New ASi-5 Counter Modules – Cost-Effective Solutions for a Wide Range of Applications

What is new about the ASi-5 Counter Modules?

We have extended our range of ASi-5 Counter Modules with numerous functions, such as measurement of frequency and period duration. Another new feature is the 32-bit value range, which can be selected as an alternative to the fast transmission of 4 independent 16-bit counter values in 1.27 ms. All ASi-5 counter modules work with counter frequencies of up to 250 kHz max.

 

Thanks to their high flexibility – all 4 counter inputs can be configured and parameterized individually – our ASi-5 counter modules can be used to find cost-effective solutions for a wide range of applications. And since you can use IP67 variants directly in the field, you also benefit from all the proven ASi advantages – especially from dramatically reduced wiring complexity.

Advantages at a glance

High data bandwith and short cycle time

The ASi-5 counter modules optionally transmit 4 independent 16-bit counter values in only 1.27 ms or a 32-bit value range (-2147483647 to 2147483647). They operate with counter frequencies of up to 250 kHz.

 

 

Four flexibly usable counter inputs

All 4 counter inputs can be configured individually as required. You can also connect pulse counters and encoders (24 V). Functions can be activated directly at the module either via the process data or via hardware inputs. ASi-5 counter modules fit therefore perfectly for a wide range of applications.

Convenient parameter assignment

All counter inputs can be easily configured individually via the Bihl+Wiedemann Software Suite.

Modules directly usable in the field

When you opt for our ASi-5 counter modules in IP67, you benefit from the proven ASi advantages in the field: up to 70 % lower wiring costs compared to round cable solutions, reduced installation effort thanks to piercing technology, and freely selectable topology.

Save valuable resources

With AS-Interface, you do not need expensive plugs or sockets and only a single cable. This significantly reduces assembly times and material costs. In addition, valuable resources such as copper or plastic, which are required to manufacture the components, can be saved on a large scale. And energy consumption during cable production is greatly reduced. There is also a positive environmental effect when it comes to disposal – less waste is produced.

 

Less connectors – More connection

Many flexibly usable functions

Thanks to numerous functions and the four individually adjustable counter inputs of the flexible ASi-5 counter modules, you can find cost-effective solutions for a wide range of applications. Various counter functions as well as frequency and period duration measurement enable, for example, simple counting of loose goods, positioning tasks, speed measurement and much more.

Fig.: Thanks to numerous functions and 4 individually adjustable counter inputs, you can find cost-effective solutions for a wide range of applications with ASi-5 counter modules.

The functions in detail

Counter

In this mode, counting is continuous up to the minimum or maximum value range (optionally 16 or 32 bits) of the counter module.

In this mode, counting takes place once up to a predefined upper limit value (end value) and then stops. When the counter is restarted, it is restarted from a lower limit value (start value).

In this mode, after reaching the predefined end value, counting is automatically resumed again from the predefined start value via an overflow.

Apply a predefined value for a specified signal as the current counter reading.

Lock the counter so that all incoming pulses are ignored. This means that the current counter reading stays until it is enabled again by a trigger.

Save the current counter reading by transferring it as a latch value to the process data – without interrupted counter function. Optionally, after a capture event, counting can be resumed from a predefined preset value.

Define a comparison value against which the current counter reading is then consistently checked. A status bit can be set when a predefined condition is met.

Simply switch between counting forward and counting backward.

 Frequency measurement

In this mode, the number of pulses is measured once over the specified gate time and then transferred to the process data.

In this mode, a new measurement with the same gate time starts directly after the specified gate time has elapsed.

By defining a gate time, all incoming pulses are measured over a specified period of time, and a frequency (Hz) is issued at the end. Outliers can be filtered in this way if desired.

 Cycle time measurement

In this mode, the period duration is measured once and then transferred to the process data.

In this mode, a new measurement starts directly after the end of a measurement. The value is updated after each full period.

Take an average of your period duration measurement through the selection of a specified number of periods. Continuous averaging is performed via the moving average principle.

Set the time that may elapse from the start of the measurement to the first slope or between two slopes before the measurement is defined as invalid.

Our ASi-5 Counter Modules in IP67 and IP20

The ASi-5 counter module is available for direct use in the field as IP67 variants with ASi connection via profile cable (BWU4042) or via M12 connector (BWU4202). It is also available for the switching cabinet in IP20 (BWU3875). The module (BWU4996) in the distributor housing supplements the existing product group of counter modules with a variant optimized for use in cable ducts.

  • Counter modules with high data width and short cycle times
  • 4× configurable digital counter inputs (4× 1-channel or 4x 2-channel)
  • Pulse counter or quadrature encoder
  • Value range from -2147483647 to 2147483647
  • Counter frequency up to 250 kHz
  • 1 ASi-5 address

BWU4202

  • ASi-5 counter module in IP67
  • Input voltage/sensor supply from ASi
  • Peripheral connection via 4x M12 sockets, 5-pin
  • ASi connection via M12

 

BWU4042

  • ASi-5 counter module in IP67
  • Input voltage/sensor supply from ASi
  • Peripheral connection via 4x M12 sockets, 5-pin
  • ASi connection via profile cable

BWU3875

  • ASi-5 counter module in IP20
  • Input voltage/sensor supply from AUX
  • Peripheral connection via terminals
  • ASi connection via terminals

BWU4414

  • ASi-5 counter module in IP67
  • Input voltage/sensor supply from AUX
  • Peripheral connection via 4x M12 sockets
  • ASi connection via profile cable and piercing technology

BWU4996

  • ASi-5 counter module in IP67
  • Input voltage/sensor supply from ASi
  • Peripheral connection via 2x M12 sockets, 5-pin
  • ASi connection via profile cable and piercing technology

 

Do you have questions about our new ASi-5 Counter Modules?

ASi – A resource-saving technology

Thanks to the greatly reduced wiring effort with AS-Interface, you save assembly and material costs. This saves valuable resources.

 

More information!