February 2008: AS-Interface Expert Alliance New Chairman
Peter Cheetham, Technical Director of Sigmapi Systems Ltd, the independent
systems provider has been appointed chairman of the AS-Interface Expert Alliance.
Peter replaces Geoff Hodgkinson who steps down after many years because of other
commitments. For more details click here
AS-Interface
(AS-i) is the simplest of the industrial networking protocols used
in PLC, DCS and PC-based automation systems. It's designed for connecting
binary (ON/OFF) devices such as actuators and sensors in discrete
manufacturing and process applications using a single cable. It
is an 'open' technology supported by leading
automation vendors. Well over 13 Million AS-i field devices
are installed and proven globally. Check our
FAQ here.
AS-Interface is a highly efficient networking
alternative to the hard wiring of field devices. It is an excellent
partner for fieldbus networks such as PROFIBUS,
DeviceNet, Interbus and Industrial
Ethernet, for whom it offers a low-cost remote I/O solution.
It is proven in hundreds of thousands of applications,
including conveyors, process control valves, bottling plants, electrical
distribution systems, airport carousels, elevators, bottling lines
and food production lines. AS-i is even available in a cut-down
version known as AS-i SW for ultra-simple devices
such as panel switches and indicators.
Functional
Safety too! AS-i provides the ideal basis for Functional
Safety in machinery safety/emergency stop
applications. A special profile called Safety at Work (sometimes
called ASi-Safe) is used. Safety devices are connected on the same
cable as the control system and can provide Safety support up to
SIL (Safety Integrity Level) 3 according to IEC
61508. Several members of the
UK Expert Alliance specialise in machine safety and can help implement
solutions, including risk assessments and reductions, validation
and installation. The UK Expert Alliance promotes 'competence' as
the most critical qualification of all personnel involved in Safety.
The
AS-Interface Expert Alliance is a UK User Group promoting
and supporting the use of the AS-Interface networking
protocol in automation systems. Based on the famous
'Yellow Cable', typical AS-i applications range from
conveyor systems to advanced safety solutions.
The Alliance is supported by leading
UK vendors and suppliers of AS-i products and services.
To encourage the use of AS-i (or ASi) in industrial
automation, the Alliance provides 'no obligation' advice
and guidance to designers, end users, integrators, safety
personnel and maintainers of AS-interface solutions.
This site provides a rich and growing
resource dedicated to the technology, including a basic
introduction, pneumatics and process control information,
how to use advanced functional
safety systems, AS-i SW and
AS-i training.
Membership of the Expert Alliance is open
to vendors and users, with benefits for both. Read
about them here, Vendors also have the chance to
become an 'Alliance Expert'.
Functional
Safety too! AS-i provides the ideal basis for 
