Pepperl+fuchs Podcasts

In this episode, Helge and Tim run down the list of the six most important AS-Interface benefits - explained in about one minute each: --2-conductor cable – Easy to run, low cost, fast installation, no expensive connectors. --Topology-free – Run cable anywhere in any shape to simplify layouts and make planning easy when you add another module during install. Just keep in mind that a segment must be 100 m or less. --Open technology – 350 vendors offer just about anything from stack lights to safety door switches to motor starters ... and of course lots of I/O modules. --Fast and deterministic – Let's take a gateway with two fully loaded AS-Interface networks, that is, 496 inputs and up to the same number of outputs. All these outputs will be updated in 20 ms guaranteed. Inputs are even faster. Those take just 10 ms. Reduce the number of I/Os and the system updates even faster. --Supports just about any network and any PLC – Switch complete I/O infrastructure from one PLC brand to

Initial diagnostics and final review -- Modern AS-Interface gateways offer detailed diagnostics that allow installers to evaluate the quality of the installation. Good AS-Interface networks have less than 1% retry errors. In this episode, you'll learn: As part of the final review, the mechanical quality of the installation should be checked.  All cable ends must be closed off and unused ports on modules must be capped. Using error counters to evaluate the quality of the network. In case the gateway does not offer integrated error counters, the AS-Interface Analyzer can be used to evaluate installation quality.

Starting up an AS-Interface system -- Now that we have talked extensively about the components used in setting up an AS-Interface network it is time to start it up. In this episode, you'll learn: Why the handheld addressing tool makes it easy to work with AS-Interface What does "Project Mode," sometimes indicated by a 'PRJ' LED, do? Once AS-Interface is running, start paying attention to the PLC Using AS-Interface on an Allen-Bradley ControlLogix or CompactLogix system Useful Add-On instructions for RSLogix 5000

Adding safety to AS-Interface -- Networking safety is useful mainly because it makes powerful solutions simple, supports detailed diagnostics, and offers powerful features like muting and zoning.  As a result, new solutions for AS-Interface, previously too complex, can now be addressed without too much trouble. In this episode, you'll learn: Safety modules can be added to any AS-interface network The safe control happens in the Safety Monitor or a safety controller Users can expect about a 90% reduction in wiring compared to hardwired safety Safety at Work is ideal in addressing the problem of fault-masking

AS-Interface Power24 -- AS-Interface is based on an operating voltage of 30.5 VDC. The Power24 specification allows, in some cases, operating the AS-Interface network at 24 VDC. In this episode, you'll learn: What makes a module Power24 compliant? How Power24 may reduce the overall system cost for small installation Why Power24 limits the network length to about 50 m Where does decoupling take place? Power24-compliant gateways

AS-Interface 'decoupling' -- AS-Interface is unique in that it routes power and communication on just one 2-conductor cable. In this episode, you'll learn: What is the purpose of decoupling? How standard power supplies can be used to power an AS-Interface network Why AS-Interface normally runs on 30.5 VDC Where can 'decoupling' take place? Limits when decoupling is not part of the power supply

Addressing an AS-Interface handheld -- Every AS-Interface module must have an address between 1 and 31.  Many newer modules have addresses between 1A and 31B such that the network can have up to 62 I/O modules.  Assigning these addresses is most easily accomplished using the handheld addressing tool. --The difference between full and the A and B addresses --Addressing strategies --Address 0 and automatic addressing

Safe output modules for AS-Interface -- Safe output modules give AS-Interface networks with safety devices new capabilities.  In conjunction with the appropriate Safety Monitor or Safety Controller, it is now possible to: --Deactivate a motor or other devices located anywhere in a plant --Simultaneously deactivate multiple motors hundreds of meters apart --Take advantage of conventional inputs on the module collecting EDM contactor monitoring feedback --Independently control 16 safety groups

Safety rated dead-man switches and safety encoders -- AS-Interface is frequently used on robotic machines.  The safety enabling switch gives personnel the option to safely bypass door switches for the purpose of setup and diagnostics.  Similarly, safety encoders offer a totally new class of applications.  Watch this video for a detailed safety encoder configuration. --Entering a robotic cell under power --Safely detecting "stop" speeds up maintenance operations --Over-speed protection protects machines and operators --Knowing the direction of motion safely speeds up numerous processes

Safety modules, ... continued. -- AS-Interface Safety at Work is the most flexible safety solution in part because it inherits all the advantages of AS-Interface.  The selection of safety-rated modules and safety devices with integrated AS-Interface electronics are easily as important.  This episode discusses: --Safety-rated modules with high-current, standard outputs --Enclosure mounting --Intelligent magnetic door switches --Key operated locking and non-locking safety door switches --RFID-based safety door switches

Safety modules -- AS-Interface Safety at Work has been around for well over 10 years and brings all the advantages of AS-Interface to safety.  There are many types of safety devices that can be connected to the network, making this by far the most flexible safety solution available. --Safety e-stop with integrated AS-Interface electronics --Using "your favorite" mechanical e-stop on AS-Interface --Safety modules for any dry contact safety device --Connecting safety devices with electronic safe outputs

Analog I/O for AS-Interface -- We started talking about analog I/O modules last week but decided that this topic is important enough for a whole episode.  Working with analog data, an AS-Interface system is now so easy, it should really be considered by every user.  Tim Cicerchi also briefly talks about pneumatic modules and how they differ from a valve control module: --Analog maps just like digital I/O --Connecting analog sensors is very simple using pre-made cables --All types of analog transducers, 2-wire, 3-wire and 4-wire, are directly supported --Some modules can deal with current, voltage, and PT100 inputs

Encoders and other types of intelligent modules -- Using encoders, intelligent sensors, and valve control on AS-Interface is easy. Just like on any other network, these encoders are always "absolute." Intelligent sensors come equipped with the AS-Interface chip and are connected directly to the network.  Valve control is another great application since these modules not only detect the position of the valve but also allow a solenoid to be controlled. Listeners will learn how: --Users can choose from a variety of encoders, some that count lots of revolutions and some that offer a large number of pulses per revolution --Intelligent sensors offer certain diagnostics that are otherwise not available --Setting outputs on some intelligent sensors allows users to easily select configuration parameters

AS-Interface I/O modules are where the action is.  This is where the sensors are connected and machines are controlled.  In this episode we are covering: --Connecting I/O modules to the network and AUX power --Typically, inputs are powered from AS-Interface, outputs are powered from AUX --Some types of modules have AUX powered inputs and outputs --Specific applications for certain I/O modules

Powering the AS-Interface network -- AS-Interface is unique and particularly easy to work with.  For instance, power and communication are transmitted over a simple two-conductor cable.  Since cost and reliability are always a concern, AS-Interface was designed as a floating solution running at a slightly elevated voltage of 30.5 VDC.  Why?  Just listen. --30 VDC makes costly DC-DC converters unnecessary --AS-Interface power supplies come with internal decoupling allowing power and communication --Power supplies are offered for primary supply voltages between 24 VDC and 500 VAC 3-phase

AS-Interface network cable – Fortunately, AS-Interface network construction is easy, and users have to consider only a few very basic rules.  While it is, of course, best to follow these rules precisely, there are ways to "cheat" on AS-Interface networks... as long as one knows how to do that properly. --Always use AS-Interface compliant round or flat cable --Follow the 100 m segment rule and don't forget the drops --Use repeaters to construct larger networks --Understand the voltage drop on long networks using a terminator --Download our AS-Interface Power Calculator Software

AS-Interface Gateway/ Scanner -- This week, we start a series of conversations concerning what it takes to set up an AS-Interface system. In this episode, Tim focuses on the gateways and scanner cards. --Scanner cards bring AS-interface I/O directly into the PLC backplane --Most PLCs support one of the dominant upper-level networks supported by AS-Interface --Why use single-channel vs. dual-channel gateways?

All of a sudden, the AS-Interface safety system behaves strangely. One morning the AS-Interface system cannot be started unless one or a few e-stops are first activated and then released again?  In another case you realize that, after releasing an e-stop, you need to push a reset button twice. Not what you had in mind.  Lastly, we are discussing the case where all AS-Interface safety devices are in "Red Flashing" mode.  Highly unlikely, but easily fixed. -- Be aware of the "startup test" check box -- Make sure you use "local acknowledgment" properly -- Make sure you teach the unique safety code internal to safety devices ... and do not re-teach unless absolutely necessary

Muting is a very powerful function and an integral part of several AS-Interface safety controllers.  But what if muting does not work right?  Look at the mounting and don't make the timing parameters too restrictive.  -- When setting up muting sensors, it is important to place them such that the muting function can be started up before the box interrupts the safety light curtain. -- When setting up muting for the first time, start with infinite muting.  It is always possible to change that later.  Similarly, don't use a "tolerance interrupt time" that is too long as it delays activation of the muting function.

Ground faults for AS-Interface must be avoided. No news here. In this case we were confronted with an AS-Interface system composed of three networks and suddenly all three networks reported a ground fault. How is that possible?  Systematic troubleshooting makes it easy and fast to figure out what is going on. The second topic today deals with connecting two e-stops in series to a single safe input module. Everything worked until the installers tested an e-stop.  Now they were not able to restart. Strange?  Fortunately, there are LEDs on the safety modules to troubleshoot these kinds of situations.  -- When multiple AS-Interface networks are powered from one common power supply using power conditioners, ground faults on any of the three networks will feedback onto the other networks. We tell you how to go about determining where the issue is. -- Connecting multiple e-stops in series to one safety module is a common procedure.  But, the first contact of e-stop 1 must be connected in