FAQ – Questions and Answers about AS-Interface
Here you can find an overview of frequently asked questions about our products as well as about AS-Interface, ASi-5 and IO-Link.
Are you unable to find the answer to your question? No problem, of course we will gladly answer your individual questions via phone or e-mail. If you have any technical questions, our technical support team will be happy to assist you.
- Questions about our products
- Questions about AS-Interface
- Questions about ASi-5
- Questions about ASi-5 Safety
- Questions about the ASi Cable
- Questions about IO-Link
- Questions about Passive Safety
- Questions about the new 30 V Power Supplies
- Questions about the ASi-5/ASi-3 Addressing Device
- Questions about 48 V Drive Solutions
- Questions about Single Pair Ethernet
- Questions about the self-configuring I/O modules
- Questions about ASi PROFINET Gateways
The "Bihl+Wiedemann's Choice" range consists exclusively of best-practice products that combine the highest level of user experience, are nearly always in stock in large quantities and can usually be shipped right away. "Bihl+Wiedemann's Choice" items are suitable for almost all standard applications and are also very attractively priced thanks to the quantities produced. We have introduced the "Bihl+Wiedemann's Choice" labeling to provide our customers with a quick decision-making aid while clearly highlighting what advantages the respective product has for the customer.
We provide corresponding device description files (GSD files) for all Bihl+Wiedemann gateways. These are available as a ZIP file in the "Downloads" tab on the product detail pages of the devices.
Please register or log in to download the file.
We provide corresponding device description files for all Bihl+Wiedemann gateways. The EDS files for EtherNet/IP gateways are available as a ZIP file in the "Downloads" tab on the product detail pages of the devices.
Please register or log in to download the file.
Here you can download the current parameter library for calculation tools (SISTEMA and others) as a ZIP file:
Please register or log in to download the files.
We provide EPLAN macros for most of our products. These can be found as a ZIP file on the product detail pages within the "Downloads" tab under the "EPLAN Macros" sub-item.
Please register or log in to download the files.
We provide various manuals to help you commission and use our devices. Guides and manuals can be found on the product detail pages within the "Downloads" tab. For every item, we provide various documents as PDF and sometimes also as a video tutorial, including:
- Compact handbooks
- Operating instructions
- Assembly instructions
- Software manuals
- Display menus (for gateways)
- Application examples
- Example programs
- Quick start guides
- Video tutorials
Please register or log in to download the files. Some of the files are only visible after logging in.
We provide a wide range of safety I/O modules for the connection of OSSDs (optoelectronic protective devices), floating contacts, and antivalent switches in IP20 and IP67 versions. You can find an overview of corresponding products here:
We are happy to provide you tailor-made solutions and special variants for your sensors on request.
Tel.: +49 621 33996-0
E-Mail: mailbihl-wiedemann.de
We recommend using the Bihl+Wiedemann Software Suite with integrated hardware catalog to set up your ASi circuits. If you have questions or encounter problems with the command interface, please contact our support team.
Tel.: +49 621 33996-0
E-Mail: asiexpertbihl-wiedemann.de
The earth fault monitor checks the symmetry of the ASi voltage. If the ASi voltage is no longer symmetrical, it means that there is limited immunity to interference during data transfer.
Earth fault checklist
Here you can find an "Earth Fault Checklist " in PDF format:
Please register or log in to download the files.
If you encounter problems or uncertainties in handling this message, please contact our support team. Our product specialists will be happy to assist you.
Tel.: +49 621 33996-0
E-Mail: asiexpertbihl-wiedemann.de
Please contact our support team. Our product specialists will be happy to assist you.
Tel.: +49 621 33996-0
E-Mail: asiexpertbihl-wiedemann.de
Yes, a perceived high temperature is normal and completely safe. The housings are made of stainless steel and unlike plastic housings, they have good thermal conductivity. Therefore, they serve as heat sinks for the electronics.
The replacement device must have the same part number. You can then replace the defective node without using a hand-held addressing device or additional programming work. The additional steps necessary depend on the slave type used (e.g. standard or safety). You can find more information in our video tutorial.
If you encounter problems or issues related to this topic, please contact our support team. Our product specialists will be happy to assist you.
Tel.: +49 621 33996-0
E-Mail: mailbihl-wiedemann.de
The replacement device must have the same part number. You can then replace the defective master without additional programming work. Please attach to the following necessary steps:
- Disconnect the defective safety monitor from the power supply and from the ASi network.
- Remove the chip card from the top of the defective unit and insert it into the replacement unit.
- Connect the new monitor to the ASi network and the power supply.
- The display menu of the monitor willguide you through the copying process to help you transfer the stored configuration from the chip card to the device.
- You may be asked to specify the direction in which the copying process is to be started – in this case, select "Chipcard > Master".
- Enter the release code of the configuration and confirm this code. The safety monitor then starts and the transfer is completed.
The above steps are described in detail in our video tutorial.
If you encounter problems, please contact our support team. Our product specialists will be happy to assist you.
Tel.: +49 621 33996-0
E-Mail: mailbihl-wiedemann.de
The code sequences used in the ASi-3 Safety modules are assigned to us by the AS-Interface organization AS International and then programmed into the modules by us. When teaching in a module, the code sequence specifically implemented there is announced to the safety monitor. The validity of the code sequence is also checked. This process is defined in the ASi Safety at Work specification and certified as a procedure.
The release code is a checksum calculated using the complete data of the security configuration. The calculation method is defined in the ASi Safety at Work specification and certified as a procedure.
To update the firmware of an ASi-5 device in the field, you need the Bihl+Wiedemann Firmware Update Tool. This is included in all Bihl+Wiedemann Software Suites. The tool enables the firmware status of all connected devices to be compared against the latest version on the server and update the firmware if necessary. The integrity of the firmware is ensured at all times thanks to the end-to-end encrypted connection to the Bihl+Wiedemann server. This also effectively prevents manipulation of the devices by malicious firmware.
Our recommendations for a smooth process:
- Leave the master's chip card in the device during the update
- Back up the data on the devices prior to the update
- Your system should not be operating during the update. This is because the devices are restarted in the course of the update and output data is consequently reset.
- If an update is available for the master, it is mandatory that this is installed before updating the nodes. The software guides you through all the necessary steps.
When you screw the upper and lower parts of the module together, the contact pins are closed firmly and tightly - by compressing the rubber material between the housing parts. The contact pressure defined in the piercing technology enables the IP67 protection class to be safely achieved with just one screw. This seal creates an optical gap between the upper and lower parts of the module. This is completely normal and has no influence on the achievement of the protection class.
- Over 40 million ASi devices in use worldwide
- Over 7 million of them are safety devices
- More than 2,000 certified products
- Almost 70 % growth with regard to safety-oriented devices
The AS-Interface master connects sensors and actuators to the higher-level control via the ASi modules. With the ASi Master, digital and analog data that has been gathered decentrally by ASi modules, can be transferred to the higher level control through the respective bus system. The output signals of the controller are transmitted then through ASi to the actuators in the field.
ASi nodes are connected to the ASi Master with a cable. They are used to integrate the sensors and actuators into the ASi network, regardless ifinside the switching cabinet or in the field. These are connected to the power supply and data communication in the ASi network. Each node is assigned to a unique address in the network.
There are several ways to address an ASi node:
- Convenient and largely automated addressing via Bihl+Wiedemann Software
- Automatic addressing when faulty ASi nodes are replaced
- Via the ASi Master
- via a ASi Address Programming Device
Addressing of ASi-3 nodes
With ASi-3, there are 31 ASi addresses available, whereby each address may only be allocated once. A distinction is made between standard addressing and extended addressing. The addressing mode of ASi participants is determined by the manufacturer. With standard addressing, each ASi participant reserves a full address (1..31). With extended addressing, each address can be reserved by two ASi participants (1A..31A, 1B..31B). It is not possible to address an ASi node with standard addressing and an ASi participant with extended addressing on the same address, e.g. 3 and 3A or 3B.
Addressing of ASi-5 nodes
With ASi-5, the nodes are assigned an ordering number starting from 1. The numbering takes place sequentially.
In conventional design, a separate ASi power supply (with integrated decoupling coils) is required for the voltage supply of each ASi circuit. With ASi gateways and safety monitors of the version "1 power supply, 1 gateway for 2 ASi circuits, cost-effective power supplies" by Bihl+Wiedemann, the decoupling coils are already built into the devices. This enables the supply of two ASi circuits by means of one standard 30 V power supply.
With short cable lengths, even a standard 24 V power supply can be used. This is an optimal solution for small and very small systems – i.e., for small machines with 3 to 15 ASi nodes and a maximum cable length of 50 meters. We have an affordable line of ASi gateways, optimized for 24 V applications.
ASi distributors enable simple connection of various sensors and actuators to ASi anywhere in the field over an M12 connection. Active distributors are required for sensors and actuators without an integrated ASi chip. Passive distributors are suitable for sensors and actuators with an integrated ASi chip.
The total length of the ASi standard network is limited to 200 m for ASi-5 and 100 m for ASi-3. When determining the total length, all junctions must be included in the calculation. The ASi bus termination is a cost-effective module for extending the cable length in an ASi-3 network up to 200 m.
For mixed ASi-5/ASi-3 circuits, we recommend an additional ASi bus termination if the cable length is approx. 70 m or longer. The ASi bus termination can help improve the ASi-5 communication.
The total length of the ASi standard network is limited to 200 m for ASi-5 and 100 m for ASi-3. To determine the total length, all junctions must be included in the calculation. The ASi repeater is a module for cable extension. It makes it possible to increase the cable length in an ASi-3 network up to 200 m. Areas with strongly impaired EMC can thus be bypassed. ASi repeaters cause a certain delay in the transmission of telegrams.
This diagram shows the basic structure.
The total length of the ASi standard network is generally limited to 100 m. When determining the total length, all junctions must be included in the calculation. However, the length can be increased, for example, to 1,000 m by means of repeaters, bus terminations and/or ASi tuners.
The ASi cable is an unshielded, 2-core cable. It not only transmits data and power, but also enables easy and cost-effective installation. Thanks to piercing technology, participants can easily be installed on the profiled (thus reverse polarity protected) ASi cable – with perfect contacting and achieving protection class IP67. An additional 24 V supply is possible without problems.
The sensors or actuators are usually connected by means of piercing technology. In this process, the insulation of the flat cable, which is profiled to protect against reverse polarity, is pierced during installation by two piercing pins without the cable needing to be prepared beforehand. In this way, nodes can be relocated or added directly on the cable at any time without major installation effort.
An ASi wire stripper is used for stripping ASi cables with an outer insulation of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or polyurethane (PUR).
The ASi cable is specified in the ASi standard (IEC 62026-2 or DIN EN 62026-2).
ASi end caps are used to protect the bare ends of the ASi or AUX profile cable against dust and humidity up to max. IP67 – for interference-free communication in the ASi circuit. They are available as left and right versions. Many Bihl+Wiedemann nodes and active distributors do not generally require the use of end caps because the cable ends can be terminated in the base.
When you screw the upper and lower parts of the module together, the contact pins are closed firmly and tightly - by compressing the rubber material between the housing parts. The contact pressure defined in the piercing technology enables the IP67 protection class to be safely achieved with just one screw. This seal creates an optical gap between the upper and lower parts of the module. This is completely normal and has no influence on the achievement of the protection class.
No. ASi-5 is the evolution of the well-proven AS-Interface standard. ASi-5 offers all the advantages that have already made ASi so special in the past. For example, power and data are still transmitted over a single cable, you have free choice of your topology and the safety technology is still on the same infrastructure. The main reason for evolving ASi was the fact that Industry 4.0 and increasing digitalization brings with it ever greater volumes of data. ASi-5 has both a large data size and short cycle times, making it possible to transport more and more data, without restrictions, to where they can yield valuable information.
Yes. ASi-5 is compatible with all earlier ASi devices and components, meaning that ASi-5 nodes can be combined with ASi nodes of any generation—in existing as well as in new ASi networks. In an existing ASi network, you can simply connect additional new ASi-5 slaves and easily continue to use existing ASi nodess. To use ASi-5 nodes all you need is a new Bihl+Wiedemann ASi-5 / ASi-3 gateway.
ASi-3 directly follows ASi-5. “Skipping” ASi-4 illustrates that this development step is really big. In addition, we did not want to suggest that Industry 4.0 is the sole innovation driver for the new ASi generation.
In particular for applications with high transmission speeds or high data volumes. In addition, in places where a concentrated and cost-efficient collection of a larger number of inputs and outputs is needed. In many cases, Bihl+Wiedemann’s new digital ASi-5 modules can be an affordable alternative to other fieldbus solutions.
Yes. AS-Interface remains a standard ensuring compatibility with components from any manufacturer. All certified products with an ASi logo can interoperate in a common network.
No. In principle, they can be configured without software but we always recommend the more comfortable option using our software solutions. Our software Suite enables you to easily plan, configure and parameterize ASi networks with or without safety. If you already use the software for your ASi network, all you need is a free update to be able to continue using it for ASi-5 applications. The software is as intuitive and comfortable to use as with ASi-3. An integrated hardware catalogue encompasses the complete ASi product range. All you need to do is click the device you need when configuring the ASi circuit. The new online bus information also enables you to easily address slaves and monitor inputs and outputs. This function makes it even easier to integrate IO-Link sensors.
Like all ASi generations, ASi-5 is a joint development of several manufacturers of AS-Interface products. The complete project took more than 200,000 developer hours, evolving the idea of a new ASi generation into a mature trendsetting technology. Now that the main project has been completed, the involved companies continue to work on standards and certifications for new ASi-5 products.
By combining ASi-5 and ASi-3 slaves on one ASi circuit, it is possible to connect at least 62 nodes – in many cases, even considerably more.
The Bihl+Wiedemann hardware catalog tells you how many ASi nodes can be connected for specific applications. It is integrated in our ASIMON360 and ASi Control Tools360 software. So a warning appears if the maximum possible number of ASi-5 and ASi-3 slaves is exceeded. In addition, vacant ASi-5 transport channels can be shown at any time when planning.
Our experts will gladly answer any further questions you may have.
Questions about ASi-5 Safety
There are already many different safety controllers and solutions on the market, but unfortunately the same is also true for the number of functionally safe protocols used and the fieldbus itself.
Fieldbus independence has always been a great strength of ASi and ASi Safety. There are gateways for almost all relevant fieldbuses and safety protocols. This makes the system architecture at the I/O level completely independent of the used controller, which means that it can be standardized across all applications.
Needless to say, this advantage also applies to ASi-5 Safety. Just as with the introduction of ASi-5 in the standard area, ASi-5 Safety also offers many new options. The higher data bandwidth and extended diagnostic and parameterization options are ideal for resource-intensive applications.
This for example, makes the future implementation of IO-Link Safety possible.
ASi-5 Safety has been an integral part of ASi-5 from the very beginning: both use the same communication technology. In the case of ASi-5 Safety modules, only the normatively required protection of the data is added - with an additional checksum.This makes the transmission of these signals functionally safe up to SIL 3/PLe. This is essential whenever standards require such functional safety to protect people and the environment.
Just like ASi-3 Safety at Work, ASi-5 Safety was once again tested and certified externally according to applicable functional safety standards. Similarly, the process used for ASi-5 Safety achieves a performance level up to PLe according to ISO 13849-1, or a safety integrity level up to SIL3 according to IEC 61508/62061.
Of course, even standard sensors can be connected to ASi-5 Safety modules. With many modules, it is even possible to reconfigure connections so that the signal of the standard sensor is only transmitted via the standard protocol. This especially conserves communication resources such as addresses and bandwidth for ASi-3 Safety modules.
An additional advantage of ASi-5 Safety is that many safe and standard signals can be connected and transmitted over a single address. This saves resources and above all costs.
The topic of cyber security is more relevant than ever. In the industrial sector, the reliability of processes and production in particular is becoming increasingly important.
Like the standard ASi-5 communication, ASi-5 Safety is almost tap-proof due to the nature of the system. The reason: the data transfer via OFDM with dynamic frequency assignment,makes it very complex to capture the exchanged messages. This requires the entire context of the connection set-up between ASi master and ASi node. Besides, the clock frequencies must be precisely synchronized just like between the ASi master and ASi node according to the ASi-5 protocol.
Cyber security is also enhanced by the fact that the gateway creates a logical break between TCP/IP, ASi-5, and ASi-5 Safety. This means that high safety requirements only need to be placed on the ASi-5 Master, which establishes the connection to TCP/IP. ASi-5 modules, on the other hand, are much less problematic in terms of safety, since they cannot communicate over TCP/IP networks. Those responsible for network security can thus focus on significantly fewer devices and check them more carefully.
Like ASi, ASi-5 Safety is characterized by maximum stability and availability. Defective masters can therefore be replaced easily and without complications: Thanks to the backup in the ASi master, the replacement device is automatically addressed and parameterized just like the original device .
ASi-5 Safety is very flexible: depending on the profile and application scenario, 1 to 64 safe process data along with additional standard – each bidirectional – can be exchanged with one module. In the process, cycle times of up to 1.27 ms can be achieved for up to 16 safe inputs and 16 safe outputs each. Available diagnostics and acyclic services have no influence on the cycle times.
As an integral part of ASi-5, ASi-5 Safety can transmit safe and standard data simultaneously. Up to 32 bytes are available cyclically for this purpose. The safe data always has a 1-byte checksum, which enables safe communication up to level SIL3/PLe. As with pure ASi-5 standard modules, there is also a diagnostic and an acyclic channel. This also allows ASi-5 Safety modules to transmit detailed diagnostic messages in case of an event. An additional high-performance method is also available to read out additional information if required – e.g., for predictive maintenance or similar applications.
ASi-5 Safety uses the same mechanisms as all other ASi-5 modules. This means that it provides cyclic data along with an event-based diagnostic channel and an acyclic channel for reading out numerous indices. These indices cover a wide range of information: manufacturer, model name, the ASi ID for unique identification, module temperature, measured currents or an hour meter, to name a few." OPC UA enables this information to be transmitted to IT for evaluation.
This can save considerable costs in applications with multiple signals. ASi-3 Safety can also be used for modules that have many signals. In this case, however, each safe signal occupies a separate address. Just as with ASi-5, ASi-5 Safety can process much more data per master and thus greatly reduce connection costs – thanks to the significantly higher data bandwidth per address. For example, with the ASi-5 Safety module BWU4210, a total of 2x2-channel safe inputs and an additional 12 I/Os are available under just one ASi-5 address. In contrast, the same amount of data occupies 2 single and 3 A/B addresses with ASi-3.
However, ASi-5 may not always be the most advantageous one. Even with ASi-3 Safety, only one address is occupied for a single E-stop with a 2-channel safe input – and at lower cost. Both technologies will therefore be used in parallel in the future.
ASi-5 and ASi-3 operate independently and in parallel on the same two-conductor cable with the same electromechanics. Only one gateway with a combined ASi-5/ASi-3 master is required when using both protocols in one installation. The same applies to ASi-5 Safety and ASi-3 Safety – all that is needed is a gateway with a combined master and a combined ASi-5/ASi-3 safety monitor. In the simplest case, it is therefore possible to just replace the gateway in an existing system with ASi-3 Safety. The system can then continue to operate without changes, and ASi-5 Safety modules can be easily added if necessary.
The cable used for AS-Interface is an unshielded, non-twisted, two-wire yellow flat cable that can be connected with reverse polarity protection. It serves simultaneously for the transmission of ASi communication and to supply power to field devices with low power requirements. A separate black flat cable is used to supply 24 VDC to customers with a higher power requirements, such as motors or valve terminals.
The sensors or actuators are usually connected via piercing technology. In this process, the insulation of the flat cable, which is profiled to protect against reverse polarity, is pierced during installation by means of two piercing pins, without the cable having to be prepared beforehand. In this way, slaves can be relocated or added directly to the cable at any time without major installation effort.
An ASi wire stripper is used for stripping ASi cables with an outer insulation of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or polyurethane (PUR).
ASi end caps are used to protect the bare ends of the ASi or AUX profile cable against dust and humidity up to max. IP67 – for interference-free communication in the ASi circuit. They are available as left and right versions.
Many Bihl+Wiedemann slaves and active distributors do not generally require the use of end caps because the cable ends can be terminated in the base.
The total length of the ASi standard network is limited to 200 m for ASi-5 and 100 m for ASi-3. When determining the total length, all junctions must be included in the calculation. For example, with a combination of ASi repeaters and bus terminations, the maximum achievable distance between two slaves in an ASi-3 network is 1,000 m, if the master is appropriately positioned. No more than 2 repeaters (max. 2 connected in series) may be set between a slave and the master.
The ASi cable is specified in the ASi standard (IEC 62026-2 or DIN EN 62026-2).
The open IO-Link interface requires only a simple standard industrial cable. Intelligent sensors and actuators can be connected in a cost-efficient manner on an unshielded three- or five-wire cable. For point-to-point communication, each IO-Link device needs an IO-Link master.
The IO-Link master handles the communication to the intelligent sensors and actuators. It enables parameterization, diagnostics and access to the cyclic data by means of a connection to the control system.
Reduced machine-related costs
A cost-efficient standard cable establishes a connection up to 20 meters long between the IO-Link master and IO-Link device.
High machine availability
Downtimes are reduced because when a defective IO-Link device is replaced, its parameters are automatically transferred to the new sensor by the IO-Link master or control system.
Efficient operation
IO-Link devices can be positioned in the machine directly at the work site. These do not have to be accessible for parameterization.
Demand-oriented maintenance
Continuous diagnostic data of the entire process lengthen maintenance intervals, since systems and machines need to be maintained much less frequently due to the automatic readjustment via IO-Link
No. IO-Link is a point-to-point connection between an IO-Link master and an IO-Link device (sensor or actuator). The connection's cable length can be up to 20 meters.
IO-Link is mainly used in industrial production automation for communication with sensors and actuators.
It is possible to extend existing bus systems. As a prerequisite, the system mapping of IO-Link for the respective bus system must be already implemented. It is particularly easy to use IO-Link in conjunction with the ASi intelligent wiring system. Thanks to piercing technology, corresponding IO-Link masters can be easily retrofitted where they are needed.
Without passive safety, one cannot assume that safe switch-off/disconnection of AUX on a standard I/O module will result in a safe state (I/Os de-energized), as this is not guaranteed. The module continues to draw energy via AS-i, and in the event of a fault, the energy might be fed back via AS-i into the AUX network, which is safely switched off.
Thus, the safety achieved by the safe switch-off cannot be guaranteed in the event of a fault. Furthermore, it can lead to unplanned downtimes and increased effort in system planning, installation and commissioning.
Safe switch-off (passive safety) is standardized by the Machinery Directives 2006/42/EC, EN ISO 13849-1 and EN 62061.
Passive safety is applicable when the safe state of the machine's plant components, which are to be provided with passive safety, can be achieved by de-energizing them (active current principle).
All components that have a connection to different supply potentials and are in the path of a machine's safe switch-off must be passively safe.
Unfortunately, in order to use such products to add passive safety in a machine that was not previously safeguarded by passive safety, it is not enough to just replace the modules. In this case, a new safety assessment must be carried out on the machine.
This information can be found in our data sheets under the "Environment" category.
Since ASi transmits power and data simultaneously via the yellow cable, the DC power supply must be decoupled from the AC communication. In the past, this was implemented in a special ASi power supply. Bihl+Wiedemann has integrated this data decoupling in all current gateways, so that all devices can now be operated with ordinary 24 V power supplies. However, there are limitations related to maximum cable length and performance. To ensure efficient supply to the participants, as well as use of the full cable length, we recommend our new range of power supplies. This is also optimized for ASi-3 and ASi-5 communication.
Because we have optimized all new power supplies in endurance tests for use with our ASi-5/ASi-3 Gateways. Interference, which is common in power supplies, is reduced to a minimum in areas relevant to ASi-5.
Yes, the previous power supplies – whether 30 V* or ASi – are still available. If a faulty device needs to be replaced, it is recommended to use a replacement device that has the same item number. When designing a new system or refurbishing an existing machine, it is recommended to use the new 30 V power supplies in combination with ASi-5/ASi-3 Gateways.
* With the exception of BW1927, we are happy to offer model BW4220 as an alternative.
Yes, the new power supplies also work very well with classic ASi-3 Gateways. However, only under one condition: in the technical data of the gateway, there must be a "Yes" for the criterion "1 Power Supply, 1 GW for 2 ASi circuits" (see, e.g. BWU2546). For all other ASi-3 Gateways and ASi-3 repeaters the ASi power supplies are of course still available.
If FE is connected to the ASi-5/ASi-3 Gateway (functional earth) of the system earthing, there is +15 V between ASi+ and the system earthing and -15 V between ASi- and system earthing. The new power supplies output a differential voltage of 30 VDC. The balancing with respect to FE – together with the decoupling of the communication from the power supply – is realized in the ASi-5/ASi-3 Gateway.
Yes, the new 30-V power supplies each provide a maximum output current that can be distributed between multiple gateways with decoupling. For example, a possible combination is the operation of two ASi Gateways with two circuits, each with 4 A decoupling in parallel and a 16 A power supply.
Yes, because you can easily address ASi modules of all generations using the ASi-5/ASi-3 addressing device. You will also profit from its modern product features: an OLED color display, a powerful energy storage device (supercapacitor) and simple PC connection via a standard USB-C port.
Yes, we supply the respective ASi addressing cable as an accessory. Find out more about our wide range of ASi addressing cables here.
No, you can also commission all ASi modules using just the Bihl+Wiedemann software suite or directly at the gateway. However, the addressing device may simplify the commissioning of an ASi circuit. It enables you to quickly and easily assign an address to the bus nodes without the need for a real bus structure. Commissioning is then performed automatically by the software, if the ASi bus is connected to the PC software via a gateway.
To start with, there is the ASi-5 motor module for Interroll EC5000 AI (BWU4212) for efficient control of 48 V motors. Products from other manufacturers and drives can also be controlled with relevant ASi solutions from Bihl+Wiedemann on request. Integration is also possible in "Logistics 4.0" using the new ASi-5/ASi-3 gateways for fieldbuses such as PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Sercos or EtherCAT.
Compared to other multi-zone controls for conveyor applications, the ASi-5 motor modules from Bihl+Wiedemann and the ASIMON360 configuration software significantly reduce the configuration effort. Settings and parameters are only assigned for the first motor module. These can then be easily copied to all additional modules. The entire system requires only one IP address and only one Web server — the Bihl+Wiedemann system can be put into operation quickly and easily.
ASIMON360 supports consistent, harmonized labeling and identification of equipment within drive systems from the electrical designer's eCAD system to PLC programming portals such as Siemens' TiA (Totally Integrated Automation). To do this, the electrical planner can download an EPLAN macro from the Bihl+Wiedemann website, add the desired devices and carry out the wiring for ASi, auxiliary power, I/O signals and parameters.
Users have a choice: Shielded/unshielded options are available for each SPE standard. However, these cable variants are not necessarily mentioned in the specifications. Depending on the standard, which in turn determines the speed, the cable length can be significantly increased by using a shielded SPE cable. For example, from 15 m (unshielded) to 40 m (shielded) at 1 Gbit/s as defined by 1000BASE-T1 or IEEE 802.3bp.
The SPE System Alliance consortium makes the following statement on its homepage (singlepairethernet.com): "A complete 360° enclosed stainless steel sheath surrounding the entire connector [SPE] provides excellent electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)." It can therefore be assumed that SPE is EMC-resistant in the industrial environment, especially with the connector and cable shielding mentioned above. Due to the current stage of development, no further details are available.
SPE uses the so-called multidrop method, which does not exist in conventional Ethernet. This means that the reach is shorter with SPE, but also that only simple T-pieces without switches are required. Moreover, the cables and connectors are significantly smaller with SPE.
Since PROFINET is an Ethernet-based protocol, it can basically be transmitted via SPE. SPE is just a new physical layer, i.e., new hardware for the transfer of information from protocols such as Ethernet.
The different physical layers are connected via a switch to enable them to communicate with each other.
A simple T-piece is sufficient for SPE multidrop.
Due to the current stage of development, no precise details have been published to date. However, it can be assumed that the wiring in such an application scenario is based on the implementation using conventional Ethernet.
It would make sense to connect a switch with 32 ports, each with the data rate of 10 Mbit/s, to a control system via a 1 Gbit/s port. This is the only way to ensure that every port can use the full bandwidth at all times. Most SPE applications in the field could be a combination of switches and point-to-point connections. The point-to-point connections, each limited to 1,000 m in length, would connect the attached sensors to the switch
SPE and ASi-5 both offer a lean, lightweight, yet powerful infrastructure. As a result, they make Ethernet in the field superfluous in many aspects. At the same time, SPE and ASi-5 make it easier for the industry to digitize the field level – and thus take the step towards IIoT.
Questions about the self-configuring I/O modules
Each channel can be individually parameterized from the advanced settings of the module. The feedback is switched off by selecting "output only".
Self-configuring means that there is no need for signal parameterization. A connected sensor signal is automatically transmitted as digital input. If an output bit is set in the control system, the signal switches to "high". Optionally, the ASi-5 I/O modules can be manually configured. This way, each signal can be used individually as "input only" or "output only".
In this case, two signals are required, which are connected together externally via the wiring. If the output bits of the signals are set simultaneously, the maximum current consumption increases proportionally.
In the factory default settings, any signal can be used as output or input. Setting an output bit has no effect if "input only" has been configured in the advanced settings for this signal.
Since BWU4727 is an ASi-3 module, no channel-specific parameterization can be performed. If an output is set, the signal is an output; if the signal is read, it is an input.
Yes, the modules are compliant with passive safety. The outputs are safely shut off by safely switching off AUX externally. Diagnostics are still available via ASi.
Questions about ASi PROFINET Gateways
This video uses a simple configuration as an example to show you how to set up an ASi-5/ASi-3 PROFINET gateway in ASIMON360 and integrate it into the Siemens control system. The video tutorial also includes a quick start guide as PDF.
This video uses a simple configuration as an example to show you how to set up an ASi-5/ASi-3 PROFINET gateway with integrated safety monitors in ASIMON360 and integrate it into the Siemens control system. The video tutorial also includes a quick start guide as PDF.
To exchange the ASi Master, you only have to add a new GSDML file. The device description file can be downloaded from our website and be integrated into the control system. This transfers all necessary data to the control system, thus enabling easy integration of the ASi Master and naming of the data to be transferred.
Learn how to exchange a gateway in the TIA Portal with a successor model or another device in simple steps with this video and the corresponding quick start guide as PDF.