IDEC MicroSmart AS-i - Manual (Page 6)

M ICRO S MART AS-I NTERFACE M ASTER M ODULE U SER ’ S M ANUAL 1-1
1: AS-I
NTERFACE
Introduction
This chapter describes general information about the Actuator-Sensor-Interface, abbreviated AS-Interface.
AS-Interface is a type of field bus that is primarily intended to be used to control sensors and actuators. AS-Interface is a
network system that is compatible with the IEC62026 standard and is not proprietary to any one manufacturer. A master
device can communicate with slave devices such as sensors, actuators, and remote I/Os, using digital and analog signals
transmitted over the AS-Interface bus.
The AS-Interface system is comprised of the following three major components:
• One master, such as the MicroSmart AS-Interface master module (FC4A-AS62M)
• One or more slave devices, such as sensors, actuators, switches, and indicators
• Dedicated 30V DC AS-Interface power supply (26.5 to 31.6V DC)
These components are connected using a two-core cable for both data transmission and AS-Interface power supply. AS-
Interface employs a simple yet efficient wiring system and features automatic slave address assignment function, while
installation and maintenance are also very easy.
Applicable Sensors and Actuators for AS-Interface
AS-Interface Compatible Sensors and Actuators
AS-Interface compatible sensors and actuators communicate using the built-in AS-Interface function, and serve as AS-
Interface slaves when connected directly to the AS-Interface bus via a branch unit or a T-junction unit.
Sensors/Actuators Not Compatible with AS-Interface
Conventional sensors and actuators that are not compatible with the AS-Interface can also be connected to the AS-Inter-
face bus using a remote I/O slave and be handled in the same way as devices that are compatible with the AS-Interface.
Remote I/O Type Slave Branch Unit T-junction Unit
AS-Interface Non-compatible
Sensors/Actuators
AS-Interface Compatible Sensors/Actuators
AS-Interface Bus
•••• 62 slaves maximum
•••• 434 I/O points maximum (248 inputs and 186 outputs)
•••• Maximum Communication Distance
Without repeater: 100m
With 2 repeaters: 300m