Actuator Sensor Interface System in Industrial Control Systems

Alexandria University
Faculty of Engineering
Actuator Sensor Interface

System in Industrial Control Systems
A thesis submitted to
Electrical Engineering Department
Faculty of Engineering-Alexandria University
In partial fulfillment of the requirements
For the degree of
Master of Science
In
Electrical Engineering
By
Mohamed Ali Ramadan El Homosany
2015
Actuator Sensor Interface
System in Industrial Control Systems
Presented by
Mohamed Ali Ramadan El Homosany
For the degree of
Master of Science
In
Electrical Engineering
Examination Committee: Approved:

Prof. Dr. Mohamed Zakaria Mostafa ………………….
Prof. Dr. Nagy Nageeb Soryal ………………….
Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Soliman Abo-zeed ………………….
Prof. Dr. Amr Othman El zawawi ………………….
Vice Dean for Graduate Students and Research:

Supervisory Committee: Approved:
Prof. Dr. Mohamed Zakaria Mostafa ………………….
Prof. Dr. Amr Othman El zawawi ………………….
‫جايعت االسكُذريت‬
‫كهيت انُٓذست‬
‫َظاو انشبط بيٍ انًشغالت و انحساسات فى‬

‫َظى انتحكى انصُاعى‬
‫رسانت عهًيت‬
‫يمذيت إنٗ لسى انُٓذست انكٓزبيت بكهيت انُٓذست – جايعت االسكُذريت‬
‫استيفاء نهذراساث انًمزرة نهحصٕل عهٗ درجت‬
‫ياجستيز انعهٕو‬
‫فٗ‬
‫انُٓذست انكٓزبيت‬
‫يقذية يٍ‬
‫يحًذ عهى سيضاٌ انحًصاَى‬
‫‪2015‬‬
‫َظاو انشبط بيٍ انًشغالت و انحساسات فى‬
‫َظى انتحكى انصُاعى‬
‫رسانت يمذيت يٍ‬

‫يحًذ عهى سيضاٌ انحًصاَى‬
‫نهحصٕل عهٗ درجت‬

‫ياجستيز انعهٕو فٗ انُٓذست انكٓزبيت‬
‫انتىقيع‬ ‫نجُة انًُاقشة و انحكى عهى انشسانة‬

‫‪...........................‬‬ ‫االستار انذكتىس ‪ /‬يحًذ سكزيا يصطفٗ‬
‫‪...........................‬‬ ‫االستار انذكتىس‪َ /‬اجٗ َجيب سٕريال‬
‫‪...........................‬‬ ‫االستار انذكتىس‪ /‬يحًٕد سهيًاٌ أبٕسيذ‬
‫‪...........................‬‬ ‫االستار انذكتىس‪ /‬عًزٔعثًاٌ انشٔأٖ‬
‫وكيم انكهية نهذساسات انعهيا و انبحىث‬

‫كهية انهُذسة – جايعة االسكُذسية‬
‫انتىقيع‬ ‫نجُة اإلرششا‬
‫‪............................‬‬ ‫االستار انذكتىس ‪ /‬يحًذ سكزيا يصطفٗ‬
‫‪............................‬‬ ‫االستار انذكتىس‪ /‬عًزٔعثًاٌ انشٔأٖ‬
Acknowledgment
Due and special thanks are to my dear and lovely mother and my precious father for their
support for my whole life and their valuable understanding of my hard times during the
preparation of this thesis.
My deepest gratitude is presented to Prof. Dr. Mohamed Zakaria, Electrical Engineering

Department, for his guidance and encouragement during the preparation of this thesis.
Also I‟d like to thank Prof. Dr. Amr El Zawawi, Electrical Engineering Department,
Alexandria University for his kind supervision, revision, technical and professional
support in this thesis. His sincere help and supervision during this work, making valuable
comments and corrections, his very prompt response and full dedication has contributed a
lot in completing this work.
Thanks are also due to Eng. Hebatallah Ahmed, Soulintec-Encon for her friendly attitude
and her moral and precious support.
At last but not least, special thanks are also due to Soulintec-Encon for their technical
support and cooperation during the work of this thesis providing technical data, material
and demo units whenever needed.
ii
List of Abbreviations
ADR Address
APM Alternating Pulse Modulation
AS-i Actuator- Sensor Interface
CDI Configuration Data Image
CIM Computer Integrated Manufacturing
CNC Computerized Numerical Control
C-PLUG Configuration Plug
CPU Central Processing Unit
CSMA Carrier Sense Multiple Access
DCS Distributed Control System
FIP Factory Instrumentation Protocol
GND Ground
HMI Human Machine Interface
I Input
I/O Input/Output
IC Integrated Circuit
ID Insulation Displacement
IDI Input Data Image
IEC International Electro-technical Commission
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
LAN Local Area Network
LAS List of Active Slaves
LDS List of Detective Slaves
LPS List of Prospective Slaves
MAP Manufacturing Automation Protocol
O Output
ODI Out Data Image
OSI Open Systems Interconnection
PCD Permanent Configuration Data
PG Programming (Gerat) Device
PI Parameter Image
iii
PLC Programmable Logic Controller
PP Permanent Parameter
PROFIBUS Process Field Bus
PSU Power Supply Unit
SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
WAN Wide Area Network
WorldFIP World Factory Instrumentation Protocol
iv
Table of Contents
Acknowledgment ................................................................................................................ ii
List of Abbreviations ......................................................................................................... iii
Table of Contents ................................................................................................................ v
List of Figures ............................................................................................................... viii
List of Tables .................................................................................................................. x
Abstract ................................................................................................................. xi
Chapter 1 Introduction To Fieldbus Systems ............................................................... 1
1.1 Preface .................................................................................................................. 1
1.2 The Definition of a Fieldbus .................................................................................... 1
1.2.1 Fieldbus Advantages ................................................................................... 2
1.3 An Introduction to Industrial Systems Communication ........................................... 3
1.3.1 Process Industry Communication: a Historical Background ...................... 3
1.3.2 Manufacturing Industry: a Historical Background ..................................... 6
1.4 The Fieldbuses and the Network Reference Model ................................................. 8
1.5 The FieldBuses and the Network Topology ............................................................. 9
1.5.1 Mesh Connection ...................................................................................... 10
1.5.2 Star Connection ......................................................................................... 10
1.5.3 Tree Connection ........................................................................................ 10
1.5.4 Bus Connection ......................................................................................... 10
1.5.5 Ring Connection ....................................................................................... 10
1.6 Different Types of Fieldbuses ................................................................................ 10
1.7 Scope of Work in this Thesis ................................................................................. 11
1.8 Thesis Layout ......................................................................................................... 12
Chapter 2 Introduction To AS-i Fieldbus ................................................................... 13
2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 13
2.2 AS-i Position .......................................................................................................... 13
2.3 AS-i Strong Points .................................................................................................. 14
2.4 Conventional Cabling Scheme Versus AS-i Cabling Scheme ............................... 14
2.4.1 Conventional Cabling Scheme .................................................................. 14
2.4.2 AS-i Cabling Scheme ................................................................................ 15
2.5 Principal Performance Characteristics ................................................................... 16
2.5.1 Protocol .................................................................................................... 16
2.5.2 Number of Slaves ...................................................................................... 16
2.5.3 Query Cycle .............................................................................................. 16
2.5.4 Total Number of Traditional Input/Output Signals Connectable to the AS-i
.................................................................................................... 16
2.5.5 Transmission Medium .............................................................................. 16
2.5.6 Maximum System Length ......................................................................... 17
2.5.7 Voltage Distributed Through the Cable .................................................... 17
2.6 New A/B Technology ............................................................................................. 17
2.7 AS-i System Architecture ....................................................................................... 17
2.7.1 Topology up to 100 m ............................................................................... 17
2.7.2 Extension up to 300 m .............................................................................. 18
v
2.7.3 Extension up to 600 m .............................................................................. 18
2.8 AS- interface Version 3.0 ....................................................................................... 19
2.9 Summary ................................................................................................................ 20
Chapter 3 AS-i System Components ........................................................................... 21
3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 21
3.2 AS-i Master ............................................................................................................ 21
3.2.1 The PLC Master ........................................................................................ 21
3.2.2 The Gateway Master ................................................................................. 22
3.3 AS-i Power Supply ................................................................................................. 22
3.4 AS-i Cables............................................................................................................. 23
3.5 AS-i I/O Modules ................................................................................................... 24
3.5.1 Smart Line Modules .................................................................................. 24
3.5.2 Field Application Modules ....................................................................... 24
3.6 AS-i Sensors and Actuators .................................................................................... 26
3.6.1 AS-i Sensors.............................................................................................. 26
3.6.2 AS-i Actuators .......................................................................................... 26
3.7 AS-i Accessories .................................................................................................... 27
3.7.1 AS-i Addressing Unit ................................................................................ 27
3.7.2 Insulation Displacement Connectors ........................................................ 27
3.7.3 Sealing of the Flat Cable ........................................................................... 28
3.7.4 Repeater .................................................................................................... 28
3.7.5 Extender .................................................................................................... 29
3.8 Summary ................................................................................................................ 29
Chapter 4 AS-i Operation ............................................................................................ 30
4.1 AS-i Principle ......................................................................................................... 30
4.1.1 Principle of Communication ..................................................................... 30
4.1.2 PLC Role ................................................................................................... 30
4.1.3 Master Role ............................................................................................... 30
4.1.4 Master Profiles .......................................................................................... 30
4.1.5 Slave Role ................................................................................................. 31
4.1.6 Slave Profile .............................................................................................. 31
4.1.7 Interaction Between PLC, Master and Slaves ........................................... 33
4.2 The Master Operating Phases ................................................................................. 34
4.3 Master / Slave Dialogue Elements ......................................................................... 35
4.3.1 Master Tables ............................................................................................ 35
4.4 Slaves Mapping into the PLC ................................................................................. 36
4.5 Operation of Slave/Master Dialogue ...................................................................... 36
4.5.1 Signal coding ............................................................................................ 36
4.5.2 AS-i Data Packet ....................................................................................... 37
4.5.3 The Different Phases ................................................................................. 38
4.6 Summary ................................................................................................................ 42
Chapter 5 AS-i Experimental Setup ............................................................................ 43
5.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 43
5.2 Experiment Components ........................................................................................ 43
5.2.1 The PLC Unit ............................................................................................ 43
5.2.2 AS-i Unit ................................................................................................... 44
vi
5.2.3 Field Application “Conveyor” .................................................................. 52
5.3 Experiment Steps .................................................................................................... 53
5.3.1 PLC Project ............................................................................................... 53
5.3.2 Commissioning the DP/AS-i Link ........................................................... 65
5.4 Experiment Operation ............................................................................................ 65
5.5 Summary ................................................................................................................ 65
Chapter 6 Conclusions And Future Work .................................................................. 66
6.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 66
6.2 Conclusions ............................................................................................................ 66
6.3 Future Work Proposal ............................................................................................ 67
References ................................................................................................................ 68
vii
List of Figures
Figure 1-1 Star topology used in the architecture of Process Control ................................ 4
Figure 1-2 The hierarchical architecture ............................................................................. 5
Figure 1-3 The distributed architecture in Process Control Systems .................................. 5
Figure 1-4 The fully distributed architecture, based on a Fieldbus, found in modern
industrial automation systems ..................................................................................... 6
Figure 1-5 The Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) architecture .......................... 7
Figure 1-6 The OSI 7-layers reference model (a), and the reduced Fieldbus 3-layer
structure (b) ................................................................................................................. 9
Figure 1-7 Fieldbus topologies: a) mesh b) star c) tree d) bus e) ring .............................. 11
Figure 2-1 AS-i in the automation pyramid ...................................................................... 13
Figure 2-2 The AS- i certification symbol (shadow logo) ................................................ 14
Figure 2-3 Conventional Cabling Scheme ........................................................................ 15
Figure 2-4 AS-i Cabling Scheme ...................................................................................... 16
Figure 2-5 New A/B Technology in V 2.1 ....................................................................... 17
Figure 2-6 AS-i Topology up to 100 m ............................................................................ 18
Figure 2-7 AS-i network Extension up to 300 m .............................................................. 18
Figure 2-8 AS-i network Extension up to 600 m .............................................................. 19
Figure 3-1 AS-i PLC Master ............................................................................................. 21
Figure 3-2 AS-i Gateway Master ...................................................................................... 22
Figure 3-3 AS-i Power Supply.......................................................................................... 23
Figure 3-4 AS-i Cables ..................................................................................................... 23
Figure 3-5 AS-i Smart Line Modules ............................................................................... 24
Figure 3-6 Field Application Module SIEMENS Type .................................................... 25
Figure 3-7 How to install an AS-i module ........................................................................ 25
Figure 3-8 Different Types of AS-i Sensors ..................................................................... 26
Figure 3-9 Connection of the AS-i actuator to an AS-i network ...................................... 26
Figure 3-10 AS-i Addressing Unit .................................................................................... 27
Figure 3-11 FC Insulation Displacement Connector ........................................................ 28
Figure 3-12 Different Types of Flat Cable Sealing .......................................................... 28
Figure 3-13 Repeater in AS-i network .............................................................................. 28
Figure 3-14 Extender in an AS-i network ......................................................................... 29
Figure 4-1 Interaction Between PLC, Master and Slaves ................................................. 33
Figure 4-2 Master Operating Phases ................................................................................. 34
Figure 4-3 Slaves Mapping into the PLC ......................................................................... 36
Figure 4-4 Signal Coding in AS-i ..................................................................................... 37
Figure 4-5 Structure of an AS-Interface Master Message ................................................ 38
Figure 4-6 Structure of an AS-Interface Slave Message .................................................. 38
Figure 4-7 AS-i Bus Startup Phase ................................................................................... 39
Figure 4-8 AS-i Bus Activation Phase .............................................................................. 40
Figure 5-1 PLC UNIT ....................................................................................................... 43
Figure 5-2 AS-i unit .......................................................................................................... 44
Figure 5-3 AS-i Power Supply (AC 1236 IFM) ............................................................... 45
Figure 5-4 DP/AS−i Link Advanced ................................................................................ 46
Figure 5-5 AS-i slave module (AC2264 IFM) .................................................................. 46
viii
Figure 5-6 Schematic Diagram of IFM AS-i slave module AC2264 ............................... 47
Figure 5-7 PHOENIX Power Supply ................................................................................ 48
Figure 5-8 AS-i Cable ....................................................................................................... 49
Figure 5-9 Source of 220 VAC ......................................................................................... 50
Figure 5-10 Source of 24 VDC ......................................................................................... 50
Figure 5-11 AS-i power supply wiring ............................................................................. 51
Figure 5-12 DP/AS−i Link wiring .................................................................................... 51
Figure 5-13 AS−i Slave Module wiring............................................................................ 52
Figure 5-14 The Conveyor Unit ........................................................................................ 52
Figure 5-15 Starting SIMATIC Manager ......................................................................... 53
Figure 5-16 Creating S7 project ........................................................................................ 54
Figure 5-17 Inserting S7 program ..................................................................................... 54
Figure 5-18 Inserting a Station ......................................................................................... 55
Figure 5-19 Hardware Configuration tool ........................................................................ 56
Figure 5-20 CPU Selection in H.W Configuration Tool .................................................. 57
Figure 5-21 Establish a PROFIBUS network ................................................................... 57
Figure 5-22 CPU as a DP master in the network .............................................................. 58
Figure 5-23 AS-i master in the PROFIBUS network ....................................................... 58
Figure 5-24 Assignment an address for the AS-i master in the PROFIBUS network ...... 59
Figure 5-25 Assign the I/O area of the AS-i master ......................................................... 60
Figure 5-26 AS-i slave module selection .......................................................................... 60
Figure 5-27 AS-i slave Properties Window ...................................................................... 61
Figure 5-28 Final Hardware Configurations ..................................................................... 62
Figure 5-29 Saving Final H.W Configuration .................................................................. 62
Figure 5-30 Downloading Final H.W Configuration to the PLC ..................................... 63
Figure 5-31 Symbol Table in S7 Program ........................................................................ 63
Figure 5-32 Code in LAD ................................................................................................. 64
ix
List of Tables
Table 2-1 AS-i (V3.0) Features ........................................................................................ 19
Table 4-1 Different AS-i Master Profiles ......................................................................... 31
Table 4-2 I/O Configuration Code .................................................................................... 31
Table 4-3 Allocated Profile of AS-i slaves ....................................................................... 32
Table 5-1 Pin Assignment in AS-i slave module AC2264 ............................................... 47
Table 5-2 Accessories in AS-i unit ................................................................................... 49
Table 5-3 I/O symbols used in the S7 program ................................................................ 64
x
Abstract
For about 20 years now, the word "Fieldbus” has been very widely used. Its common
meaning is a network for connecting field devices such as sensors, actuators, field
controllers such as PLCs, regulators, drives, controllers, etc., and Human Machine
Interfaces (HMI). One of the most important Fieldbus systems is the actuator-sensor
interface (AS-i) which is the standard solution for simple, cost-effective networking of
sensors and actuators in the field. AS-Interface has established a strong position
throughout the automation technology industry.
The actuator-sensor interface (AS-i) replaces conventional wiring technology on the

sensor actuator level. AS-i has firmly established itself as a worldwide standard for the
cost-effective transfer of power and signals along a single cable. It is an open system and
is compatible with all common Fieldbus systems.
The AS-i has many advantages as it minimizes installation costs with high noise
immunity during data transfer. AS-i is flexible as signals and power are transferred along
a reverse polarity protected yellow flat cable.
The AS-i gateway controls the AS-i system and transmits process data to all types of
higher-level control in a standardized I/O map. The AS-i adopts the role of a conventional
I/O card in the controller, which allows a simple changeover.
In this study, we will explain the AS-i Fieldbus, its advantages, network structure, system
components and message frame structure. A practical setup illustrates how to implement
the AS-i Fieldbus as a solution in the field applications.
xi
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION TO FIELDBUS SYSTEMS
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION TO FIELDBUS

SYSTEMS
1.1 Preface
In industrial operations, it has long been an issue as to how to gather process data, how to
analyze it, and how to implement systems to control advanced automatic systems. Over
time, many types of control systems have developed; some common contemporary
systems are DCS (Distributed Control System), PLC (Programmable Logic Controller
and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) [1].
At the lowest level of communication, before the Fieldbus era, a lot of standards
reigned, for example, the 4-20 mA standard for analog sensors or the 0 – 24 V for
digital inputs, etc. These standards led to a cabling of 2 wires for each analog
point and one wire for each Boolean point (true, false), or each binary digit in a
number. The result was the need for a great number of cables in the factories. The design
and installation of the wiring were expensive. The operation and maintenance or
evolution was difficult. This was one of the reasons why end-users requested a solution
for simplifying these operations: the Fieldbus was an answer to this request [2].
1.2 The Definition of a Fieldbus

The Fieldbus is the serial digital communication network which is able to communicate
in real time between automatic control systems like (PLCs, DCS,...) and field devices like
(Instruments, Actuators, Gateways,...)
The Fieldbus technology was developed in the mid 1980‟s when it was needed to
organize the signal transmission system of communication networks which used digital
technology. The Fieldbus transfers, in most cases, the information in small-sized packets
in a serial manner. Choosing the serial transmission has many merits in comparison with
other kinds of transmission like parallel transmission. For instance, the sequential or
serial transmission reduces the total required number of the connecting lines over greater
distances than that of the point-to-point or even parallel transmissions.
A set of rules must be defined in order to accomplish data transfer between the units
along the bus. This set of rules is called Communication Protocol or just the Protocol.
This is unlike the case of the ordinary point-to-point transmission where any two
connected entities send and receive data from each other whenever the data is available.
The protocol is responsible for two important rules on the bus, the mechanism that any
unit can acquire or seize the bus (from the network terminology this means the way of
Medium Access), and the synchronization between those multi-units on the bus.
1
The medium access protocol choosing is a vital step in designing the DCS. This is
because of the odd nature of the bursty traffic of such control systems. So the existing
LAN (Local Area Network) protocols such as the token ring or the CSMA (Carrier Sense
Multiple Access) are not appropriate for the control applications. For the token ring case,
the more nodes are added, the longer the time each node will wait till it can transmit its
data. Needless to say that the CSMA protocols, which are contention based protocols,
will add randomness to the overall response time. This term is the elapsed time interval
between sending the data from the producer node, and the receiving of that data at the
consumer node. This came from the way that the CSMA allows only one node to transmit
data if and only if no other node is seizing the medium. The randomness occurs when a
collision happens. Collision happens when two or more nodes try to transmit at the same
time on the network. The nodes which encountered the collision will have to wait to for a
random time before it start again transmitting.
In general, there are three main issues that must be considered when designing the
Fieldbus system which are:
1) The communication protocol used

2) The interoperability (compatibility) of the units
3) The topology of the network used
Although almost any type of topology that is used with the ordinary LAN can be fit with
the Fieldbus system requirements, but there are two other factors that affect the selection
of such topology. These factors are the medium access method used and the medium used
in the DCS (twisted pair, coaxial cables, optical fibers … etc.). Other more specific
factors are used to select the topology; like the cost and ease of wiring installation and the
reliability [1].
1.2.1 Fieldbus Advantages

The advantages of using a Fieldbus in comparison to the point-to-point method are many
but here we will list some of the most general:
1) The data transmission is done in a standard form to suit the special demands of the
factory communications.
2) The data exchange along the bus is available easily to all the nodes at the same
time (i.e. no need for extra cable to connect certain node to another one).
3) The ability to connect new units on the bus becomes more flexible. This means
that the network extension also becomes easier to achieve [1].
4) The distances that can be covered by the Fieldbus are greater than that of the old
point-to- point system.
5) The Fieldbus can save the expenditure of wiring compared with an existing point-
to-point communication method by using a single transmission medium.
6) Unlike the analog signal, the digital Fieldbus signal is not affected by noise or
distortion. The digital Fieldbus signal does not require the conversion of analog to
digital or digital to analog.
2
7) The installation and operation of the Fieldbus and their associative devices
become easier.
8) The Fieldbus is capable of bidirectional communication between devices. The
bidirectional communication devices provide cost savings in operation and
maintenance by monitoring and calibration automatically through the network.
9) Possibility to connect products from different manufacturers. This is known as the
interoperability (compatibility) of the Fieldbus [3].
1.3 An Introduction to Industrial Systems Communication

In general the industry can be divided in two categories; which are the Process, and the
Manufacturing. The process industry, deals with processes, continuous, or discontinuous,
which have very large material flows and often have strict safety requirements (e.g.
power generation, cement kilns, petrochemical production). While the manufacturing
industry, is concerned with the production of discrete objects. Achieving the maximum
throughput of produced goods is, normally, a very important aspect in the industrial
systems.
The industrial systems faced the needs of enhancement in production monitoring and
quality control and in the same time maintaining the costs of all this as low as possible.
This happened in the last few decades due to growing social needs, which in turn enforce
the industrial systems to grow to match up with these needs. So any operation that runs
manually had to be replaced with a faster, and more reliable automated operation. This
also provides both the factories and the plants with necessary monitoring which they both
sought for better supervision and quality control.
Introducing all this number of automated units into the factories needed an efficient
method to connect them together, to communicate with each other, and to transfer the
various supervisory data to the monitors. This leads to the introduction of the
communication networks into the factories. We now will present two subsections that
briefly describe the history of communication development in the industrial processes [1].
1.3.1 Process Industry Communication: a Historical Background

The process industry communication developed in the last four decades in four main
steps. Each step introduced a nearer control to the field devices or more distribution of
the many tasks of control and/or supervision. The first step was a star topology that
connects the Field Devices (FDs) to a single mainframe computer in the control room.
This mainframe computer had to make all the control and supervisory tasks. To
accomplish these tasks, the mainframe computer had to transfer the required data from
and to the field devices using the traditional point-to-point methodology. Star topology
used in the architecture of Process Control Figure 1-1 gives an example of this
configuration. This configuration is called the centralized configuration. This same
configuration was famous at the 60's of the last century.
3
Figure ‎1-1 Star topology used in the architecture of Process Control
There are several disadvantages associated with such a centralized system:
1) The complexity of the wiring was so high and difficult to be re-installed, and
above this they were expensive.
2) The high cost of the mainframes that are doing the control tasks.
3) The mainframe failure represented a much higher risk to the system as it can lead
toward the collapsing of the whole system.
4) The lack of standards leads to the impossibility of interchanging some elements
with faster or more reliable ones.
The second step of the process industry communication development was the division of
the supervisory and the control tasks between two or more controllers. Each controller
had its own field devices attached to it using the old point-to-point way. Figure 1-2
depicts a hierarchical architecture.
In turn, and as we see from the same Figure 1-2 these controllers are attached to one
computer called the management information system. These controllers were placed in
the same old control room with the management information system computer. The
period which witnessed the prosperity of such architecture was the early 70's of the
twentieth century. One thing is sure that is the fault tolerance became more lenient with
this hierarchy.
4
Figure ‎1-2 The hierarchical architecture
The great revolution of the Integrated Circuits (IC's) made the next third step of the
process industry communications became true. This revolution made it possible for more
distribution of the tasks. More over the performance got better and the total cost reduced
a lot. The controllers communicated with each other via serial digital network.
Furthermore the controllers were placed nearer to the field devices, which reduced the
complexity and the cost of wiring, as the length of the cables are shortened. This
happened during the mid of the 70's of the last century.
Unfortunately, the field devices were still point-to-point wired to the controllers. These
controllers are called the local controllers to differentiate between them and the other
controllers that might be in the control room. Also, the control room contained two
independent units; one is the Operator Console, and the other is the Supervisory
Computer. These two units are attached to each other via the same serial digital network
that allows them to communicate with local controllers as shown in Figure 1-3.
Figure ‎1-3 The distributed architecture in Process Control Systems
As an example of the first distributed system of this kind for process control was the
(TDC® 2000 system) introduced in 1975 by Honeywell. The semi-final stage of the
industrial process took place in the early 1980's. By then, the number of field devices was
5
growing incredibly. This made the system designers to connect these devices via serial
digital network. Figure 1-4 shows an example of this modern architecture. The
introduction of digital network simplified the cabling and wiring of the system leading to
ease of maintenance. The network that connects these field devices is called FieldBus.
Figure ‎1-4 The fully distributed architecture, based on a Fieldbus, found in modern
industrial automation systems
1.3.2 Manufacturing Industry: a Historical Background

After we talked about the process industry and its communication, we now move to the
second category of the industry, that is the Manufacturing industry and its relevant
communications. The manufacturing industry and its communication developed
significantly in the last four decades along with the process industry. The development of
both was motivated by the need of lower production cost while maintaining high
performance and good quality control. From the 50's to the early 70's of the last twentieth
century, the manufacturing plants consisted of many isolated production units called
cells. During this period, the automation development was limited to these cells only as
independent islands.
By the mid 70's of the last century, the need to improve the production monitoring and
the miscellaneous control functions leaded the way to connect the production islands with
each other. This means that the manufacturing industry like the process industry adopted
the distributed architecture. Figure 1-5 shows the fully modern distributed manufacturing
architecture. This hierarchy also is known as the Computer Integrated Manufacturing
(CIM). We will present the definition of the term CIM shortly in this section. The CIM is
defined by at least three levels of interconnection as depicted in Figure 1-5. Those levels
are:
6
1) Field Level: The lowest level of the automation hierarchy is the field level, which
includes the field devices such as actuators and sensors. The elementary field
devices are sometimes classified as the element sublevel. The task of the devices in
the field level is to transfer data between the manufactured product and the
technical process. The data may be both digital and analogue. Measured values
may be available for a short period of time or over a long period of time. For the
field level communication, parallel, multiwire cables, and serial interfaces such as
the 20mA current loop has been widely used from the past. The serial
communication standards such as RS232C, RS422, and RS485 are most commonly
used protocols together with the parallel communication standard IEEE488. Those
point-to-point communications methods have evolved to the bus communication
network to cope with the cabling cost and to achieve a high quality communication.
2) Control Level: We typically use control-level networks for peer-to-peer networks

between controllers such as PLCs, DCS, and computer systems used for human
machine interface (HMI), historical archiving, and supervisory control. We use
control buses to coordinate and synchronize control between production units and
manufacturing cells. Typically, PROFIBUS-DP and Ethernet with TCP/IP are the
most industrial networks used to connect upper-level control devices and
computers.
3) Information Level: The information level is the top level of a plant or an industrial
automation system. The plant level controller gathers the management information
from the control level, and manages the whole automation system. At the
information level there exist large scale networks, e.g. Ethernet WANs for factory
planning and management information exchange. We can use Ethernet networks as
a gateway to connect other industrial networks [4].
Figure ‎1-5 The Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) architecture
7
A new architecture that combines all this communication protocols is needed. This new
hierarchy is called the CIM or Computer Integrated Manufacturing architecture and can
be seen in Figure 1-5. This architecture organizes the level of factory communication
systems and was initially derived from the MAP or the Manufacturing Automation
Protocol project. This project was initiated by North American industrial companies
leaded by General Motors (GM) at 1980. The main target of this group was to define a
new open standard for the communication in the factory that can allow the
interoperability (compatibility) between many components that came from different
manufacturers. There had been similar groups and attempts to standardize such protocols
in Europe during the 80's of the last century. For examples, the FIP existed in France and
PROFIBUS in Germany.
1.4 The Fieldbuses and the Network Reference Model

In the previous sections we have discussed Fieldbus definition and its historical origins.
We mentioned that it is considered as a network that connects the field devices at the
factory floor together with the controllers. Since it is a network, we have to know its
relation with the famous OSI reference model. We will describe the Fieldbus in terms of
the layers of the OSI model.
The OSI model organizes the protocols used and the services provided by a general
communication system in a stack of layers. It is a complete layered network model in
which each layer does certain communication service. One can see in Figure 1-6(a) the
reference OSI model layers. How it works? From the same figure, we can see that if a
node wants to send a data packet from the application, it must first call for the sending
service of its application layer which in turn will call the sending functions in the next
layer, and so on till the data is sent at the physical medium to the other node. This node
will reverse the sequence till the received data reaches the application layer of its node
then to the application which will use this data. The OSI model consists of seven layers:
1) Application layer which provides the services that are required by specific
applications
2) Presentation layer which is responsible for the data interpretation, this allows for
interoperability among different equipments.
3) Session layer concerned with any execution of remote actions
4) Transport layer responsible for the end-to-end communication control
5) Network layer concerned with logical addressing process of nodes and routing
schemes
6) Data link layer responsible for the access to the communication medium, and for
the logical transfer of the data
7) Physical layer concerned with the way that the communication is done physically
Modification to the MAP project was necessary, as the node implementation became
more complex, in order to support all the services of the OSI reference model. The
modification allowed the short length control data packets, which occurs at high rates, to
8
be directly transmitted through the application layer to the data link layer. This means
that we abbreviated the OSI hierarchy into a 3-layer model as can be seen in
Figure 1-6(b). The resulting Fieldbus is referred to as a 3-layered architecture which is
defined by IEC 61158 (Fieldbus Standardization) [3].
These layers are: the Application layer, the Data link layer, the Physical layer. One may
assume that the other four layers of the OSI model that are not available in the Fieldbus
hierarchy have disappeared along with their own functions and services. This is
absolutely wrong, as these functions are augmented into the remaining layers. For
example, the main function of the presentation layer, which was to support the
interoperability between different equipments, is done now by the application layer in the
Fieldbus. The assembling and disassembling of data packets which was the function of
the transport layer is done now by the data link layer in the Fieldbus network. If routers to
be used in some Fieldbus networks, then the routing service, which was assigned to the
network layer, is mainly done by the application in the Fieldbus [1].
Figure ‎1-6 The OSI 7-layers reference model (a), and the reduced Fieldbus 3-layer
structure (b)
There exist many protocols and services that are laid in the 3-layerd hierarchy of the
Fieldbus network. This at the end will lead to a great difficulty in evaluating one and
unique international Fieldbus standard. In fact there are many different Fieldbus protocols
in the world.
There are large differences that can be found in the three layers of any Fieldbus protocol
and their similar layers in another Fieldbus protocol. The requirements are varied from
one situation to another. In most cases the quality of services and the system throughput
in addition to the overall system performance are all common requirements for any
automatic control system.
1.5 The FieldBuses and the Network Topology

An important feature of the Fieldbus is the network topology. There are five fundamental
topologies: mesh, star, tree, bus, and ring. Each having its own individual characteristics,
9
which are properly selected when designing the network. There exist combined
topologies which contain more than two topologies [3].
1.5.1 Mesh Connection

Mesh topology shows the fully connected network between nodes, which has n(n-1)/2
physical line to connect n stations. For example, Figure 1-7(a) shows the network that has
5 nodes and 5(5-1)/2, 10 physical links. A mesh topology has several advantages; each
link has only its own data traffic because each node has its own link between nodes. The
robust point to point structure guarantees the security and privacy between stations. On
the other hand, the disadvantages of mesh topology are complexity and high installation
cost because of the fully connected structure.
1.5.2 Star Connection

In a star topology, the links are connected between peripheral nodes and central node.
Figure 1-7(b) shows the star topology that links the peripheral stations (nodes 0 to 4) and
the central hub (node 5). The nodes are not directly connected to each other. The stations
can communicate with each other through only a central device, hub. Due to this
structure, a star topology is less expensive than a mesh topology. However, it is not
cheaper than other topologies such as tree, bus and ring, because each node requires the
link between itself and the central hub.
1.5.3 Tree Connection

The basic structure of a tree topology is a star topology. Figure 1-7(c) shows the tree
topology that is linked between star topologies by a hub. A tree topology has
characteristics of a star topology. The advantages of a tree topology are that it makes the
network range wider by using several hubs (repeaters) and allows the network to group
by location or purpose.
1.5.4 Bus Connection

In a bus topology, all nodes are linked on one line. All stations in the bus topology use a
common line, called a backbone. The advantages of a bus topology are lower installation
cost and easier installation than other topologies. Figure 1-7(d) shows the bus topology in
which all stations are connected on one line. Disadvantages of a bus topology are
difficulty in adding a new device and the effect of severe damage when having the
problems with the backbone.
1.5.5 Ring Connection

In a ring topology, each node is connected by an adjacent node. Figure 1-7(e) shows the
ring topology that is connected by one line. Each node has a role as a repeater. Data flow
through the single line that links all nodes.
1.6 Different Types of Fieldbuses

As we mention before, there are many the different types of the Fieldbuses that do exist
in the international market, so standardization efforts started on the international level at
10
the International Electro-technical Commission (IEC) to find a certain Fieldbus protocol

that can fulfill all the requirements of the plant designers.
Figure ‎1-7 Fieldbus topologies: a) mesh b) star c) tree d) bus e) ring
The most famous Fieldbuses systems are:
1) World Factory Instrumentation Protocol (WorldFIP).

2) Process Field Bus (PROFIBUS).
3) Actuator- Sensor Interface (AS-i)
One of the most famous Fieldbuses systems is the Actuator- Sensor Interface (AS-i). It is
a simplified and robust Fieldbus that enables easy and fast interfacing of sensors and
actuators using logical processing functions of the automatic control.
1.7 Scope of Work in this Thesis

The purpose of this study is to investigate the Actuator- Sensor Interface (AS-i); its
components, system architecture, system configuration and advantages of this Fieldbus
protocols. The work in this thesis includes also a practical application set up to
demonstrate the AS-i capabilities.
11
1.8 Thesis Layout

This thesis lies in six chapters:
Chapter 1 includes an introduction to the Fieldbus systems, their advantages, network

structure, and their different types.
Chapter 2 explains the features of AS-i Fieldbus systems, advantages, architectures and
their different versions.
Chapter 3 enumerates the different components that exist in the AS-i network as well as
the functionality of each component.
Chapter 4 discusses the principal of operation for the AS-i network, the data packet frame
structure and the profiles of the AS-i master and AS-i slaves.
Chapter 5 illustrates a practical application which is a conveyor controlled by PLC via an
AS-i network and using a gateway AS-i master connected to the PLC using a PROFIBUS
network.
Chapter 6 includes the conclusions derived from the work in this thesis as well as a
proposal for future work.
12
CHAPTER 2 INTRODUCTION TO AS-I FIELDBUS
CHAPTER 2 INTRODUCTION TO AS-i FIELDBUS
2.1 Introduction
The AS-i (Actuator Sensor Interface) protocol was created in Germany in 1994 by a
consortium of factory automation suppliers. The AS-i is the simple and effective
networking system for the field level. As an open, non-proprietary bus system, it transfers
process and machine related digital and analog signals. It also acts as a universal interface
between basic digital actuators and sensors and higher level controls.
What makes it so outstanding is the fact that the AS-i system distinguishes itself by
providing such a high degree of simplicity and effectiveness. When compared to other
Fieldbus systems, it is by far the most favorably priced networking solution. It is
therefore no surprise that AS-i has established itself to become a permanent benchmark in
industrial automation. This is not only because it is extremely simple to handle and quick
to install, but also because it is especially flexible when it comes to retrofits.
AS-i has since gained acceptance in process industries due to its high power capability,
simplicity of installation and operation, and low cost. On the average, this system can
reduce the global cost of installations by 25% compared with traditional cabling [5].
2.2 AS-i Position

As we mention before, a plant can be divided into different automation levels. Not all the
levels are always present in every plant, but certain sub-areas, such as the actuator-sensor
level and the field level are always present. The various levels are linked via bus systems.
The higher the position of these bus systems in the hierarchy, the greater the requirements
as far as data volume and user-friendliness are concerned [6]. As seen in Figure 2-1 AS-i
has established itself at the lowest automation level, where it is located below the
Fieldbuses [7].
Figure ‎2-1 AS-i in the automation pyramid
13
2.3 AS-i Strong Points

There are several advantages for applying AS-i Fieldbus system in the plant which are
listed below [8]:
1) AS-i is a normalized interfacing system: totally defined within the EN 50-295 and
IEC62026 standard.
2) AS-i is designed primarily for binary (on-off) sensors and actuators although
analogue elements are also easily incorporated.
3) AS-i is a non-proprietary open standard: warranty that products are
interchangeable, as proven by the certification delivered by AS-i association.
Figure 2-2 shows the AS-i certification symbol (shadow logo).
4) AS-i is a deterministic system with very short response times: transmission of
data within a given time is warranted.
5) Power and bus communications are on same pair of wires
6) AS-i offers great flexibility in network topology as the network can be: star, line,
tree/branch, etc.
7) The automation system can be easily modified or extended.
8) Cost reduction in cabling, no need for separate junction boxes, marshalling boxes,
and individual terminations.
9) Reduction of design & installation time.
Figure ‎2-2 The AS- i certification symbol (shadow logo)
2.4 Conventional Cabling Scheme Versus AS-i Cabling

Scheme
2.4.1 Conventional Cabling Scheme
Figure 2-3 shows a conventional wiring scheme. This example shows a conveyor
utilizing both digital inputs and outputs for the control and monitoring of the operation.
Conventional wiring schemes often specify that digital input and output signals are
cabled separately leading to an increase in cabling.
14
Figure ‎2-3 Conventional Cabling Scheme
Junction boxes are normally placed in areas where groups of sensors/controls are
mounted. To reduce cabling further, multi-core cables are then run into larger
marshalling boxes where cabling again can be rationalized into larger multi-core cables.
Add to this the amount of time required to install the cables, glands and finally
termination and marking of all the individual cores at both ends and all points between
the PLC and end devices. Testing is then required to take place to verify that cabling is
correct then commissioning can begin [6].
2.4.2 AS-i Cabling Scheme
Consider now the AS-i wiring scheme shown in Figure 2-4. It can be seen that there has
been roughly a 60-70% reduction in cabling, no need for separate junction boxes,
marshalling boxes, and individual terminations. Our example shows that sensors have
been wired into AS-i slave modules via flying leads. These modules are then connected
onto the AS-i cable by a simple compression connection. No need for extra tooling.
Pushbutton stations are also available as AS-i slave modules reducing the need for further
cabling.
These devices are all hooked up to the yellow AS-i cable that is then fed (in this case via
coupling modules), into the AS-i master controller in the PLC. Addressing of the
sensors/controllers in the PLC program is exactly the same as by conventional wiring
methods [6].
15
Figure ‎2-4 AS-i Cabling Scheme
2.5 Principal Performance Characteristics

Principal performance characteristics consists of 7 main points [8]:
2.5.1 Protocol
AS-i is a master-slave system. Slaves are managed by a single master that interrogates
each slave present on the cable in turn and waits for its response.
2.5.2 Number of Slaves

31 max.(specification V2.0). Each slave has its own address.
62 max.(specification V2.1 using A/B Technology). Each slave has its own address.
2.5.3 Query Cycle

5 ms max. for 31 On/Off slaves and 10 ms for 62 On/Off slaves.
Maximum number of On/off inputs/outputs per slave are 4I+4O per slave for V2.0 and
4I+3O per slave for V2.1.
2.5.4 Total Number of Traditional Input/Output Signals Connectable

to the AS-i
124 I/124 O for V2.0 and 248 I/ 186 O for V2.1.
2.5.5 Transmission Medium

A cable (2x1.5 mm²) unshielded wires, carrying the power supply for peripherals as well
as logical signals.
16
2.5.6 Maximum System Length

100 m, extendible to 600 m using repeaters and extension plugs. This is applicable for all
cables and extension cables forming part of the system.
2.5.7 Voltage Distributed Through the Cable

30 V DC (AS-i + and AS-i -). This means that standard 24 V sensors can be connected to
AS-i splitter boxes.
2.6 New A/B Technology
Figure ‎2-5 New A/B Technology in V 2.1
Figure 2-5 illustrate the new A/B technology which is applied for the AS-i salve
configuration from the version 2.1. A salve address range is from (1A… to 31B), this can
increase the no of slaves from 31slaves to 62 slaves [7].
The communication cycle is structured in the sequence:
1) The master calls all the A and single slaves

2) The master calls all the B and single slaves
3) The B and single slaves reply to the master
4) The A and single slaves reply to the master
2.7 AS-i System Architecture

AS-i system architecture is divided in 3 main types [9]:
2.7.1 Topology up to 100 m

AS-i systems may employ any type of topology and thus, can be adapted perfectly to the
needs of the application. A new "branch" may be connected at any point. No line adaptor
17
resistors or terminators are required. The sensors and actuators may be positioned at any
point on the system, at any distance from each other, thus allowing them to be ideally
located on the machine as shown in Figure 2-6.
Figure ‎2-6 AS-i Topology up to 100 m
2.7.2 Extension up to 300 m

The extension is made using the repeater as shown in Figure 2-7. This repeater may be
placed anywhere along the AS-i cable. It regenerates the signal and decouples the two
segments. Consequently, an AS-i power supply is necessary behind the repeater. The
repeater introduces a delay in the data transmission. Due to this delay, a maximum of two
repeaters may be put in series. Thus, it is possible to be at a distance of up to 300 m from
the master using AS-i.
Figure ‎2-7 AS-i network Extension up to 300 m
2.7.3 Extension up to 600 m

The maximum possible network dimension can be extended by using repeater in
combination with the extension plug. It should be note that if using the repeater in
combination with the extension plug it is not allowed connecting repeaters in series.
Therefore, the maximum distance Master-Slave is 400 m as shown in Figure 2-8, and the
absolute maximum distance is 600 m if the master is located in the middle of the network.
18
Figure ‎2-8 AS-i network Extension up to 600 m
2.8 AS- interface Version 3.0

Table 2-1 illustrates the AS-i (V3.0) features [9]:
Table ‎2-1 AS-i (V3.0) Features
Number of Slaves 62
I/O Range 496 I+496 O
Transmission Rating Current up to 8A
Media Unshielded Twin core 2 x 1.5mm2
Max Cycle 20 ms
Number of Analogue Slaves 62
Access Method Master/Slave
Max Cable Length 100 m Extension with Repeater up to 600m
19
2.9 Summary
AS-Interface is designed as a simple system for quick data exchange of binary signals.
The biggest advantage of AS-Interface is the quick, low cost and uncomplicated
installation of the system.
20
CHAPTER 3 AS-I SYSTEM COMPONENTS
CHAPTER 3 AS-i SYSTEM COMPONENTS
3.1 Introduction
In this chapter, the different types of components that construct the AS-i system will be
discussed. AS-i master, AS-i slaves, AS-i power supply, AS-i cables and accessories, all
of these components must exist in any AS-i network. In the following sections, we will
illustrate the functionality of each component.
3.2 AS-i Master

The bus master is the intelligent device which manages data exchanges with the slaves on
the bus. It polls to each slave in turn sending out information (their output) and wait the
replies (their input). Two types of bus master may be used [8].
3.2.1 The PLC Master

Using the AS-i PLC master card, as shown in Figure 3-1, the controller CPU can directly
access the AS-i periphery. The AS-i master and CPU normally communicate via the
internal PLC bus which is also used for the exchange of data by other interface
connections, e.g. the input / output modules. This ensures a quick exchange of data and
compatibility with existing PLC programs. So the user can further use his existing
software [7].
Figure ‎3-1 AS-i PLC Master
21
3.2.2 The Gateway Master

AS-i is designed as actuator sensor interface for binary participants. Therefore, couplers
(gateways) to higher-level bus systems (e.g. Profibus) specially designed for larger data
volumes are available. On the other hand, the gateway consists of an AS-i master which
establishes the connection to AS-i and on the other hand of a connection to the higher-
level system to which the AS-i data are transferred. Concerning programming, the AS-i
master is treated like a participant of the higher-level bus, as depicted by Figure 3-2.
Figure ‎3-2 AS-i Gateway Master
3.3 AS-i Power Supply

AS-i power supplies supply all participants connected to the yellow AS-i cable. These are
usually slaves, connected sensors, intelligent actuators and the repeaters. Both data and
power are supplied on the two-wire cable. The DC power carries the AS-i signal. The
AS-i signal and the voltage regulating circuitry of the power supply do not get along and
must be separated. The theory of filtering designated frequencies is as old as radio, but
there is still some art in the sizing and layout of the components.
Typical AS-i media is not shielded. If an application does arise where shielding is
required then the shield would be grounded in only one place, as shown in Figure 3-3.
AS-interface power supplies with integrated signal decoupling are available from 2 to 8
amps.
22
Figure ‎3-3 AS-i Power Supply
The original AS-i power supply provided voltages in the 30VDC range. The actual
specification was 29.5 to 31.6 volts DC. The reason for being higher than the industry
standard nominal 24VDC was to compensate for the voltage drop on the line. The goal
was to be able to supply the end device with 24VDC (+10%/-15%).The approximate
value of the resistance (R) is 39Ω, the inductance (L) is 50 µH and the capacitance (C) is
not specified but must be appropriate with the power supply design [10].
3.4 AS-i Cables

The AS-i flat cable is unscreened. It carries the data signals and 24 VDC power to supply
the sensors and actuators on the system. The cable has a DC resistance of approximately
4.1 Ω/1000 feet. The outer sheath is colored yellow and his section is 1.5 mm² as shown
in Figure 3-4. This cable is of special profile to eliminate any risk of polarity inversion
when connecting devices to it. A black version of this cable with same characteristics is
also available for distribution of 24 V auxiliary supplies.
Figure ‎3-4 AS-i Cables
The insulating sheath has a self-healing property whereby, should an ID connector be

removed, the cable will "self-seal". This feature means that connectors can be removed
and repositioned at will, without having to use a new cable. The cable and ID connectors
have been designed so that a whole AS-i system can be cabled rapidly and easily
23
modified or extended, depending upon the needs of the system. For aggressive
environments, the TPE variant of these yellow and black cables provides good resistance
to oils and gasoline vapors [8].
3.5 AS-i I/O Modules

AS-interface was designed as a decentralized system, thus allowing the conventional PLC
with its large rack and high number of input /output cards to become a thing of the past.
The AS-i I/O modules can replace the conventional PLC I/O cards with the same
functionality. The communication to the PLC is handled in the usual way via an AS-i
master. The modules in an AS-i network are divided into two types, the smart line
modules and the field application modules [7].
3.5.1 Smart Line Modules

Smart line modules are suitable for use in control cabinets .The modules can be digital or
analogue, depend on the type of the signal connected to the module, as shown in
Figure 3-5. The smart line modules have the following characteristics [7]:
1) Robust DIN rail mounting
2) Addressing socket on the front
3) Combicon terminals for quick replacement
4) Screw terminals, insulation displacement terminals or cage clamps
5) All status LEDs clearly visible on the front
6) Peripheral fault indication
Figure ‎3-5 AS-i Smart Line Modules
3.5.2 Field Application Modules

The easy AS-i bus technology for the distribution of binary and analogue signals reduces
so far the usual high number of parallel cables, so the field application modules are
modified to replace the conventional remote PLC I/O cards. An example is shown in
Figure 3-6 [7].
24
Figure ‎3-6 Field Application Module SIEMENS Type
The modules can be 4 input or 4 output or 2input/2output.The signal is connected to the

module via M12 connector and analogue modules which support signal ranges 0….20
mA/4…20 mA (inputs or outputs), 0…10V (inputs or outputs), PT100 inputs only [6].
Figure ‎3-7 How to install an AS-i module
To connect an AS-i module to the network, as shown in Figure 3-7, the following steps
have to be executed [6]:
1) Fix the connection module (FK connecting module) to the equipment. You can
either screw the module on or snap it onto a DIN rail.
2) Insert the AS-i cable and secure it mechanically with the guides
3) Screw on the application module. Special pressure pads underneath the
application module press the AS-i cable onto the contact blades in the connection
module. This establishes electrical contact.
4) Connect the standard sensors/actuators using M12 connectors.
25
3.6 AS-i Sensors and Actuators

3.6.1 AS-i Sensors
Two types of sensors families are modified: namely, inductive proximity detectors and
photoelectric detectors. Furthermore, analogue sensors like pressure and temperature
sensors exist in the AS-i family as shown in Figure 3-8.
3.6.2 AS-i Actuators

Actuators can be motor starters and speed variators. Rotational directions and start / stop
functions of the drives are to be controlled via AS-i. It is only necessary to lay the 380 V
supply, the AS-i cable and if required, the additional black 24 V cable to the drive as
shown in Figure 3-9 [7].
Figure ‎3-8 Different Types of AS-i Sensors
Figure ‎3-9 Connection of the AS-i actuator to an AS-i network
26
3.7 AS-i Accessories

In addition to numerous masters, slaves and other components; an extensive range of
accessories is another strong point of an AS-i network. It comprises addressing units, flat
cable lower parts, flat cable insulation displacement connectors, jumpers, mounting
accessories and many other useful small components.
These accessories are not only required to set up an AS-i system, for example addressing
units, but also to establish a network topology by taking into consideration the conditions
on site (for example flat cable insulation displacement connectors). In addition, they
make operation or installation of an AS-i network easier [7].
3.7.1 AS-i Addressing Unit

In principle AS-i slaves can be addressed in two ways: by means of a separate addressing
unit or by means of software in the AS-i master as shown in Figure 3-10. No matter
which way the user chooses, at the end it is always the same commands that are sent to
the slave to allocate a fixed address [7].
Figure ‎3-10 AS-i Addressing Unit
In most cases, a hand-held addressing unit is used to program the slaves. This is not only
very convenient but it also simplifies installation and set-up. The hand-held addressing
unit features the following functions:
1) Addressing standard slaves and slaves supporting the extended addressing mode
2) Indicating all AS-i slaves connected to the bus
3) Reading and writing slave data and slave parameters
4) Indicating peripheral faults of a slave
3.7.2 Insulation Displacement Connectors

This insulation displacement connector, shown in Figure 3-11 enables the user to connect
different AS-i participants, e.g. intelligent sensors, to the flat cable [7].
27
Figure ‎3-11 FC Insulation Displacement Connector
3.7.3 Sealing of the Flat Cable

To prevent short circuits, the flat cable end should be protected against humidity and
direct contact. Figure 3-12 shows different types of flat cable sealing [7].
Figure ‎3-12 Different Types of Flat Cable Sealing
3.7.4 Repeater
One of the important accessories is the repeater shown in Figure 3-13. It can extend the
cable length from 100m to 300m as a maximum of two repeaters can be used in a
network.
Figure ‎3-13 Repeater in AS-i network
28
AS-i slaves can be fitted in both sides of the repeater and an AS-i power supply is
required at each side of the repeater.
3.7.5 Extender
Extender shown in Figure 3-14 can duplicate the length of the AS-i segment from 100 to
200 meters and hence reduce the costs of the network infrastructure for large networks. If
it is connected in combination with a repeater then a maximum AS-Interface network of
length 600m can be achieved, if the master is located in the middle of the network [6].
Figure ‎3-14 Extender in an AS-i network
3.8 Summary
The AS-i network consists of many types of components. Each one has its own role in the
network. One of the most important advantages of the AS-i system is the
interchangeability of the system so, different modules from different manufacturers (e.g.
Siemens, IFM…etc.) can be connected in a network without extra modifications.
29
CHAPTER 4 AS-I OPERATION
CHAPTER 4 AS-i OPERATION
4.1 AS-i Principle

4.1.1 Principle of Communication
The AS-i protocol is based upon a "Master/Slave" protocol. The AS-i master constantly
polls all the slaves on the AS-i and sends them the output information it has received
from the PLC. It also provides the PLC with the input information it has read. The
guaranteed cycle time for this to be completed is fully deterministic. During normal
operation (following the initialization and system start-up phases), the cycle time is
typically 5 ms for up to 31 connected slaves. This cycle time will reduce with fewer
slaves connected [8].
4.1.2 PLC Role

The PLC reads the input information provided by the AS-i master and writes these data to
its input data field, after execution the control program it updates its output data field
with the values derived from the control sequence. The length of the PLC cycle depends
on the PLC and the length of the control program.
4.1.3 Master Role

As a general rule, the master manages the following functions:
 System initialization
 Identification of the connected slaves
 A cyclical transmission of data relating to slave parameters
 Ensuring the integrity of the normal cyclical data exchanges
 Managing the system diagnostics (operational status of slaves)
 Monitoring the condition of the PSU, etc.
 Communicating any errors detected to the system controller (PLC,..etc.)
 Reconfiguration of slave addresses should the system be changed in any way (for
example: replacement of a slave module, etc.)
The "Master Profile" will define the individual capabilities of each type of "Master".
4.1.4 Master Profiles

Different profiles characterizing the performance have been defined for AS-i masters. For
the further development of the slave functions, the new functions have also been
integrated in the master profiles. Table 4-1 shows the different types of masters‟ profiles.
30
Table ‎4-1 Different AS-i Master Profiles
Profile Functionality
M0 Only binary signal are transmitted No analogue signals are exchanged
M1 Like M0, in addition analogue signals are exchanged
M2 Cyclical data exchange and a cyclical AS-i Parameters
M3 Like M1,complemented by extended addressing mode (62 slaves)
M4 Like M3, complemented by data protocols for byte transmission
4.1.5 Slave Role

Slaves decode queries they receive and answer immediately to the Master. As for
Masters, their function capabilities are defined by a "profile".
4.1.6 Slave Profile

The profiles mainly decide on the compatibility of the AS-i components. The profile
consists of two figures separated by a dot. The first figure indicates the I/O configuration
while the second one indicates the identification code (ID code). This profile must be
specified in the data sheet. Both configuration and ID code are permanently stored in the
slave by the manufacturer. To do so, 4 bits are available for each slave. These bits can be
read by the master. It would of course be conceivable to assign all 16 possible
combinations. But to ensure that the AS-i system remains open for further developments
in the future the combinations are used sparingly.
It is important that when the information is defined, the measuring method or operating
principle is not restricted. So it is possible at any time to replace, for example, an
inductive proximity sensor by a photoelectric sensor. The I/O configuration describes the
direction of the data bits as input or output or bidirectional [7]. Table 4-2 shows the I/O
Configuration Code where IN=Input, OUT= output, I/O = Bidirectional, NONE=Not
configured.
Table ‎4-2 I/O Configuration Code
Code(Hex) D3 D2 D1 D0
0 IN IN IN IN
1 OUT IN IN IN
2 I/O IN IN IN
3 OUT OUT IN IN
4 I/O I/O IN IN
5 OUT OUT OUT IN
6 I/O I/O I/O IN
7 I/O I/O I/O I/O
31
Code(Hex) D3 D2 D1 D0
8 OUT OUT OUT OUT
9 IN OUT OUT OUT
A I/O OUT OUT OUT
B IN IN OUT OUT
C I/O I/O OUT OUT
D IN IN IN OUT
E I/O I/O I/O OUT
F NONE NONE NONE NONE
The ID code shows whether a slave has no profile (F hex), or there are decentralized
peripheral modules (0 hex) or defined intelligent sensors, actuators or modules (1 hex). A
profile is a clear description of a device; not only in terms of its I/O but also defining
which data bits are used for which functions. Profiles make devices “interoperable”, so
devices from any vendor work with each-other thus easing replacement without the need
for further modifications [6]. Table 4-3 shows all the slave profiles that have been defined
by the AS-i organization.
Table ‎4-3 Allocated Profile of AS-i slaves
Allocated profile Description

X.0 Remote I/O
0.1 Double dual signal sensor
1.1 Single sensor
3.1 Double sensor/actuator
7.1 Analogue input/output profile (6 to 18 bit).
7.2 Extended analogue input/output profile (6 to 21 bit).
Integrated analogue input/output profile (16 bit, with integrated master
7.3
support)
7.4 Integrated extended analogue input/output profile (16 bit).
7.B Safety sensors (AS-i Safe)
X.A Reserved for extended addressing of A/B slaves for V2.1
7.D Relay motor control
7.E Solid state motor control
8.1 Double dual signal actuator
B.1 Dual actuator with feedback
32
Allocated profile Description

D.1 Single actuating with monitoring
X.F Undefined, vendor specific devices
The introduction of AS-interface 2.1 extended the profile by a third digit, the ID_2_Code.
It indicates for example whether a slave supports the peripheral fault.
4.1.7 Interaction Between PLC, Master and Slaves

Figure 4-1 shows the interaction between the AS-i master and the PLC. Operation takes
place in two independent cycles, the PLC cycle and the AS-i cycle. The AS-i master
constantly polls all the slaves on the AS-i and sends them the output information it has
received from the PLC. It also provides the PLC with the input information it has read.
This AS-i cycle takes a maximum of 5ms (for a V2.0 AS-i master).
Before executing the program, the PLC reads the input information provided by the AS-i
master. The AS-i master presents the information in the same format as the I/O modules.
The PLC therefore cannot detect whether I/O modules or AS-i are being used. This
means that no additional software is required to access the by the AS-i master. When the
program has been executed, the output information is written to the AS-i master. The
length of the PLC cycle depends on the PLC and the length of the program [6].
Figure ‎4-1 Interaction Between PLC, Master and Slaves
33
4.2 The Master Operating Phases

"Off line" Phase
The purpose of this phase is to set the different bus constituents into an initial state.
Detection Phase
The detection phase consists of detecting slaves present on the AS-i cable and
memorizing their addresses and profiles.
Activation Phase
The activation phase consists of activating detected slaves for which the profile
corresponds to the planned configuration.
Normal Operation Phase

This phase corresponds to normal operation of the network. Periodic data exchanges
between the master and the slaves are as shown in Figure 4-2 [8].
Figure ‎4-2 Master Operating Phases
34
4.3 Master / Slave Dialogue Elements

4.3.1 Master Tables
"Inputs" data image table (IDI)
This table contains data relating to the D0 to D3 data bits received back from each active
slave on the system. Should any of the slaves be inactive, then the data in each relative
part of the table will 0.
“Outputs" data image table (ODI)

This table contains data relating to the D0 to D3 data bits to be sent to each active slave
on the system.
“Permanent parameter" data image table (PP)

This table contains data relating to the slave parameters as programmed (data held in non-
volatile memory).When the system is restarted, this data is transferred to the PI table, as
part of the initialization.
"Parameter" data image table (PI)

This table is used to store data relating to the P0 to P3 parameters which is sent to each
slave (1 to 31).
"Permanent configuration" data image tables (PCD)

This table contains data relating to all the possible accessible configuration codes of the
master and slaves. This data is held in nonvolatile memory within the master.
"Configuration" data image tables (CDI)

This table contains data relating to the I/O configuration and ID codes of all the slaves
connected to the AS-i system.
List of prospective slaves (LPS) table

This table contains address and profile data for all the slaves that have been configured
for use on the system and thus, those that should be present. These are termed
"Prospective slaves".
List of detected slaves (LDS) table

This table contains address and profile data relating to all the slaves that are detected (or
connected) on the system.
List of active slaves (LAS) table

Once the system starts up, it will look for all the prospective slaves. Any that are detected
(recognized) on the system will be activated and all their relevant data will be stored in
this table [8].
35
4.4 Slaves Mapping into the PLC

The inputs/outputs of all slaves are stored in an address field in the PLC. This address
field consists of 16 bytes; two slaves (4 bits) are stored in one byte. The top 4 bits of the
first byte contains the control information about the AS-i system. The base address
depends on which slot is used for the AS-i master. With the first slot, this is byte 64, refer
to Figure 4-3 for more illustration.
The following simple program illustrates how the assignment works:

A I65.2
= Q66.7
Input 65.2 is polled in this program. In the AS-i system, this input belongs to slave 3 (bit
2). Output 66.7 which is then set, corresponds to AS-i slave 4 (bit 3) [6].
Figure ‎4-3 Slaves Mapping into the PLC
4.5 Operation of Slave/Master Dialogue

4.5.1 Signal coding
The AS-i data transmitters convert series of 0 and 1 into current pulses that will be
converted into voltage pulses by AS-i cable, as shown in Figure 4-4.
These pulses are the result of a processing procedure which combines two types of
signals:
 A differential "Manchester" code.
 Modulation based upon a type of alternating sine wave (sin²) [8].
36
Alternating pulse modulation (APM) is a method of serial transmission in base-band

networks. The bit sequence to be transmitted is first recoded into a bit sequence that
causes a phase shift every time there is a change in the transmitted signal. This generates
a transmission current which, in conjunction with the inductor in the AS-i power supply,
produces the required signal voltage level on the AS-i cable.
Each rise in the transmission current therefore results in a negative voltage pulse and each
drop in the transmission current results in a positive voltage pulse. This method also
enables signals with a higher voltage than the supply voltage to be generated very easily
in the slave. This dispenses with the need for inductors in the slave, which reduces the
size and cost of the electronics that need to be integrated into the sensor or actuator. At
the receiving end these voltage signals on the AS-i cable are detected and converted back
to the transmitted bit sequence [6].
Figure ‎4-4 Signal Coding in AS-i
4.5.2 AS-i Data Packet

Data exchange between master and slaves is performed via telegrams (message frames).
A telegram is a sequence of bits with a specific meaning assigned to them. AS-i has
master telegrams that are sent by the master and slave telegrams that are returned by
slaves.
A master telegram is 14 bits in length. The bits contain the address of the addressed slave
(5 bits = 32 addresses) and the information to be transferred (4 bits of data). In addition, a
control bit is reserved for specifying the type of call. The remaining bits are for error
detection as shown in Figure 4-5 [6].
37
A slave telegram is 7 bits length. It is the response to the master calling the slave. This
reply must be sent shortly after the master telegram (3 to 10 bit times). The slave reply is
shorter as it is not necessary to transfer an address (there is only one master). Only 4 bits
of data/parameters are transferred to the master. The remaining bits are used for error
control purposes as shown in Figure 4-6.
Figure ‎4-5 Structure of an AS-Interface Master Message
Figure ‎4-6 Structure of an AS-Interface Slave Message
4.5.3 The Different Phases

The master passes through four phases [8]:
4.5.3.1 The initialization phase

Initialization occurs whenever the master is powered-up or reset and this phase will
ensure that all the data tables (buffers) within the various AS-i system components
(master, slaves, etc.) are initialized. The initialization phase is executed in the following
sequence:
1) The slave "input" image tables are reset to 0 (Input table = 0). This does not mean
that this represents the real status of the associated sensors and actuators on the
bus.
38
2) The slave "output" image tables are reset to 0 (Output table = 0). This also does
not mean that this represents the real status of the associated sensors and actuators
on the bus.
3) Any predefined parameters are stored by each slave, in its appropriate buffer.
4) The LDS table is reset to 0.
5) The LAS table is reset to 0.
6) The configuration reference table indicates that the configuration is invalid
(FFHEX).
7) The "Config. OK" indicator is reset to 0.
8) The indicator authorizing the "data exchange phase" is reset to 0.
4.5.3.2 The start up phase

The detection phase comprises the interrogation of each slave on the system, and the
storing of their respective address and profile. Figure 4-7 describe the sequence of the
startup phase. The AS-i master reads the I/O and the configuration data of the slaves
connected on the bus, if this data is read correctly the AS-i master store the slave address
in the LDS table and the I/O and the configuration data in the CDI table. If there was an
error in reading the slave data, the AS-i master polls the slave again to capture its
parameters as shown in Figure 4-7.
Figure ‎4-7 AS-i Bus Startup Phase
39
4.5.3.3 The activation phase

The bus master can operate in either of two distinct modes as shown in Figure 4-8:
 "Configuration mode": In this mode, all slaves connected to the bus will be
activated. No account is taken of any differences between the "prospective" slaves
and those actually connected. In this mode, no automatic addressing is possible.
 "Protected mode": This is the mode adopted by most systems, whereby the master
will only activate those slaves which figure within the prospective system
configuration and are recognized on the system. This is the only mode where
automatic addressing is possible.
Figure ‎4-8 AS-i Bus Activation Phase
40
4.5.3.4 The normal operating phase

This fourth phase is the normal operating mode of the AS-i bus system and consists of
regular cyclical communication between the master and all the slaves, this being achieved
with a maximum cycle time of 5ms with 31 slaves being polled in V2.0 and with a
maximum cycle time of 10ms with 62 slaves being polled in V2.1& V3.0. Each cycle has
three stages:
a) Data Exchange Phase is the ongoing communication between the master and the
slaves. If the data exchange is unsuccessful, three more attempts can be made during
the next three cycles. After three failures, the system will assume that the slave has
become faulty or absent. Its relevant data will be deleted from the "Active" and
"Detected" tables and its "Input" image table will be reset to 0. A typical exchange
with each slave takes about 156 µs, so if the maximum of 31 slaves were connected,
the whole cycle would only take: 31 x 156 µs = 4.84 ms (thus < 5 ms).
b) System Management Phase, after completion the data exchange phase, the master
may send other command messages to the slaves. Each transaction is unique and
cyclical, which means that it only occurs during a normal operating cycle and the
master can only send one particular command to one particular slave at any instant.
So, the par metering phase of the 31 slaves will take: 31 x 5 ms = 155 ms.
These messages are, for example:

 Writing par metering data
 Reading operational status
 Reading a slave configuration
 Reading a slave address (ID) code
 Assigning a slave address (ID) code and Resetting, etc
c) Update /Slave Introduction Phase, after the completion of the management phase, the
master instigates an update/slave introduction phase to check for any new slaves on
the bus. The master interrogates each slave in turn (addresses 0 to 31) to check each
I/O configuration and ID. In the worst case, any new slaves will be detected by the
time the system has completed 31 cycles (polled around a maximum of 31 addresses).
If a new slave is detected, then 3 more cycles will be required to:

 Read the I/O configuration
 Read the ID code
 Send any par metering data
The maximum period required to introduce a new slave during this phase is 170 ms,
i.e. (31 cycles × 5 ms) + (3 × 5 ms) = 170 ms. The principle of comparing the various
tables of configured, prospective and detected slaves is again used to activate the new
slave [8].
41
4.6 Summary
The AS-i network operation is based upon a "Master/Slave" protocol. The master has
different phases of operation and contains different tables in its memory. Each table
contains the data bits received back from each active slave on the system. The AS-i
system messages which are sent by the master and returned by slaves have a specific
structure and signal coding.
42
CHAPTER 5 AS-I EXPERIMENT SETUP
CHAPTER 5 AS-i EXPERIMENTAL SETUP
5.1 Introduction
In this chapter, an experiment will be developed to illustrate the AS-i operation. We will
see the configuration of the AS-i master and slave and how to connect the master to a
PLC via a PROFIBUS network.
5.2 Experiment Components

5.2.1 The PLC Unit
The PLC Unit shown in Figure 5-1 is responsible for the sequence of the operation. It is
connected to the AS-i master via a PROFIBUS network. A PLC program is downloaded
to the CPU of the PLC to execute the sequence.
Figure ‎5-1 PLC UNIT
43
The PLC unit consists of the following components:

1) A S7-300 programmable logic controller with a CPU 313C-2DP
2) A micro memory card (inserted in the CPU)
3) Analogue input module
4) Analogue output module
5) Power supply, 24VDC, 5A
5.2.2 AS-i Unit

The AS-i unit shown in Figure 5-2 is responsible for the AS-i operation. It is connected to
the controller PLC via a PROFIBUS network. It reads the input signal come from the
field (conveyor in our experiment) and sends it to the PLC which processes the signals
and drives the outputs and sends it to the field again via the network.
Figure ‎5-2 AS-i unit
The AS-i unit consists of some modules. Each one has its own function. In the following
sections we will describe the functionality of each module.
5.2.2.1 AS-i Power supply “AC‎1236‎IFM”

AS-i power supply is an essential part of the AS-i network. It provides a regulated dc
voltage of value 30VDC .The data and the required voltage can be transmitted via the
same 2-wires (AS-i“+” and AS-i“-”) due to the data decoupling feature in the AS-i power
supply. In our experiment, we use the “AC 1236”of type IFM as a power supply [7]. It is
shown in Figure 5-3. The AS-i power supply has the following features:
 Input 100-240 VAC/ 1.7-0.8A
 Output 30 VDC/ 2.8 A
44
Figure ‎5-3 AS-i Power Supply (AC 1236 IFM)
5.2.2.2 AS-i‎Master‎(DP/AS−i‎Link‎Advanced)
The DP/AS-i Link (6GK1415-2BA10) shown in Figure 5-4 is both a PROFIBUS DP
slave and an AS-Interface master at the same time. The DP/AS-i Link Advanced connects
the actuator-sensor interface with PROFIBUS DP. Using the DP/AS-i Link, the inputs
and outputs of the AS-i slaves can be accessed from PROFIBUS DP. Depending on the
slave type, binary values or analog values can be accessed [11].
The DP/AS−i Link Advanced has the following features:

 The DP/AS-i is an AS-Interface master (complying with the AS-Interface
specification V3.0 according to EN 50 295) and allows transparent data access to
the AS-Interface from PROFIBUS DP.
 Single AS-Interface master (complying with AS-Interface specification V3.0) for
the connection of 62 AS-Interface slaves per master and integrated analog value
transfer
 The complete underlying AS-i line can be configured and commissioned on an
integrated operator display on the DP/AS–i Link (for example addressing the AS-i
slaves, I/O test of all digital and analog slaves).
 The DP/AS-i Link is equipped with an additional Ethernet port that allows the use
of the integrated Web server and firmware updates.
 Optimum TIA integration over STEP 7, linking of third-party engineering tools
using PROFIBUS type file (GSD)
 Power supply from the AS-Interface cable (line 1), therefore no additional power
supply necessary, as an alternative, a 24 V DC power supply can be used.
 Module replacement without PG by using C-PLUG (Configuration Plug) [11].
45
Figure ‎5-4 DP/AS−i‎Link‎Advanced
5.2.2.3 AS-i‎slave‎“AC2264‎IFM”
The AS-i slave is responsible for the interface between the field (conveyor) and the AS-i
master.
Figure ‎5-5 AS-i slave module (AC2264 IFM)
46
The AS-i slave module (AC2264 IFM) shown in Figure 5-5 and Figure 5-6 has the
following features [12]:
 The slave profile is S-7.0.E
 Maximum number of these slaves modules per master 62 with AS-i master v2.1
and v3.0
 The slave module can be connected to four digital inputs and three digital outputs.
 The slave module can be addressed using addressing unit via addressing socket
„ADR‟.
Figure ‎5-6 Schematic Diagram of IFM AS-i slave module AC2264
The following Table 5-1 contains the connection of each pin in the AS-i slave module
AC2264.
Table ‎5-1 Pin Assignment in AS-i slave module AC2264
Pin Connection
A+ AS-i +
A- AS-i –
I+ Sensor supply +24 V
I- Sensor supply
E+ Actuator supply +24 V
E- Actuator supply 0 V
I1 ... I4 Switching inputs sensors 1...4
O1 ... O3 Switching outputs actuators 1...3
O- Switching output actuator 0 V
47
The AS-i slave module AC2264 has three groups of LEDs, each group has its
functionality:
 LEDs 1: indicate the switching status of sensor inputs
 LEDs 2: indicate the AS-i network, AS-i „FAULT‟,AS-i auxiliary power „AUX‟
 LEDs 3: indicate the switching status of the actuator outputs.
To check the safe functioning of the AS-i slave module, we have to supervise the color of
the LEDs, as there are four different modes of status indicated by the LED color:
 Green: voltage supply via the AS-i network is O.K.
 Yellow: input / output signal is switched
 Red: AS-i communication error, e. g. slave address 0.
 Red flashing: periphery fault, e.g. no sensor supply/overload or short circuit of the
output.
5.2.2.4 Power supply

A conventional power supply with, 24VDC, 5A is used to power the AS-i master, the
sensors and actuators signals. A PHOENIX power supply shown in Figure 5-7 is used in
our experiment with the following specifications:
 Input 100-240 VAC/ 1.9-0.9A 50-60 Hz
 Output 24 VDC/ 5 A
Figure ‎5-7 PHOENIX Power Supply
5.2.2.5 AS-i cable

Yellow AS-i cable is used for communication between the AS-i slave and the AS-i
master. An additional black cable is used for conventional power transfer 24 VDC.
Figure 5-8 shows the different types of AS-i cables used in the experiment.
48
Figure ‎5-8 AS-i Cable
5.2.2.6 Accessories
Some other components are used in the AS-i unit, it can be concluded in the following
Table 5-2:
Table ‎5-2 Accessories in AS-i unit
Item Component Qty

1 2 fuse ,Neon switch inlet 1
2 Power cable 1
3 UM 45-D25SUBIB 25pin female connector 1
4 UM 45-D25 SUBIS 25pin male connector 1
5 DUCT (Trunk ) (4X4 ) 3
6 Omega 2
7 Rosette with fuse 4
8 Rosette without fuse 4
9 Rosette earth 2
10 25pin male-female cable 2
11 Wires (Blue, Brown, Yellow x Green) 1.5 mm 5m
12 Wires (Blue, Red, Black) 0.5 mm 5m
5.2.2.7 AS-i unit wiring
Figure 5-9, Figure 5-10, Figure 5-11, Figure 5-12 and Figure 5-13 illustrate the AS-i unit
wiring.
49
Figure ‎5-9 Source of 220 VAC
Figure ‎5-10 Source of 24 VDC
50
Figure ‎5-11 AS-i power supply wiring
Figure ‎5-12 DP/AS−i‎Link‎wiring
51
Figure ‎5-13 AS−i‎Slave‎Module‎wiring
5.2.3 Field‎Application‎“Conveyor”
A conveyor unit is used for simulation of package transfer line with some pushbuttons
and photo cells fixed on it to control its operation.
Figure ‎5-14 The Conveyor Unit
52
The conveyor unit shown in Figure 5-14 has 8 inputs which are four switches
(S1,S2,S3,S4) and four photocells (PH1,PH2,PH3,PH4) and has five outputs which are
four LEDs (H1,H2,H3,H4) and belt run ,each one of these signals has a unique address
which will be assigned in the experiment.
5.3 Experiment Steps

5.3.1 PLC Project
A PLC project should be applied to operate the sequence of the application, as the PLC
used in the application is of type SIEMENS, we will use the SIMATIC Manager to
develop the PLC code and to configure the AS-i master. The SIMATIC Manager is a
graphic user-interface for online/offline editing of S7 objects (projects, user program
files, blocks, hardware stations and tools) [13]. The project creation should be done in a
sequence illustrated in the following steps.
1. Starting the SIMATIC Manager
After installation, there is a "SIMATIC Manager" icon on the Windows desktop. You
activate the program just like all other Windows applications when you double-click the
icon as shown in Figure 5-15.
Figure ‎5-15 Starting SIMATIC Manager
With the SIMATIC Manager you can:

 Manage projects and libraries.
 Activate STEP 7 tools.
 Access the PLC online.
 Edit memory cards.
53
2. Creating S7 project
To create a S7 project you should select the menu options File -> New or the symbol
from the toolbar to open the "New" dialog box for creating a new project or a new
library. Enter the project name in the "Name" box and click the "OK" button to
confirm as shown in Figure 5-16.
Figure ‎5-16 Creating S7 project
3. Inserting S7 program
To insert a S7 project you should: Select the Insert -> Program -> S7 Program menu to insert a new
program into the current project as shown in
Figure 5-17. When you insert an object, the system automatically gives it a relevant
name, such as "S7 Program (1)". You can then change this name if you like.
Figure ‎5-17 Inserting S7 program
54
4. Hardware Configuration and parameters assignment
With the Hardware Configuration tool you can:

 Assign racks, blocks and I/O modules by selecting them from hardware catalogue.
 Modify preset parameters or addresses of a module.
 Configure communication connections with stations that have distributed
peripherals (PROFIBUS-DP).
The following sequence illustrates the steps to create a hardware configuration properly:
Step 1: Inserting a Station

To call the “HW Config” tool, there must be a hardware station in the SIMATIC
Manager. As shown in Figure 5-18: you insert a new station in the current project by
selecting the menu options Insert -> Station -> SIMATIC 300 Station [14].
Figure ‎5-18 Inserting a Station
Step 2: Starting Hardware Configuration editor

As shown in Figure 5-19 to start the "HW Config" editor you should select a hardware
station in the SIMATIC Manager and choose the Edit --> Open Object menu or double
click the hardware object icon. To open the hardware catalog you should select the
View -> Catalog menu or click the icon in the toolbar. If “Standard” is selected as
the catalog profile, all racks, modules and interface modules are available in the
"Hardware Catalog" window.
55
Figure ‎5-19 Hardware Configuration tool
Step 3: Rack select

To insert a rack, you have to open a SIMATIC300 station in the Hardware Catalog.
Opening the "RACK-300" folder shows the icon for a DIN rail. You can insert this in the
"Hardware Configuration" window by double-clicking on it (or using drag & drop). Two
rack components list then appear in the two-part window: a plain list in the top part and a
detailed view with order numbers, MPI addresses and I/O addresses in the bottom part.
Step 4: CPU select

As shown in Figure 5-20 you select the CPU from the "CPU-300" folder, and insert it in
slot no. 2.
Step 5: Establish PROFIBUS network

As shown in Figure 5-21 to establish the PROFIBUS network, we have to proceed as
follows:
1) Double click on the DP property of the CPU, the window “Properties –DP“
appears.
2) Click the properties button in the window, the window “Properties –PROFIBUS
interface DP“ appears.
56
Figure ‎5-20 CPU Selection in H.W Configuration Tool
3) Click new in the window to create a new network and assign a unique address for
the CPU in the PROFIBUS network and select the transmission rate. In this
example the address of the CPU in the PROFIBUS network is “2“, and the
transmission rate is 1.5 Mb/s.
Figure ‎5-21 Establish a PROFIBUS network
57
4) Acknowledge the settings with "O.K.". The following symbol appears:

for the DP master system. This symbol is used as a “hanger" for the
DP slaves. By these steps the CPU is configured as a DP master in the network as
shown in Figure 5-22.
Figure ‎5-22 CPU as a DP master in the network
Step 6: Assign the AS-i master to the PROFIBUS network

As shown in Figure 5-23 from the PROFIBUS DP category, you select the DP/AS-i Link
module; drag and drop it on the symbol to assign it in the PROFIBUS
network.
Figure ‎5-23 AS-i master in the PROFIBUS network
58
By double click on the DP/AS-i Link module, a window “DP slave properties” appears.
We can assign the address for it in the PROFIBUS network from the “PROFIBUS“
button as shown in Figure 5-24.
Figure ‎5-24 Assignment an address for the AS-i master in the PROFIBUS network
Step 7: Assign the I/O area of the AS-i master

Each DP slave must reserve an area in the I/O area of the DP master “CPU in our
example”, the I/O area reserved depend on the type of the DP slave. The DP/AS-i Link
can reserve maximum 32 bytes in the input area and 32 bytes in the output area, as it can
connect with 62 slaves each one is 4I / 4O. As shown in Figure 5-25 we can select the
starting address for the AS-i master from the window “Properties-DP/AS-i 1M”.
Step 8: Select the AS-i slave

As shown in Figure 5-26 you select the AS-i slave form the drop down menu of the AS-i
master, once you select the AS-i module all the available slots are highlighted green, you
can select any slot to put the AS-i slave in it, each slot is reserved to a specified address
from (1A to 31A) and form (1B to 31B), so the maximum no of slaves that can be
connected to the master in our example is 62 slaves.
59
Figure ‎5-25 Assign the I/O area of the AS-i master
Figure ‎5-26 AS-i slave module selection
Step 9: Configuration of AS-i slave

The configuration of the AS-i module consists of module type selection, I/O
configuration code, ID code and address assignment. You can configure the AS-i slave
from the window “AS-i slave Properties” as shown in Figure 5-27.
60
Figure ‎5-27 AS-i slave Properties Window
 From the “Module” drop-down list box you can select the type of your AS-i
module if it is universal modules or Siemens modules based on the order number.
 The “Selection” button opens the tree structure of the AS-Interface catalog where
you can select the required AS-i module just as in the hardware catalog.
 In the “Parameters” group box you can set the startup parameters
 Using check boxes if you have selected universal modules.
 In plain language if you have selected Siemens modules, no need to assign the I/O
configuration code, or the ID code. Both codes are assigned automatically
 In the “Digital Addresses” group box, you can edit the proposed digital address
entries. This also applies to the “Analog addresses” group box, if an analog slave
is detected [11].
You have to configure the AS-i module with the parameters as they are mentioned in its
data sheet. The I/O configuration code defines its inputs and outputs and ID configuration
code define the profile of this slave. After finishing the configuration of the AS-i slave,
we are ready to download the “Final Hardware Configuration” as shown in Figure 5-28.
61
Figure ‎5-28 Final Hardware Configurations
Step 10: Saving Final H.W Configuration and downloading it to the CPU
When you select the Station->Save and Compile menu or click the icon in the toolbar
as shown in Figure 5-29 the configuration and parameter assignment data are also saved
in system data blocks. The system data blocks (SDBs) are generated and modified when
you configure the hardware and compile the hardware configuration. SDBs contain
configuration data and module parameters [13]. To download the selected configuration
to the PLC: choose the PLC -> Download menu or click the icon in the toolbar as
shown in Figure 5-30.
Figure ‎5-29 Saving Final H.W Configuration
62
Figure ‎5-30 Downloading Final H.W Configuration to the PLC
5. I/O Symbol Assignment
Every "S7 program" has its own symbol table. You can open a symbol table from the
SIMATIC Manager with a double click on the "Symbols" icon as shown in Figure 5-31.
Figure ‎5-31 Symbol Table in S7 Program
In the symbol table (refer to Table 5-3), a line is created for every variable. You can then
enter the symbol name, the address, the data type and a comment for the variable in the
columns. A blank line is automatically added at the end of the table for defining a new
63
symbol [14]. The following table illustrates the input- output symbols used in the S7
program.
Table ‎5-3 I/O symbols used in the S7 program
Symbol Address Data Type

CONVEYOR PHOTO CELL(PH4) I 32.0 BOOL
MOTOR START(S1) I 32.1 BOOL
MOTOR STOP(S2) I 32.2 BOOL
MOTOR RUN Q 32.0 BOOL
INDICATION LAMP RUN(H1) Q 32.1 BOOL
INDICATION LAMP STOP(H2) Q 32.2 BOOL
6. PLC Code
The tool LAD/STL/FBD Editor is used to edit the PLC code; you can open it by double
clicking on the block organization block number one (OB1). This block contains the code
divided into separate networks using a LAD programming language as shown in
Figure 5-32. After finishing the programming phase, we have to save the block (OB1)
and download it on the PLC by clicking the icon or selecting the PLC -> Download
menu option
Figure ‎5-32 Code in LAD
64
5.3.2 Commissioning the DP/AS-i Link

The following steps illustrate the commissioning of a DP/AS−i Link [11]:
1) Install the DP/AS−i Link and connect it to the AS-i cable.

2) Connect the AS-i power supply unit to the AS-i cable.
3) Turn on the AS-i power supply unit to start up the DP/AS−i Link.
4) Connect the AS-i slave to the AS-i cable and assign the required slave address.
→SYSTEM AS-i line 1 Life list Change Address Change Slave
Address.
5) Adopt the actual configuration of the slaves as the desired configuration on the
DP/AS−i Link.
→SYSTEM AS-i line 1 Life list Act −> Conf Adopt Act −>
Conf Result: All the LEDs for the AS-i line on the DP/AS−i Link are off or green;
in other words, the slave has been included successfully.
6) Assign the PROFIBUS address for the DP/AS−i Link (the address must match the
settings made above in the H.W configuration tool.)
→SYSTEM PROFIBUS Info DP Address Change Address.
7) Connect the DP/AS−i Link to the PLC over the PROFIBUS cable.
5.4 Experiment Operation

The following steps illustrate the experiment Operation:
1) Connect the conveyer to the AS-i unit with the two 25 pin male-female cables.
2) Power on the PLC unit and the AS-i unit.
3) Check that the „Run‟ led on the CPU and the AS-i master led „ON‟ are on.
4) Check that the LEDs System Fault „SF‟ and Bus Fault „BF‟ are off on the CPU
and the AS-i master.
5) Put the block on the conveyor.
6) Press the button motor start (S1).
7) The conveyor starts to move in right direction and the indication led (H1) is on.
8) When the block becomes in front of the photocell at the conveyor end, the
conveyor stops, the indication led (H1) is off and the indication led (H2) is on.
9) You can also stop the conveyor by pressing the button motor stop (S2).
5.5 Summary
One of the most important characteristic of the AS-Interface technology is the use of a
common two-core cable for data transmission and distribution of auxiliary power to the
sensors and actuators. The DP/AS-Interface Link is a single master gateway, which can
access inputs and outputs of the AS-Interface slaves and communicate to the PLC via
PROFIBUS network. The SIMATIC Manager S7 is used to configure the DP/AS-
Interface Link, assign parameters to the AS-i slaves as well as program the PLC with
operation code.
65
CHAPTER 6 CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK
6.1 Introduction
In this chapter, the conclusions are drawn. Definition of the AS-i and its advantages will
be summarized. Recommendations for future work are also discussed.
6.2 Conclusions
The actuator-sensor interface (AS-i) is the standard solution for simple, cost-effective
networking of sensors and actuators in the field. AS-i has established a strong position
throughout the automation pyramid in the field level. AS-i replaces conventional wiring
technology on the sensor actuator level. It has firmly established itself as a worldwide
standard for the cost-effective transfer of power and signals along a single cable. The
biggest advantage of AS-i is the quick and uncomplicated installation of the system.
Communication (Manchester encoding) and energy are transmitted via a 2-wire cable. By
using piercing technology for contacting the cable, it is possible to insert a new slave at
any point in the system. In addition, the arbitrary structure of the bus (line, tree, star,...)
permits the perfect adaptation to the relevant plant or machine.
An AS-i system comprises a master, an AS-i power supply unit, AS-i cables and the
nodes called AS-i slaves. The AS-i master forms the connection to higher level controls.
It independently organizes the data traffic on the AS-i line and, in addition to the signal
call-up, is responsible for parameter settings, monitoring and diagnostic functions.
The special AS-i power supply unit generates a regulated 30 V DC with a high degree of
stability and low residual ripple. It supplies the electronics of the network which means
the AS-i modules and the master, as well as the connected sensor system. As a result of
the integrated data decoupling, the power supply unit separates the data and power, as
both are simultaneously transferred along the two conductor AS-i cable.
The yellow, flat cable is a characteristic for the AS-i. Data and power for the sensors are
transferred along this cable. A second, black flat cable is used to supply the actuators with
24 V DC.
AS-i is an open standard. Thus, it is possible to operate different bus participants made by
different manufacturers in one network. AS-i slaves are generally addressed via AS-i
master or via an addressing unit. With the introduced AS-i specification V. 2.1 & v3.0
some innovations have been integrated into the AS-i system. The most important
alteration is the possibility to operate 62 (instead of 31) slaves in one network. This
became possible by the introduction of a differentiation between A and B slaves
(From1A…31A to 1B….. 31B).
66
AS-i can be used as part of a distributed architecture, as a subsystem for higher level bus
systems. Gateways or links are used for this philosophy such as the PROFIBUS
gateways. This enables the end user to be more flexible in the general cabling layout of
the system. It also allows for the configuration and commissioning of a control station
prior to the programming and completion of the central control station. This makes
commissioning much easier and reduces time.
6.3 Future Work Proposal

We suggest the use of the Ethernet protocol in industrial environments for automation
and production machine control. This constitutes an important enhancement of the AS-i
network.
67
References
[1] Introduction to Fieldbus systems, Available from: http://people.cs.pitt.edu/
~mhanna/Master/Introduction.pdf [Accessed 25th Feb. 2013].
[2] Jean-Pierre Thomesse, “Fieldbus Technology in Industrial Automation”,
Proceedings of the IEEE , June 2005, vol. 93, issue 6, pp 1073-1101.
[3] Alexandru Pescaru, and Radu Dobrescu, “Improving Fieldbus Design with Opnet
Simulation”, U.P.B. Sci. Bull., Series C, 2010, vol. 72, issue 4.
[4] Industrial Networks for Communication and Control, Available from: http://anp.tu-
sofia.bg/djiev/PDF%20files/Industrial%20Networks.pdf [Accessed 10th May 2013].
[5] AS-I Interface Answers for industry, Available from: http://www.industry.usa.
siemens.com/automation/us/en/industrial-controls/products/as-interface-field-bus
/doc uments/e20001-a550-p305-v3-7600.pdf [Accessed 30th October 2012].
[6] SIEMENS Training Course, “AS-i Training”, Release Feb. 2014.
[7] IFM Electronic GMBH, “IFM electronic Bus system AS- interface Catalogue
2008/2009”, Available from: http://www.ifm.com/ifmweb/downcont.nsf/files
/ifm_as-interface_catalogue_gb_08/$file/ifm_as-interface_catalogue_gb_08.pdf
[Accessed 2nd December 2013].
[8] Schneider Electric, Actuator-sensors interface AS-i-bus User guide, Jan 2000,
Available from: http://www.global-download.schneiderelectric.com/mainRepos-
itory/EDMS_CORP5.nsf/69f5d72c7a0cf811c12573d800389503/71d296d6b8fad0d
68525787f005fa8ba/$FILE/XDOC5011EN.pdf [Accessed 20th January 2014].
[9] SIMATIC NET AS-Interface - Introduction and Basics Manual, Available from:
https://w3.siemens.com/mcms/industrial-communication/en/support/ikinfo/Docum-
ents/SYH_asi_grundlagen-76.pdf [Accessed 15th July 2013].
[10] AS-i Interface Simple, Robust, Device-Level, Bus, Available from:
https://www.ulpgc.es/hege/almacen/download/31/31119/asitutorial.pdf [Accessed
17th April 2013].
[11] AS-i Gateway Manual, “DP/AS−i INTERFACE LINK Advanced, as of hardware
version 1, as of firmware version 2.0”, Release 03/2008, Available from:
http://cache.automation.siemens.com/dnl_iis/jE/jExNzI1OQAA_22710305_HB/G
H_dp-asi-link-advanced_76.pdf [Accessed 19th September 2013].
[12] IFM Electronic GMBH, “AS-i Module AC2264 installation instructions”, Available
from: http://www.ifm.com/mounting/7390465DEFRUK.pdf [Accessed 20th
November 2013].
[13] SIEMENS Training Course, “Siemens SIMATIC S7 PLC Basic”, Course Code ST-
7PRO1 [Accessed 28th August 2013].
[14] C.T. Jones STEP 7 in 7 Steps, Available from: http://www.etf.unssa.rs.ba/~
slubura/Procesni%20racunari/step7in7step/Step7in7step.pdf, ISBN 1-889101-03-6.
68
‫ملخص انشسانة‬
‫يقذية‪:‬‬
‫شٓذ يجال شبكاث االتصاالث فٗ انتطبيماث انصُاعيت تطٕراً يهحٕظاً فٗ انسُٕاث االخيزة‪ .‬حيث اٌ ْذِ انشبكاث‬
‫تهعب دٔراً ْاياً فٗ انزبط بيٍ أجٓشة انمياص انًختهفت ٔ يشغالث انتحكى اآلنٗ‪ .‬يعتبز َظاو انزبط بيٍ انًشغالث‬
‫ٔانحساساث يٍ أْى أَظًت انزبط انتٗ تُستخذو فٗ يعظى انتطبيماث انصُاعيت ‪ ،‬حيث يمٕو ْذا انُظاو باستبذال َظاو‬
‫انتٕصيم انتمهيذٖ بيٍ يختهف انحساساث ٔانًشغالث بكابم ٔاحذ يمٕو بُمم انبياَاث يٍ ْذِ األجٓشة إنٗ أجٓشة‬
‫انتحكى اآلنٗ ‪ٔ ،‬بانتانٗ يؤدٖ إنٗ تمهيم تكهفت إَشاء ْذِ انشبكاث باإلضافت إنٗ سزعت بُاؤْا‪.‬‬
‫انغشض يٍ هزِ انشسانة‪:‬‬

‫سٕف َمٕو فٗ ْذِ انزسانت انعهًيت بذراست َظاو انزبط عٍ طزيك كابم ٔاحذ بيٍ انًشغالث ٔانحساساث يٍ حيث‬
‫انًشايا ٔكيفيت بُاء ْذِ انشبكت ٔانتعزف عهٗ يختهف يكَٕاتٓا ‪ ،‬باالضافت إنٗ انمياو بئجزاء تجزبت عًهيت تشزح‬
‫خطٕاث إَشاء ْذا انُٕع يٍ شبكاث االتصاالث ٔكيفيت استخذايٓا فٗ انتطبيماث انصُاعيت‪.‬‬
‫ٔ تحتٕٖ ْذِ انذراست ستت فصٕل‪:‬‬
‫انفصم األول‪:‬‬
‫يحتٕٖ عهٗ تعزيف الَظًت ال "‪ٔ" Fieldbus‬يًيشاتٓا ٔطزق بُاء شبكاث اإلتصاالث‬
‫فٗ َظى انتحكى انصُاعٗ ‪.‬‬
‫انفصم انثاَى‪:‬‬
‫يُالش َظاو انزبط بيٍ انًشغالث ٔانحساساث" ‪ " AS-i‬يٍ حيث انخصائص‬
‫ٔانًًيشاث ٔاإلصذاراث انًختهفّ نٓذا انُٕع يٍ شبكاث اإلتصاالث‪.‬‬
‫انفصم انثانج‪:‬‬
‫يمٕو بذراست انًكَٕاث االساسيت نبُاء شبكاث ال" ‪ٔٔ " AS-i‬ظيفت كم جشء يٍ ْذِ‬
‫انًكَٕاث‪.‬‬
‫انفصم انشابع‪:‬‬
‫يمٕو بذراست انًبادا االساسيّ نكيفيّ عًم َظاو ال" ‪ٔ " AS-i‬انًزاحم انًختهفت انتٗ‬
‫يٍ خالنٓا يتى تبادل انبياَاث بيٍ يختهف انًكَٕاث ‪.‬‬
‫انفصم انخايس‪:‬‬
‫يشتًم عهٗ دراسّ تجزبت عًهيت نكيفيت تطبيك َظاو ال" ‪ " AS-i‬يٍ خالل انتحكى‬
‫باستخذاو ال" ‪ٔPLC‬اتصانّ بشبكت ال" ‪ " AS-i‬عٍ طزيك شبكت ال"‪"PROFIBUS‬‬
‫انفصم انسادس‪:‬‬
‫يشتًم عهٗ خالصت يا تى إستُباطّ خالل ْذِ انزسانت ٔ بعض األفكار انًمتزحت نهعًم‬
‫انًستمبهٗ‬
‫‪69‬‬

Actuator Sensor Interface System in Industrial Control Systems

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Alexandria University

Actuator Sensor Interface

Examination Committee: Approved:

Vice Dean for Graduate Students and Research:

‫َظاو انشبط بيٍ انًشغالت و انحساسات فى‬

‫رسانت يمذيت يٍ‬

‫نهحصٕل عهٗ درجت‬

‫انتىقيع‬ ‫نجُة انًُاقشة و انحكى عهى انشسانة‬

‫وكيم انكهية نهذساسات انعهيا و انبحىث‬

My deepest gratitude is presented to Prof. Dr. Mohamed Zakaria, Electrical Engineering

The actuator-sensor interface (AS-i) replaces conventional wiring technology on the

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION TO FIELDBUS

1.2 The Definition of a Fieldbus

1) The communication protocol used

1.2.1 Fieldbus Advantages

1.3 An Introduction to Industrial Systems Communication

1.3.1 Process Industry Communication: a Historical Background

Figure ‎1-1 Star topology used in the architecture of Process Control

There are several disadvantages associated with such a centralized system:

Figure ‎1-2 The hierarchical architecture

Figure ‎1-3 The distributed architecture in Process Control Systems

1.3.2 Manufacturing Industry: a Historical Background

2) Control Level: We typically use control-level networks for peer-to-peer networks

Figure ‎1-5 The Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) architecture

1.4 The Fieldbuses and the Network Reference Model

1.5 The FieldBuses and the Network Topology

1.5.1 Mesh Connection

1.5.2 Star Connection

1.5.3 Tree Connection

1.5.4 Bus Connection

1.5.5 Ring Connection

1.6 Different Types of Fieldbuses

the International Electro-technical Commission (IEC) to find a certain Fieldbus protocol

Figure ‎1-7 Fieldbus topologies: a) mesh b) star c) tree d) bus e) ring

The most famous Fieldbuses systems are:

1) World Factory Instrumentation Protocol (WorldFIP).

1.7 Scope of Work in this Thesis

1.8 Thesis Layout

Chapter 1 includes an introduction to the Fieldbus systems, their advantages, network

CHAPTER 2 INTRODUCTION TO AS-i FIELDBUS

2.2 AS-i Position

Figure ‎2-1 AS-i in the automation pyramid

2.3 AS-i Strong Points

Figure ‎2-2 The AS- i certification symbol (shadow logo)

2.4 Conventional Cabling Scheme Versus AS-i Cabling

Figure ‎2-3 Conventional Cabling Scheme

2.4.2 AS-i Cabling Scheme

Figure ‎2-4 AS-i Cabling Scheme

2.5 Principal Performance Characteristics

2.5.2 Number of Slaves

2.5.3 Query Cycle

2.5.4 Total Number of Traditional Input/Output Signals Connectable

2.5.5 Transmission Medium

2.5.6 Maximum System Length

2.5.7 Voltage Distributed Through the Cable

2.6 New A/B Technology

Figure ‎2-5 New A/B Technology in V 2.1

The communication cycle is structured in the sequence:

1) The master calls all the A and single slaves

2.7 AS-i System Architecture

2.7.1 Topology up to 100 m

Figure ‎2-6 AS-i Topology up to 100 m

2.7.2 Extension up to 300 m

Figure ‎2-7 AS-i network Extension up to 300 m