SIMOTION software - Gregbotos.com

System componentsDistributed I/OAS-Interface8■ OverviewAn important characteristic of the AS-Interface technology is theuse of an unshielded two-core cable for data transmission anddistribution of auxiliary power to the sensors and actuators. Thespecial AS-Interface power supply unit supports the AS-Interfacetransmission method. The mechanically coded and thuspolarized AS-Interface cable is used for wiring. The AS-InterfaceModules are connected to the AS-Interface cable with insulationpiercing contacts.The ASIsafe concept supports direct integration of safety-relatedcomponents, such as EMERGENCY-STOP switches, protectivedoor switches or safety light arrays, in the AS-Interfacenetwork.■ ApplicationProcess or field communicationComplex control cable wiring in the control cabinet and controlcabinets full of terminal blocks can be replaced with AS-Interface.Thanks to a specially developed ribbon cable (easily recognizedby its yellow color) and insulation piercing technology,the AS-Interface cable can be connected anywhere. This conceptresults in enormous flexibility and significant cost savings.AS-Interface is an open standard (EN 50295/IEC 62026-2).Leading manufacturers of actuators and sensors worldwidesupport AS-Interface.AS-Interface is used where individual actuators/sensors are spatiallydistributed over a machine (e. g. in a bottling plant or productionline). AS-Interface replaces complex cable harnessesand connects binary and analog actuators and sensors such asproximity switches, measuring sensors, valves or indicator lightswith a SIMOTION control. In practice, this means: Installationruns smoothly because data and power are transported togetherover a single line. No special expertise is required for installationand commissioning. Furthermore, through simple cable layingand the freely configurable network topology as well as the specialdesign of the cable, you not only significantly reduce the riskof errors, but also service and maintenance costs.Safety includedThe ASIsafe concept supports direct integration of safety-relatedcomponents, such as EMERGENCY-STOP switches, protectivedoor switches or safety light arrays, in the AS-Interfacenetwork. These are fully compatible with the other AS-Interfacecomponents (masters, slaves, power supply units, repeaters,etc.) and are operated together on the yellow AS-Interfacecable.The signals of the safety sensors are evaluated by a safety monitor.The safety monitor not only monitors the switching signalsof the safety sensors, but also continuously checks whether datatransmission is functioning properly. Depending on the variant,the safety monitor has one or two release circuits which are usedto put the machine or plant into a safe state. Each release circuithas two switching contacts to fulfill Safety Category 4 in accordancewith EN 954-1 or SIL 3 to IEC 61508. Sensors and monitorcan be connected at any point in the AS-Interface network. It isalso possible to use several safety monitors on a single network.A failsafe control or special master are not required. The mastertreats safety slaves in the same way as all other slaves. Thesafety data are evaluated in the safety monitor. In this way,existing AS-Interface networks can also be expanded.■ DesignAS-Interface is a single master system. A communicationprocessor (CP 343-2 P), which controls the process or field communicationas a master, is used for central application withSIMOTION C or distributed applications over ET 200M. TheDP/AS-Interface link 20E is used to establish a direct connectionbetween AS-Interface and PROFIBUS DP.With the DP/AS-Interface link 20E, AS-Interface can be utilizedas a subnet for PROFIBUS DP on SIMOTION C, SIMOTION Pand SIMOTION D. Up to 62 slaves can be operated on theAS-Interface. SIMOTION supports all digital and analog AS-Interface slaves (in acc. with Analog Profile 7.3 or 7.4).The maximum extension of an AS-Interface network is 200 m(600 ft) (with AS-i extension plug) or 100 m (300 ft) (without AS-iextension plug). This length can be greatly increased with thehelp of repeaters.The following AS-Interface masters are available for SIMOTION:• The DP/AS-Interface link 20E connects PROFIBUS DP withAS-Interface.• The CP 343-2 P is the AS-Interface master for central applicationwith SIMOTION C or for the ET 200M distributed I/O system.8/28 Siemens PM 10 · 2005