- AS-Interface
- Development
- Safety
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS AND NEWS
ASi-5 Counter Modules from Bihl+Wiedemann with new functions
The ASi-5 Counter Modules BWU3875 in IP20 as well as BWU4042 and BWU4202 in IP67 from Bihl+Wiedemann all have 4 digital counter inputs, which can be configured and parameterized individually. Pulse counters and encoders (24 V) can be additionally connected to the modules, which operate with counter frequencies up to a maximum of 250 kHz.
Besides the flexibility in the use of the modules due to the individual parameterization and the ASi-typical drastically reduced wiring effort in the field, new functions ensure that even more different applications can now be solved cost-effectively with the ASi-5 counter modules. For example, the user can now choose between a 32-bit value range and a fast transmission of 4 independent 16-bit counter values in only 1.27 ms. And in addition to various counter functions, frequency and cycle time measurements can now also be performed with and without filtering, enabling, for example, simple counting of loose goods, positioning tasks or speed measurements.
ASi-5/ASi-3 Function and EMC Test Master from Bihl+Wiedemann
For programming, developing and testing of ASi-5 and ASi-3 nodes Bihl+Wiedemann has developed the ASi-5/ASi-3 Function and EMC Test Master BWU4017. The device has an ASi-5 master and an ASi-3 master as well as an Ethernet interface and is compatible with all ASi generations. The ASi-5/ASi-3 Function and EMC Test Master BWU4017 can be operated in three different modes. It can be used as a tool for programming the ASi-5 node ICs ASI4U-V5 and the ASi-3 node ICs SAP4, SAP5, A2SI and ASI4U. In addition, it can be used as a tool for performing functional and EMC tests which are necessary for every development of an ASi-5 and ASi-3 node.
The ASi EMC Tools software required for this is included with the device and can be used in conjunction with ASIMON360 or ASi Control Tools360 from Bihl+Wiedemann. Finally, it can also be used as a standard ASi Master according to ASi specifications 3.0 and 5 in AS-Interface networks.
First Safety Relay in IP67 from Bihl+Wiedemann
With the I/O module BWU4379 for ASi Safety at Work in protection class IP67, Bihl+Wiedemann expands its product range for functional safety. The first Safety Relay in IP67 has a safe relay output with galvanically isolated contact sets, a two-channel safe input up to SIL3 / Cat. 4 for floating contacts as well as a digital input. On the one hand, the safe output can be used to create a safely switched AUX junction in the field and thus passive safety, and on the other hand, thanks to the relay, different system parts with different potentials can be safely coupled - in IP67 with a simple M12 cable. ASi and AUX are each supplied to the module via profile cable using pircing technology. The connection of the periphery is realized via four five-pole M12 sockets.
Modern ASi-5/ASi-3 Address Programming Device from Bihl+Wiedemann
To easily integrate ASi devices of all generations in the field into ASi networks, Bihl+Wiedemann has devel-oped a modern ASi-5/ASi-3 Address Programming Device. Just as with the ASi-5/ASi-3 Gateways the company focuses on full compatibility, what means, that the Address Programming Device can be used for all ASi-5 modules as well as for all modules of former ASi generations – while maintaining a uniform workflow.
The ASi-5/ASi-3 Address Programming Device BW4708 from Bihl+Wiedemann is optimized for simple addressing of ASi-3 und ASi-5 modules. It does not only impress with its modern design with OLED color display and with its simple operation with six solidly designed keys, but also has a long-lasting powerful energy storage (supercapacitor) that enables fast charging with simultaneous use.
The device is fully charged in approx. 30 minutes, and just 10 minutes charging time is enough to allocate ASi addresses (ASi-3) and participant numbers (ASi-5) for 70 ASi modules using the addressing cables included in the scope of delivery.
And thanks to a very low level of self-discharge, the Address Programming Device is still ready for use even after months of storage. Also integrated in the device is a standard USB-C connector. On the one hand, this is used for the energy supply, on the other hand, it serves as a PC interface to connect the device to the Software Suites from Bihl+Wiedemann. In the future, firmware updates can also be made available via this interface, for example to expand the range of functions.
ASi-5 Module with 8 integrated IO-Link Master Ports from Bihl+Wiedemann
IO-Link devices are nowadays common in machines and systems. With ASi-5 and the finely graduated portfolio of ASi-5 modules with integrated IO-Link master from Bihl+Wiedemann, the data of intelligent devices can be easily, flexibly and cost-effectively integrated into automation processes. The latest addition to the range of ASi-5 modules with integrated IO-Link master is the ASi-5 module BWU4386 in IP67 with 8 IO-Link master ports Class A. The IO-Link ports for connecting the devices are designed as 5-pin M12 sockets, with an additional I/O signal available on pin 2.
The module is connected to ASi and AUX via profile cable using pircing technology. With its 8 IO-Link master ports, the ASi-5 module BWU4386 is not only a cost-effective alternative to comparable Ethernet-based fieldbus modules, it also offers, like the ASi-5 modules with 1, 2 and 4 master ports, a number of additional advantages. All ASi-5 modules in IP67 with integrated IO-Link master can be connected exactly where they are needed, without switches or pre-assembled cables simply by pircing technology.
Thus, per ASi network more than 60 ASi modules with up to 8 IO-Link devices each can be connected to an ASi-5/ASi-3 gateway and their process, parameter and diagnostic data can be transmitted via the OPC UA server integrated in the gateway, e.g. to a cloud or to an HMI. And commissioning and parameterization of the connected devices can be conveniently realized with the Bihl+Wiedemann software suites.
Activation of the ZPA functionality in the ASi Gateways from Bihl+Wiedemann for zero pressure accumulation in material handling
Highest possible and uniform utilization of conveying lines, targeted accumulation of objects in case of a temporary disturbance in the system, avoidance of damage due to collision of conveyed goods or easier handling due to the formation of gaps between objects - there are many reasons for the installation of zero pressure accumulation buffer sections in stationary material flow systems.
However, ZPA (Zero Pressure Accumulation) not only ensures fixed distances between conveyed unit goods, but also increases the energy efficiency of the system, because energy is only consumed when conveyed goods are actually transported. Bihl+Wiedemann now offers the possibility to implement a simple and cost-effective ZPA solution via AS-Interface without PLC programming effort and independent of the control and drive solutions used in the system.
The ZPA logic for this runs in the ASi-5/ASi-3 fieldbus gateways from Bihl+Wiedemann, which are currently available for many common fieldbuses such as PROFINET or EtherNet/IP, and can be activated via a license (Art. No. BW4921). The easy to understand and comfortable configuration and parameterization is done via the software suites ASi Control Tools360 and ASIMON360.
First modules for ASi-5 Safety from Bihl+Wiedemann
With the two input modules BWU4209 for floating contacts and BWU4210 for optoelectronic protective devices Bihl+Wiedemann presents the first products with ASi-5 Safety technology. The safety version of ASi-5, which has already been certified by TUEV, is always the ideal supplement for ASi Safety at Work when several safe signals or a combination of safe and non-safe signals are to be transmitted.
Like ASi-3 and ASi-5 in the non-safe area, the two safety versions of AS-Interface also work completely in parallel on the same profile cable. Both ASi-5 Safety modules in protection category IP67 have two safe two-channel inputs and 12 self-configuring I/Os for non-safe signals. If an output bit is set in the PLC output data, it is an output with switching diagnostics in the corresponding input bit. If not, it is automatically mapped as an input signal in the PLC input data. In this way, these modules, which can be realized at almost the same price as comparable purely non-safe I/O modules, can be used to implement very different applications, depending on requirements, such as an extremely cost-effective connection of a control panel with several light buttons, an E-stop button and a safe key switch to ASi. The two modules are connected via ASi profile cable. The inputs and outputs are supplied out of AUX, the connection to the periphery is realized via eight M12 sockets, each with five pins.
By the end of 2022, the product range will be gradually expanded so that one module each will be available for two floating contacts, two optoelectronic protective devices and for the combination floating contact/OSSD in the following versions: as an IP67 field module with an additional four standard in- and outputs and as an IP20 control cabinet module, IP67 field module and PCB module with an additional 12 standard in- and outputs each.
