POWERLINK

What is POWERLINK?

Ethernet POWERLINK is a software-based real-time Ethernet solution designed to transmit real-time data in the microsecond range. POWERLINK enables devices from different manufacturers to communicate with each other without the need for special interface adaptations. The Ethernet solution is primarily used for the transmission of process data in automation technology. Ethernet POWERLINK was originally developed by B&R Industrial Automation and is now being further developed and specified as an open standard by EPSG (Ethernet Powerlink Standardization Group) – an open user and vendor group.

POWERLINK Gateways

 

POWERLINK ASi Gateways

ASi POWERLINK gateways in stainless steel provide an interface for a POWERLINK fieldbus. The certified ASi Gateways are available in different versions with IP20 protection class, e.g., with integrated decoupling, OPC UA interface and integrated web server for easy diagnostics and maintenance.

 

More about POWERLINK Gateways

POWERLINK ASi

Figure Model

Communication interface between fieldbus and gateway:

interfaces for standardized fieldbus systems in industrial automation. Bihl+Wiedemann offers a wide range of gateways for common fieldbus interfaces:

 

  • PROFIBUS
  • PROFINET
  • EtherNet/IP+ Modbus TCP
  • BACnet/IP
  • DeviceNet
  • ControlLogix
  • Compact-/MicroLogix
  • EtherCat
  • POWERLINK
  • CC-Link
  • CANopen
  • RS 485 Modbus
  • OPC UA server

 

Fieldbus interface

The device communicates via the standard ASi-3 and/or ASi-5.

ASi-5/ASi-3
Standard devices

"Single Master":

1 ASi network, 1 ASi-5/ASi-3 Master.

1 ASi network, 1 ASi-3 Master.

"Double Master":

2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-5/ASi-3 Masters.

2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-3 Masters.

Safety devices

"Single Master" :

1 ASi network, 1 ASi-5/ASi-3 Master.

1 ASi network, 1 ASi-3 Master.

"Double Master" :

2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-5/ASi-3 Masters.

2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-3 Masters.

"Optional ASi Safety coupling circuit" :
2 ASi networks, 1 ASi-3 Master.

Number of ASi networks, number of ASi Master

" yes, max. 4 A/ASi network ":

Data decoupling integrated in the gateway. Cost-effective power for 2 ASi networks with 1 power supply (optionally supply of multiple Single Gateways by 1 power supply).

Operation with short cable lengths with standard 24 V power supply possible.


" yes, max. 8 A/ASi network ":

Data decoupling integrated in the gateway. Cost-effective power for 2 ASi networks with 1 power supply (optionally supply of multiple Single Gateways by 1 power supply).

Operation with short cable lengths with standard 24 V power supply possible.


"yes, optimized for 2 x NEC class 2 power supplies"

Data decoupling integrated in the gateway. Optimized for use with 2 x UL certified 30 V/3 A power supplies with power limitation <100 W (BW4223). In combination 2 separate NEC Class 2 compliant ASi circuits are created.


"no, max. 8 A/ASi network, redundant supply ":

1 ASi power supply per ASi network. Gateway is powered in normal operation from one of the two ASi power supplies.

Should one ASi power supply fail, switching to the other ASi power supply allows all the diagnostics functions to be maintained and the unaffected ASi network continues to operate.


" no, max. 8 A/ASi network ":

1 ASi power supply per ASi network.

Integrated decoupling, ASi current measurement in the gateway

Detects whether the same address has been assigned to two ASi nodes. Frequent error when using a handheld addressing device.

Recognition of duplicate ASi addresses

Checks the ASi line for interference effects such as noise, external voltages, ...

ASi fault detector

Using a C-program offers the possibility to run mini-PLC functions with a gateway.

Programming in C
Article No.
BWU4016
Gateway
OPC UA, POWERLINK
ASi-5 + ASi-3 compatible
1 ASi network, 1 ASi-5/ASi-3 Master
yes, max. 4 A/ASi network
yes
yes
no
BWU3593
Gateway
POWERLINK
ASi-3 compatible
2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-3 Masters
yes, max. 4 A/ASi network
yes
yes
optional
BWU3537
Gateway
POWERLINK
ASi-3 compatible
2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-3 Masters
no, max. 8 A/ASi network, redundant supply
yes
yes
optional

 

 

Safety, POWERLINK ASi Gateways

The certified ASi gateways with integrated safety monitor are available in different versions with protection class IP20. All gateways feature the Safe Link technology, which makes it possible to connect different system components easily and flexibly. A product variant with integrated openSAFETY communication is also available.

Safety, POWERLINK ASi

Figure Model

Communication interface between fieldbus and gateway:

interfaces for standardized fieldbus systems in industrial automation. Bihl+Wiedemann offers a wide range of gateways for common fieldbus interfaces:

 

  • PROFIBUS
  • PROFINET
  • EtherNet/IP+ Modbus TCP
  • BACnet/IP
  • DeviceNet
  • ControlLogix
  • Compact-/MicroLogix
  • EtherCat
  • POWERLINK
  • CC-Link
  • CANopen
  • RS 485 Modbus
  • OPC UA server

 

Fieldbus interface

The device communicates via the standard ASi-3 and/or ASi-5.

ASi-5/ASi-3
Standard devices

"Single Master":

1 ASi network, 1 ASi-5/ASi-3 Master.

1 ASi network, 1 ASi-3 Master.

"Double Master":

2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-5/ASi-3 Masters.

2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-3 Masters.

Safety devices

"Single Master" :

1 ASi network, 1 ASi-5/ASi-3 Master.

1 ASi network, 1 ASi-3 Master.

"Double Master" :

2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-5/ASi-3 Masters.

2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-3 Masters.

"Optional ASi Safety coupling circuit" :
2 ASi networks, 1 ASi-3 Master.

Number of ASi networks, number of ASi Master

" yes, max. 4 A/ASi network ":

Data decoupling integrated in the gateway. Cost-effective power for 2 ASi networks with 1 power supply (optionally supply of multiple Single Gateways by 1 power supply).

Operation with short cable lengths with standard 24 V power supply possible.


" yes, max. 8 A/ASi network ":

Data decoupling integrated in the gateway. Cost-effective power for 2 ASi networks with 1 power supply (optionally supply of multiple Single Gateways by 1 power supply).

Operation with short cable lengths with standard 24 V power supply possible.


"yes, optimized for 2 x NEC class 2 power supplies"

Data decoupling integrated in the gateway. Optimized for use with 2 x UL certified 30 V/3 A power supplies with power limitation <100 W (BW4223). In combination 2 separate NEC Class 2 compliant ASi circuits are created.


"no, max. 8 A/ASi network, redundant supply ":

1 ASi power supply per ASi network. Gateway is powered in normal operation from one of the two ASi power supplies.

Should one ASi power supply fail, switching to the other ASi power supply allows all the diagnostics functions to be maintained and the unaffected ASi network continues to operate.


" no, max. 8 A/ASi network ":

1 ASi power supply per ASi network.

Integrated decoupling, ASi current measurement in the gateway

Access to ASi master and safety monitor via own software from Bihl+Wiedemann using the diagnostic interface (e.g. USB, RJ45, RS232). For certain devices with Ethernet-based fieldbus (PROFINET, EtherNet/IP), there is also the option of diagnostics and configuration directly via the fieldbus interface.

 

The latest version of the device description file of the gateway/gateway with integrated safety monitor (GSD, GSDML, EDS, etc.) is available in the "Downloads" section of the respective device.

Diagnostic and configuration interface

Safe inputs can be configured as 1-channel or 2-channels depending on the desired application or PL and SIL level.

Inputs Safety, SIL 3, Cat. 4
Outputs Safety, SIL 3, cat. 4 Safety communication

Detects whether the same address has been assigned to two ASi nodes. Frequent error when using a handheld addressing device.

Recognition of duplicate ASi addresses

Checks the ASi line for interference effects such as noise, external voltages, ...

ASi fault detector

Using a C-program offers the possibility to run mini-PLC functions with a gateway.

Programming in C
Article No.
BWU3865
Gateway with integrated Safety Monitor
OPC UA, POWERLINK
ASi-5 + ASi-3 compatible
2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-5/ASi-3 Masters
yes, max. 4 A/ASi network
Ethernet diagnostic
3 x 2 channels
6 release circuits, 6 x electronic safe outputs
openSAFETY over POWERLINK + Safe Link
yes
yes
optional
BWU3828
Gateway with integrated Safety Monitor
OPC UA, POWERLINK
ASi-5 + ASi-3 compatible
2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-5/ASi-3 Masters
yes, max. 4 A/ASi network
Ethernet diagnostic
3 x 2 channels
6 release circuits, 6 x electronic safe outputs
Safe Link
yes
yes
optional
BWU3176
Gateway with integrated Safety Monitor
POWERLINK
ASi-3 compatible
2 ASi networks, 2 ASi-3 Masters
yes, max. 4 A/ASi network
Ethernet diagnostic
3 x 2 channels
6 release circuits, 6 x electronic safe outputs
Safe Link
yes
yes
optional
BWU3177
Gateway with integrated Safety Monitor
POWERLINK
ASi-3 compatible
1 ASi network, 1 ASi-3 Master
yes, max. 4 A/ASi network
Ethernet diagnostic
3 x 2 channels
6 release circuits, 6 x electronic safe outputs
Safe Link
yes
yes
optional