Web site compares switch and indicator newtorks

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team May 23, 2006

Alliance launches web site dedicated to the advantages of networking panel switches and indicators, instead of individually hard-wiring them using expensive cable looms.

The AS-Interface UK Expert Alliance has launched a section of its web site dedicated to the advantages of networking panel switches and indicators, instead of individually hard-wiring them using expensive cable looms.

AS-i SW eliminates the need for complicated looms connecting each device to the system controller.

Photographs at www.as-interface.com/sw_tech.asp show the dramatic comparison between the two methods.

Because power is also supplied on the cable, separate power cables can be eliminated using AS-i SW, saving further on costs.

The alliance is the official association of AS-Interface vendors and users in the UK.

The SW specification has been developed by a consortium led by Japanese company IDec.

It uses a low cost chip based on standard AS-Interface technology but simplified to bring costs down to competitive levels.

SW is compatible with the standard AS-I specification and can be controlled by any standard AS-i master.

However, the chip provides a 2bit transmission protocol instead of the standard 4bit.

Like standard AS-Interface, power is supplied on the same cable.

"SW can make building a panel a pleasure instead of a chore", said Geoff Hodgkinson, Chairman of the UK Expert Alliance.

"In addition, the intelligence of AS-I can be used to offer more functionality".

"For example, it can allow for the on-line brightness control and it can ease the diagnosis of faults".

The biggest savings arise when an AS-I controller is already being used, because then it is very simple to extend the AS-I cable into the cabinet using SW.

Savings of up to 40% are possible.

AS-Interface is sometimes known as the intelligent cable for networking low level sensors and actuators.

"AS-I is simple, but don't let that fool you into thinking that it is limited in application", said Hodgkinson.

"As well as conveyors, mechatronics systems, pneumatics and the like, it is extensively used by the process industries for on-off valve flow control".

"It's ideal as a partner for Fieldbuses and its special machine safety profile has taken the functional safety world by storm".

"A new version three specification will widen our applications coverage dramatically in the coming two years".

The partnership between AS-Interface and Fieldbuses will be demonstrated at the forthcoming Profibus International Conference, where the Expert Alliance will be exhibiting AS-I technology and giving a paper explaining how the two protocols work together in harmony.

Conference organiser and Profibus Chairman Bob Squirrell said: "Having the two protocols together will offer a compelling attraction for delegates".

"Where else today could you go to see these two world beaters in action together?".

AS-Interface has an installed base of around 12 to 13 million devices and dominates the device level networking arena.

Members of the UK Expert Alliance are Belcom, Burkert Fluid Controls, Bihl + Wiedemann, Controlled Lubrication, LCA/Functional Safety Engineering, IDec Electronics, IMI Norgren, Johnson Mathey, Kinetrol, Kuhnke, Manchester Metropolitan University, Siemens A and D, Sigmapi Systems, Tyco International and Wago.