AS-i open networking explained at mini trade fair

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jan 17, 2002

AS-i-tech 2002, a mini trade fair, will provide free education about AS-i open networking systems and demonstrate the wide range of applications areas now covered by the technology

Arrangements for AS-i-tech 2002, the mini trade fair organised by the AS-interface UK Trade Association, are approaching a climax.

The event, which takes place on March 5/6 at the Hannover International Hotel, Hinckley, UK, will provide free education about AS-i open networking systems in modern automation systems and demonstrate the wide range of applications areas now covered by the technology.

The event is supported by leading AS-i vendors who will jointly demonstrate the capabilities and interoperability of the technology in three ways.

Themed Application Demonstrations: Five applications sectors will be featured in working multi-vendor demonstration systems focussed on the following: * Connectivity with Higher Level Systems; how gateways can link AS-i to fieldbuses and Ethernet.

* Process Control and Intelligent Field Devices: how AS-i can control field devices in many parts of the process • Mechanical Handling Systems; fast response times make AS-i ideal for conveyors, bottling plants, production machines etc.

* Switch Gear and Electrical Distribution: heavier duty applications where AS-i can control switch gear to cut wiring costs dramatically.

* Machine Safety: how AS-i can integrate safety with automation, to cut costs and make systems more flexible and effective.

In each demonstration, multiple-sourced products will be interoperating on at least one network, to show how AS-i solves specific automation challenges.

A fieldbus system will link all the demonstrations together, allowing elements in one to be controlled from any of the others.

This will show how AS-i can work with higher-level communications solutions - including Ethernet - to provide a localised networking solution that connects plant-wide.

AS-i UK members are displaying their latest AS-i products and solutions in a special exhibition area.

And a 4-hour seminar will be held between 10.00am and 3.00pm, repeated on both days.

This is designed to educate without overwhelming, and will comprise short presentations on the background to each of the above themes with special reference to real life applications.

ASi-tech 2002 will be entirely free to visitors.

Good on site car parking and accommodation is available.

The exhibition opens each day at 9.00am.

The seminar starts each day at 10.00am.

AS-i UK Chairman Geoff Hodgkinson said: "AS-i-tech 2002 will provide high added value to visitors as it will be possible to attend the seminar and see all the exhibits and demonstration systems all in one day.

We want to get across that AS-i is no longer just about machine building: it now spans process control to machine safety and we want to build awareness of that.

Visitors can expect not only to see a good cross section of vendors and their products but they should also get an excellent view of AS-i in action.

We aim to stimulate ideas for wider use of AS-i technology throughout automation." AS-i is also supporting the 'Industrial Networks for Fieldbus and Open Systems' event at the NEC on Feb 13/14.

(This was Engineeringtalk's Top Story on 16 January 2002).