AS-Interface expert alliance at MTEC 2006

The AS-Interface Expert Alliance has several working demonstrations at MTEC 2006, showing functionality for AS-Interface in areas such as conveyors, pneumatics, panel switches, indicators and drives

The AS-Interface Expert Alliance will have several working demonstrations on display at MTEC 2006, showing functionality for AS-Interface in areas such as conveyors, pneumatics, panel switches, indicators and drives.

The new Version 3 AS-Interface specification will be promoted in the Industrial Networks workshops running during the show.

Another new technology, AS-I SW, designed for networking very low-level devices such as panel switches and indicators, will also receive its debut during the AS-I workshop.

On the booth, the multi-vendor demo conveyor system from Manchester Metropolitan University's Training Centre will be working throughout the show.

This demo is fully controlled by AS-i and includes PLCs, displays, diagnostics, sensors, actuators, switches and functional safety elements, all running on a single cable.

A demo from Kuhnke will focus on networking pneumatic devices while a demo from new members IDEC will demonstrate the new AS-Interface SW technology that has been developed for networking ultra simple devices that are normally housed in a cabinet - for example switches and indicators.

A low-cost SW chip enables the cost of connection to be kept commensurate with hard wiring with looms, which are eliminated.

The technology can be highly cost-effective when a network with an existing master has to be run from the field inside a cabinet or even a control room.

The Expert Alliance will also run a 1.5-hour workshop on Wednesday 15th February within the Industrial Networks Technology Centre.

Starting at 2pm, the seminar is free to attend and is aimed at vendors, system integrators and end users of industrial networking.

A range of speakers will cover all aspects of AS-Interface, from a basic overview through to the latest developments such as Version 3.

This will be the first time Version 3 has been promoted at a UK show.

A hands-on session run by Andy Verwer of the Manchester Metropolitan University will allow attendees to get to grips with the simple connection methods available with AS-i.

Mike Brierley from IDEC will discuss the new AS-Interface SW specification and its benefits.

Phil Carrol from LC Automation will examine the AS-Interface Safety at work profile for use in functional safety applications.

Peter Cheetham from Sigmapi Systems will provide insight into real end user experiences.

See us on Stand D15, Industrial Networks.

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