As-Interface: As-I slaves for safe and non-safe signal detection

June 2008 Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors

AS-Interface is a low-cost electromechanical connection system designed to operate over a two-wire cable carrying data and power over a distance of up to 100 m. It is especially suitable for lower levels of plant automation where simple field devices such as switches need to interoperate in a standalone local area automation network controlled by a PLC or PC. The new AS-interface slaves from ifm electronic allow easy connection of mechanical switching elements and LED components to the AS-system.

A distinction is made between safe and non-safe AS-interface signal detection.

The safe AS-interface PCB serves for the connection of an e-stop mushroom pushbutton switch in compliance with IS0 13850 and EN 418 to the AS-interface bus system. In the safe version, two inputs (normally closed) and one output are available. Using the safe AS-interface slave, the highest category 4 to EN 954-1 is achieved.

In the non-safe version two variants are available for the user (2I/1O or 4I/4O). Up to four mechanical switching elements can be detected or light indicators triggered with power being supplied from the AS-system. The modules are all designed to be compatible with a variety of housings from various manufacturers.

Exact fault location can be determined through diagnosis of the indicator LEDs provided.

For more information contact Celia de Beer, ifm electronic SA, 086 143 6772, www.ifm.com

Further reading:

Cables and wires for food and beverage
LAPP Southern Africa Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
The strict hygiene regulations for handling foodstuffs stipulate particularly complex requirements for electrical components. The cables and accessories used must withstand a wide range of chemical, thermal and mechanical loads, and also function perfectly at all times in refrigerated and damp rooms.

Read more...

---

Redefining mobility for fibre cabling
Legrand Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
As data volumes rapidly increase globally, specialists need to take an urgent look at IT and network infrastructure, with a particular focus on vital equipment like servers, racks and fibre cabling. The Legrand team believes that advanced fibre cabling solutions, which have been developed to simplify deployment, lower costs, improve performance and enable greater densities, will efficiently meet future capacity demands.

Read more...

---

High-speed data transmission
Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
Data protocols are constantly evolving to enable interoperability and reliable transfer of increasing amounts of data at the highest speeds between more and more connected devices. To address this technological challenge, Fischer Connectors is expanding its platform capabilities to meet the most demanding connectivity requirements for high-speed data transfer.

Read more...

---

Robust Ethernet cordset cables
Turck Banner Southern Africa Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
Turck Banner offers a product range comprising a wealth of different connectors and cables, including over 115 000 connection technology solutions with differing degrees of complexity.

Read more...

---

What you need to know when you start using hydrogen as your fuel source
Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
OEMs are taking a more serious look at hydrogen options. Although much of the market is still focused on the potential of battery-powered vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer a viable supplement that is better suited for longer ranges and faster refuelling.

Read more...

---

SEW-EURODRIVE closes the loop with complete panel solutions
SEW-EURODRIVE Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
In addition to its quality range of geared motors and related solutions, SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa is ‘closing the loop’ of its products by offering customers electrical control panels as part of the package.

Read more...

---

Simplify control panel connections
Turck Banner Southern Africa Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
Panel builders have new tools for bringing power and signals back into protected areas with Turck Banner’s M8 and M12 receptacles.

Read more...

---

Control cabinet-free automation
Beckhoff Automation Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
As a replacement for the conventional control cabinet, the MX-System from Beckhoff offers some major efficiency advantages. It also provides a great deal of optimisation potential in terms of the increasing shortage of skilled workers and the expanding presence of DC supply networks across the industry.

Read more...

---

Cable protection for longer runs
igus Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
Polymer energy chain manufacturer, igus has introduced a new lighter weight e-chain for cable management and protection applications with large unsupported lengths and high fill weights. This was previously the domain of larger, more expensive energy chains.

Read more...

---

Panel building should be streamlined
Schneider Electric South Africa Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
Data centres run critical applications, and require equipment and infrastructure that operate at 100% uptime, as any downtime due to faulty components could have catastrophic ramifications.

Read more...

---