Pepperl+fuchs Podcasts

In this episode of AS-Interface TechTalk, Tim and Helge go over SafeLink for AS-Interface gateways. SafeLink allows safe data on an AS-Interface gateway to be shared with other gateways using Ethernet. On SafeLink, 31 gateways with integrated safety controller can interconnect and share data.  With SafeLink users can: --Design safety systems of essentially unlimited size --Make it easy to follow international regulations concerning e-stopping any machine that is in visual range of the e-stop button  --Utilize a private Ethernet network to exchange SafeLink data, or, --Utilize the fieldbus network instead Visit our website to learn more about the AS-Interface gateways with SafeLink.  

In this episode of AS-Interface TechTalk, Tim and Helge continue to discuss the many outstanding features of the new AS-Interface module KE5: --Latched removable connectors are keyed for position --AS-Interface and AUX connectors are internally jumpered to simplify daisy-chaining modules while keeping the network running if the connector is removed from the module --Numerical I/O indicator LEDs are easy to read even in nonilluminated environments --Safe output separation allows output power to be disconnected safely by simply removing AUX power Visit our website to learn more about the KE5 AS-Interface modules.

In this episode of AS-Interface TechTalk, Tim and Helge introduce a panel mount module in the new AS-Interface KE5 housing. This AS-Interface module has many unique properties including: --Extremely thin, space-saving housing --All front mounted, push-in connectors greatly reduce installation time  --Color-coded labels on top cover --Latched removable connectors Visit our website to learn more about the KE5 AS-Interface modules.

AS-Interface installations can sometimes stump the experts! This week, Tim talks about an AS-Interface issue he recently tackled.  A pneumatic module indicated "peripheral fault" even after all connectors (sensors and air) had been disconnected.  Listen to this exceedingly unlikely issue with an AS-Interface application … and be stumped as well! Visit our website to download the Troubleshooting Guide.

AS-Interface wiring mistakes happen. We recommend you use our AS-Interface Maintenance and Troubleshooting Guide to learn about some of the most common wiring mistakes for AS-Interface networks. --Following up on AS-Interface TechTalk Podcast 126, make sure every AS-Interface segment has its own (and just one) power supply --Connect the AS-Interface cable only to the AS-Interface connection points on the module --Do not ground the sensor +, or sensor -, or sensor output to machine ground Visit our website to download the Troubleshooting Guide.

AS-Interface repeaters are a simple way to extend the total length of a network by allowing multiple segments to be put together.  AS-Interface repeaters do not have an address and are transparent to user. --Remember to power the new segment (after the repeater); use exactly one power supply per segment --Make sure that no module is more than two repeaters from the gateway --Consider extending the network by running it in "both directions" from the gateway; this allows 500 m networks without violating any rules --Consider using terminators if additional length is necessary. Think about the voltage drop. Visit our website to download the Troubleshooting Guide.

AS-Interface is a floating communication network and neither one of the two leads [AS-Interface + or AS-Interface -] is connected to ground.  If this happens, the network has a ground fault, reducing the ability of the installation to deal with electromagnetic noise. Related to this is an important feature of our AS-Interface gateways giving them the ability to track communication errors. --Make sure the (+) and (-) terminals of the power supply are not grounded --Don't introduce ground faults along the network (pinched cables for instance) --Always use the built-in error counter feature to gauge the quality of the installation --Don’t forget to reset those counters to get a reliable relative error measure over time Visit our website to download the Troubleshooting Guide.

AS-Interface is used to simplify sensor wiring by replacing many discrete (parallel) sensor cables with a single AS-Interface network cable. AS-Interface is easy! Just don't do the following: --Don't connect regular PNP or NPN sensors to the AS-Interface cable --Don't connect a device with AS-Interface functionality to an AS-Interface I/O block (for PNP sensors) --Don't try to power non-AS-Interface devices - for instance a light curtain or horn - from the yellow AS-Interface cable --In the control panel, try to separate communicating devices (like AS-Interface) from high power (and thus possibly high noise); use dividers if possible Visit our website to download the Troubleshooting Guide.

Did you know that AS-Interface segments should be no longer than 100 m?  In some cases it is possible to extend that length to 200 m using a terminator.  In very rare cases an AS-Interface tuner can be used to set up even longer AS-Interface segments ... at a price. --As always, sticking to the rules is best.  Keeping segments to 100 m or less allows network segments to be shaped arbitrarily --The terminator works well when a segment is over 100 m but less than 200 m --Do not use a terminator if the network does not need it; more is not better --When using a terminating device it is important to make the segment as linear as possible --The terminating device must be as far from the power source as possible --Stay away from the tuner Visit our website to download the Troubleshooting Guide.

When installing AS-Interface, pay attention to how the AS-Interface cable and a 24 VDC AUX cable are routed together. --DON'T strap an AUX power cable to an AS-Interface yellow cable --DO separate the AS-Interface cable at least 20 cm (8") from a noisy AUX cable --DON'T strap the black AUX to the yellow AS-Interface cable --If a noisy power cable needs to cross a communication cable (like AS-Interface), DO so at 90 degrees Visit our website to download the Troubleshooting Guide and other documents noted in this episode.

AS-Interface power supplies are designed to power the connected devices and allow safe and fast AS-Interface communication.  Every now and then, the term Power24 comes up.  Tim explains how AS-Interface power supplies are different (compared to conventional 24 VDC power supplies) and what Power24 really means. --AS-Interface power supplies operate with 30.5 V.  Consequently, AS-Interface devices do not need expensive DC-DC converters --Integrated decoupling enables communication and power on the same 2-conductor cable --Power24 is a limited specification with reduced segment length; decoupling is still necessary --Large installations can take advantage of decoupling inside the gateway

Building long AS-Interface networks is also possible using a terminator. In this episode, Tim and Helge clarify just how long AS-Interface networks can be: --When used properly, a terminator can allow AS-Interface segments to be up to 200 m long --Terminators come integrated in the repeater or as external stand-alone parts --When building networks combining 200 m long linear segments, always use a fast, advanced repeater --It is strongly suggested to evaluate the communication quality of these longer networks. The AS-Interface analyzer is an ideal tool.

Using AS-Interface is all about building segments and networks. In this episode, Helge and Tim cover the following points about building long AS-Interface networks, and what to know about AS-Interface segments: --Segments can be 100 m long --Multiple segments can be combined to build longer networks --Segments are combined using repeaters; 500 m is easily possible --Each segment must have its own power supply --Ring segments are possible and can be 200 m long

While AS-Interface has been designed to operate without termination, there are cases where a terminator for AS-Interface can be quite useful.  Recall that AS-Interface network segments must not be longer than 100 m.  Violating this limit causes reflections at the end of the network resulting in communication issues, causing the network to run increasingly less stable. --Using an AS-Interface terminator at the end of the network can help reduce reflections and thus in many cases allows network segments to be up to 200 m long --Only one terminator must be used per segment --Always put the terminator at the “opposite side” of the AS-Interface power supply --Do not use a terminator if the segment is 100 m or shorter

The AS-Interface Analyzer is a powerful tool to evaluate the communication quality of the AS-Interface network.  The Online Statistics screen is a very quick and simple way to determine how well the network runs.  This view is also very useful when trying to find safety-related issues. Read the AS-Interface Maintenance and Troubleshooting Guide (PDF)

Repeaters allow AS-Interface segments to be combined to create longer networks.  When using AS-Interface repeaters there are few simple rules that need to be observed: --Each new segment must have its own AS-Interface power supply --Starting at the gateway, no slave can be more than two repeaters from the gateway --Consequently, networks that are much longer as 300 m are possible Read the AS-Interface Maintenance and Troubleshooting Guide (PDF)

LEDs are powerful diagnostic indicators on just about all AS-Interface devices. The simple rule is that "green" is good and “red" requires someone’s attention.  Outputs are an interesting exception where "amber" indicates that the output is ON.  The AS-Interface Maintenance and Service Guide(PDF) also lists the LED states on the "consortium" Safety Monitor.

Exchanging an AS-Interface Safety Monitor is a simple process, and in this episode Tim explains how this is done using the "consortium" Safety Monitor with the dedicated transfer cable.  Tim also covers the procedure for the newer AS-Interface solutions (KE4 and K30) where the configuration is stored on a memory card. Watch the YouTube video: "How to Replace an AS-Interface Safety Monitor"

The AS-Interface Maintenance and Troubleshooting Guide helps users who need to replace a safe input module.  Tim and Helge cover the topic considering the safety monitor hardware.  Note: Also check out our video going through this step by step: How to Replace a Failed AS-Interface Safety at Work Module.

The AS-Interface Maintenance and Troubleshooting Guide discusses setting up a network using the convenient 'Store+Run' and 'Store+PRJ Mode' function.  In this episode, Tim and Helge talk about setting up a network using these functions and also discuss a number of other, very important features including error counters and fault detectors. Download the AS-Interface Maintenance and Troubleshooting Guide (PDF)