Product category:
Plant- and Machine-Wide Communications
News Release from: LC Automation | Subject: AS-interface Master Board Module
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 30 June 2005
OEM module masters AS-interface
communications
The AS-interface Master Board Module is latest addition to the Bihl and Wiedemann range for the OEM market.
The AS-interface Master Board Module is latest addition to the Bihl and Wiedemann range for the OEM market For manufacturing applications where a full size master may not be a suitable, it provides a flexible solution with all the safety diagnostics and analyser functions of a complete AS-interface Master, in a 73 x 37 x 14mm package
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 26 May 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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The module encompasses the entire AS-interface firmware and can be built into almost any device, making it the ideal choice for any manufacturer looking to equip their products with an AS-interface Master.
Integrating an OEM master module in a PLC, a robotic control or any other special device also offers the manufacturer and their customer a number of advantages.
The module offers the host the complete package of AS Interface master technology, which means the manufacturer uses a proven technology without any risks.
They don't need to reinvent the master (which is very demanding) and they receive quality technical support and backup from both LC Automation and Bihl and Wiedemann where necessary.
The module is only designed for AS-interface use, and so there are no wasted functions for use with other bus systems.
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The final customer can use all standard functions of AS-Interface (V 2.1): up to 62 slaves in the network, binary and analogue periphery.
Both customer and manufacturer, can access the application functions introduced by Bihl and Wiedemann, which go beyond the general AS-Interface specification, supporting the configuration of the network and also providing intensive diagnostics.
The customer receives a simple and fast real-time solution without an additional serial connection such as RS485 or a fieldbus.
The periphery can be flexibly adjusted to specific needs.
Only one connection is necessary to the AS-Interface network which feeds the master's input stage (30V/70mA).
The digital part, which is fed through the host system (+5V/100mA), is separated by a galvanic separation, and so the master shields the host against any disturbances which may come through the AS-Interface line.
The high interference resistance of AS-Interface is being used.
The AS-Interface connection doesn't have to be directed via a circuit board of the host, but can take the most straightforward way to the module.
Any interference isn't carried into the host so there is no need to provide additional interference suppression.
All the communication between the Master and host can be done via a DPRAM or TTL interface, giving a choice of three implementation options.
Using the DPRAM interface gives a fast and comfortable data exchange with the host, allowing data images, flags and commands to be exchanged via an 8bit databus within each cycle.
The manufacturer can offer the fastest connection between periphery and host.
A more simple solution uses the TTL interface which communicates with the host via an internal RS232 interface.
This solution is slightly slower than the cycle time on the AS-interface network (around 15ms cycle time for the data exchange between OEM module and the host), however, it is sufficient for many applications.
This is the easiest solution, especially where the fundamental commands for controlling the application are the only commands that need to be integrated in the software of the host.
In this case, the RS232 interface may be used to connect an external PC (via a switch).
Together with the AS-i Control Tools software, all configuration and diagnosis work can easily be carried out.
Both interfaces can be used at the same time to conduct the network analysis with a laptop PC (via TTL and RS232) in parallel to data exchange via the DPRAM.
Using the AS-i Control Tools software, this offers detailed diagnostics of the AS-Interface network with very little programming and allows customers to configure their networks in a simple way and monitor their performance while they are actually operating.
All the features and benefits of a standard AS-interface Master are available via the DPRAM interface and it can have device-specific uses.
This means all displays and operating functions can be accessed at the DPRAM and can be individually realised in hardware and software (eg via keyboard, graphical display or external displays).
The manufacturer can offer his customer the most suitable solution.
The LEDs installed on the module do not affect the mounting position of the master card.
The OEM module is based on the certified master BW1307 by Bihl and Wiedemann.
As long as there are no changes to the module or with its shielding, a transfer of the certificate to the manufacturer is possible.
The customer receives an AS-Interface master which has been tested and certified in an ambitious environment.
The master is also compatible with any certified slave from any other supplier within the AS-interface network, without any interoperability problems.
Three versions of AS-interface Master OEM Board Module are available.
The BW1588 works together with a main board and requires the AS-interface cable to be soldered to the board; the BW1670 has two additional wiring pins for use with the evaluation kit; and the BW1554 version includes a Combicon for AS-interface connection as well as LEDs showing the board operation and status.
Other customer specific versions are also available on demand. Request a free brochure from LC Automation ...
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