Building Automation with AS-i
The advantages of AS-Interface have now become familiar in Building Automation as well. The following overview shows the simple, cost-saving installation, and the high degree of flexibility of this industrial networking solution for automation systems:
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AS-Interface – Building Automation
The advantages of AS-Interface – such as simple, cost-saving installation and high degree of flexibility – have now become familiar in Building Automation as well. Numerous companies are relying on the AS-i installation system for applications such as controlling fire and smoke damper systems, shutter drives or heating and cooling ceilings using analog output modules. Damper actuators with flow regulators can also be connected to the controller through the MP-Bus Gateway. It is also possible to process EnOcean signals from wireless buttons and sensors through AS-i. Customer proximity is our hallmark, which means we stand by you in word and deed and are open to custom-tailored solutions. Just contact us.
Basic Concept of AS-Interface
AS-Interface is an industrial networking solution for automation systems. It is designed for connecting simple field I/O devices such as binary ON/OFF, analog and safety I/O devices according to EN 50295, IEC 62023-2. Using only a two conductor flat or round cable (AS-i cable, 2 x 1.5 mm2, 16 AWG) to connect all slaves to the master using a free topology. This is the main advantage of this system compared to conventional, parallel wiring, where every single signal has to be wired directly to the control system.
Data and power are available in the same AS-i cable. Every slave or module has its own address for accessing its data. The slaves can be addressed from 1 to 31 (single slaves), or, with extended addressing, there are 62 slaves available (1A to 31A and 1B to 31B). Single slaves and modules with extended addressing (AB modules) can share the same network.
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The Structure
The AS-i Master/Gateway controls the AS-i network and acts as a direct link to the host (PLC, Building Management Systems, etc.). Combined with an integrated mini-PLC functionality the master can also be used for pre-processing or as a stand-alone device without the need for a host controller (programming language IL or C).
A Gateway is an AS-i Master, and simultaneously a slave to higher level network (PROFIBUS, EtherNet/IP, Modbus, etc.). AS-Interface is the lowest level of the automation pyramid intended for Actuator/Sensor networking.
Free Topology
AS-i supports free topology such as Star, Ring, Linear, Tree and Mesh network (see examples below).
Tree topology
Ring topology
Network
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The simple and highly flexible AS-i network bus is one of the great strengths of the system. The master/slave principle allows the use of any topology and features a variety of different field and control cabinet modules. Whatever the requirements in your building we make it possible to record both digital and analog values and control either type of actuator. Whether a ventilation flap with four digital and four analog outputs, an analog output module for controlling heating/cooling ceilings, or special equipment such as an MP-Bus or EnOcean gateways.
You can also process both AS-i standard and AS-i Safety (up to SIL3) data over the same AS-i network. The data can be processed in the master or passed on to the higher level building management system through the fieldbus interface on the master.
AS-i Features per line
Medium
Unshielded two conductor flat cable *
Signal
Power Supply and data in one cable with max. 8 A
Number of Slaves per AS-i
line
up to 62
Number of I/O Binary
up to 248 Inputs and 248 Outputs
Number of I/O Analog
up to 124 Inputs or Outputs
Cycle Time
5 ms
Transmission Rate
167 kbit/second
Error Protection
Identification and repetition of faulty frames
Supported Topology
Tree, Star, Ring, Linear, Linear with taps and Mesh
Safety
Up to SIL 3, Category 4, PLe (EN 62061, EN 61508, EN ISO 13849-1, EN 954-1)
Cable Length
100 m (extensible up to 1000 m)
* Of course other cables, such as NYM-J or E90 cable, can also be used.
Masters/Gateways
- Gateways for linking to any Building Management System
- Optionally with integrated controller (mini-PLC) also usable as stand-alone devices
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- 1 Master
- 2 Masters
- 2 Masters, Version "1 Gateway, 1 power supply for 2 AS-i network”
Power Supplies
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- Single phase
- 3 phases
- 24 V to AS-i
- 1,8 A, 2 A, 4 A, 8 A
- Decoupling unit for 2 AS-i networks
Module for controlling damper actuators
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- For ventilation, fire and smoke dampers
- Inputs for end position detection
- Additional input e.g. for fire alarms
- Output for controlling dampers
- Supply of the drives from AS-i or external 24 V
Module for increased safety requirements
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- For ventilation, fire and smoke dampers according to Swiss standard for soldered strut and fire alarms
- Inputs for end position detection
- Control up to SIL 3/Cat. 4/PLe
- Supply of the drives from AS-i or external 24 V
Module for controlling shutter drives
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- 2 shutter drives (230 V AC) per module controllable
- 4 inputs for switches
- For 4-/5-conductor-shutters
- Trip-/position recognition
Relay Module for field applications (230V/24V)
MP-Bus Gateway
EnOcean AS-i Wireless Module
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- Version with 2 relays and 4 inputs for e.g. damper actuators etc.
- Version with 4 relays and 4 inputs for e.g. light, blower and fancoil control
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- Linking MP-Bus participants (e.g. flow regulators) to AS-i
- Integrated 230 V / 24 V power supply
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- For linking EnOcean wireless modules (e.g. pushbuttons, temperature sensors, window contacts, presence detectors) to AS-i
- Available in individual designs
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- AS-i Safety Module to Control Fire/SmokeDamper Actuators (up to SIL 2)
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- Mixed Input / Output Modules
- For floating contacts, OSSD outputs and safety mats
- Electronic outputs
- Relay outputs
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- Speed/Standstill monitoring
Digital and Analog Input and Output Modules
In Stainless Steel, IP20
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For example:
- Digital 4I/4O
- Digital 8I
- Digital 8O
- Relay outputs (230 V AC)
In surface-mounted box, IP54
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For example:
- 2 analog (0-10 V) + 2 digital outputs for heating/cooling ceilings
- Digital 4I/4O
- Input Modules for CO2, relative humidity, etc.
Coated module for flush-mounted boxes
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- 4 digital inputs for standard switches
Cabinet modules
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- 4E/4A, 8E/8A
- 0/4...20 mA
- 0...10 V
- Pt100, Pt1000
- Thermocouples
M12 Field Modules, IP67
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- Digitale I/O Modules
- Pt100, Pt1000
- Analog I/O Modules
Diagnostics/Circuit Extension
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Benefits at a glance
- Save hardware by reducing I/O cards, cabinets and wiring
- Robust, globally standardized industrial bus with already more than 27 million installed nodes
- Simple electronics with robust performance in industrial quality
- Free choice of network topology
- Quick installation, reduce maintenance and shorten testing time,fast commisioning and ability to expand the system
- Easy commissioning, and opportunity to expand the system
- Transmission in real-time
- Avoid wiring errors (no risk of faulty electrical connection)
- High resistance against EMC noise
- Fast error localization, spontaneous diagnostics and enhanced diagnostic options
Simply to connect
Owing to the yellow profile cable* and the piercing technology, AS-i modules are easily expandable and can be connected reverse polarity protected.
* Of course other cables, such as NYM-J or E90 cable, can also be used.
