Addressing a node using the AC1154

  1. Plug node/valve top into programmer
  2. Press "Read/On" button to display current address
  3. Press "+" or "-" buttons to change address to desired number
  4. Press "Write/Set" to store this address
  5. Press "Read/On" to confirm

Forcing an output using the AC1154

  1. Plug node/valve top into programmer
  2. Press "Read/On" button to display current address
  3. Press "Mode" button to change LC display in upper left corner to DATA
  4. Press "+" or "-" until desired HEX code is displayed
  5. Press "Write/Set" button to energize output(s)

Addressing tools

Part number Description
AC1154 Addressing unit with different slave-specific addressing adapters
(Recommended for the new installation of entire AS-i networks)
E70213 Addressing adapter for cabinet (AC22xx) and ClassicLine (AC52xx) modules
E70423 For AS-i modules in the CompactLine series (AC24xx)

Automatic addressing

When the AS-i master recognizes a missing AS-i slave from the LDS, connect a new AS-i slave with the same ID/IO to the network. The AS-i master will recognize a new AS-i slave at address 0 and automatically  address the new unit to the missing address. 

AS-i masters can only auto-address one module at a time. If more than one failure occurs, manually address replacement modules.

Communication basics 

  • The AS-i master sends the corresponding output information in sequence to each AS-i address
  • The slave then responds with its current input information
  • The physical order of the slaves on the cable is irrelevant for AS-i communication
    • Only the address sequence is decisive
  • If an AS-i slave does not respond to a master call, the AS-i master repeats its call immediately. If a master call is not answered, this is called a telegram error
  • If the AS-i slave still does not respond, the AS-i master continues with all other slaves first
  • After a total of 6 unanswered master calls, the slave concerned is removed from the communication, generating a configuration error occurs
  • Every telegram error of each individual slave is coutned in the AS-i master for diagnostic purposes