Bihl+Wiedemann's best practice
How to Easily Setup your ASi Installation
What are the important factors when selecting ASi components? How can you install your new ASi network as easily as possible and integrate it into the higher level control? And how do our user-friendly software suite and modern ASi-5/ASi-3 address programming device simplify commissioning? On this page, you will find the answers to these and many other questions concerning product selection and commissioning of ASi networks. Take advantage of numerous useful tips and our many years of best practice experience.
1.1 Number and Type of I/Os
The first step in creating a new project with AS-Interface is to determine the number of I/O signals needed and the required design.
Select the right modules for your application:
- for Standard I/O signals
- for Safety I/O signals
1.3 Selecting the PC software
To make setup and commissioning of the devices and entire ASi circuit as easy and convenient as possible, we have developed two software packages: BW2916 for safety applications and BW2902 for purely standard applications.
It is recommended to establish the hardware configuration immediately during the planning phase by means of the hardware catalog (included in the ASIMON360 software as part of the Bihl+Wiedemann Safety Suite BW2916 as well as in the ASi Control Tools360 software as part of the Bihl+Wiedemann Suite BW2902).
The hardware configuration automatically assigns the ASi address ranges to the nodes and displays them in a clear overview. This greatly facilitates ASi circuit planning and address assignment. The system also checks the configuration of the modules, the number of modules per circuit and the current requirement per ASi circuit. Warnings and guidance are displayed in the event of potential problems.
For an introduction to working with the hardware catalog we recommend the video tutorial "ASi Control Tools360: Configuration of ASi-5 devices".
To commission ASi circuits with safety products, it is also necessary to create the "Safety Project". To do this, we recommend viewing the video tutorial "ASIMON360: Configuration of safety devices"
1.4 Selecting the Accessories
The next step is to select the appropriate power supplies, depending on how much power is needed:
The fourth component needed for the ASi circuit is the yellow ASi cable and, if necessary, a black AUX cable for additional auxiliary power:
cable installation
For subsequent addressing and commissioning of the ASi modules, it is recommended to use the ASi-5/ASi-3 address programming device BW4708. You can find a short introduction in the video "The Bihl+Wiedemann ASi-5/ASi-3 address programming device".
2.1 Creating a Hardware Configuration Project
if you have not yet created a project in the hardware configuration of Bihl+Wiedemann Suites (see 1.3), this would be the next step in commissioning your ASi installation.
2.2 Electrical Connection
The basic electrical setup of the entire ASi installation is described in the ASi Installation Guide. The electrical connection of each device is described in its installation instructions, available in the dedicated download section for the respective items (and enclosed with the products in printed form). In it you will also find various connection examples.
2.3 Addressing the ASi Modules
First connect the ASi modules to the desired ASi circuit and then address the ASi modules with the ASi-5/ASi-3 address programming device. The circuits can then be supplied with voltage.
2.4 Configuration using the Commissioning Wizard
After you have created the (safe) configuration of the ASi circuit with ASIMON360 or ASi Control Tools360, use the integrated Commissioning Wizard to put the ASi installation into operation.
The Commissioning Wizard automatically compares the target and actual configuration and the parameterization of the entire system, including the peripherals (e.g., the connected IO-Link devices).
2.5 Checking the Installation
Use our online bus information to check that the sensors and actuators connected to the modules are functioning correctly – the graphic display gives a quick and easy overview of the status of the entire system.
Use our diagnostic software (included in the BW2916 or BW2902) to take a short measurement (recommended approx. 10 min.) as a final check of the entire configuration and installation before connecting the ASi circuit to the higher level control.
3.1 Integration into the Higher Level Control
In the download area of your gateway‘s product detail view you will find the corresponding device description file and all necessary instructions and software tables for the integration of your device into the PLC.
For some control systems, we also provide sample projects that include a simple basic configuration for cyclic data ex- change and diagnostics.
3.2 Check and Release Measurement
Finally, we recommend performing a detailed release measurement of the entire, running system using our diagnostic software.
After startup, the software independently creates a log file which you can attach to the documentation and hand over to the operator when the system is delivered. To do this, let the system run for about 30 minutes, going through all situati- ons if possible. The software monitors the function during the entire time and thus determines a qualitative statement about the installation.
3.3 Maintenance
The Bihl+Wiedemann diagnostic software is also suitable for continuous monitoring of the system. We recommend ha- ving the diagnostic software check the state of the ASi circuits at least once a year.
Play the Video "Function Range of the Diagnostic Software" to learn more about diagnostic software.
4. How do I get Assistance?
Personal consultation is our highest priority. We look forward to telephone or email contact.
You will be then be connected directly to your personal contact person. You can find our worldwide contact details here .
