Wago

June 13, 2006
Wago introduces line of AS-Interface products

WAGO Corporation has announced the release of an entire family of AS-Interface products for the WAGO-I/O-SYSTEM.  Included in the family are an AS-Interface Master (with support for "Safety at Work" devices), machine mount (IP-67) I/O, in-cabinet mount (IP-20) I/O, as well as an AS-Interface power supply.

"AS-Interface is perhaps the simplest fieldbus network available for wiring of actuators and sensors (with wiring savings up to 40%)," said Mark DeCramer, Product Manager for the WAGO-I/O-SYSTEM.  "Requiring just a single cable to connect I/O modules, users need very little knowledge of bus systems or communication protocols to get started."

Building on the density, flexibility, and modularity of the WAGO-I/O-SYSTEM, the AS-Interface Master module fits within the node and takes up less than half an inch of space (wide).  At a minimum, a node requires a master module, bus coupler (programmable or non-programmable), and an end module but, can also be outfitted with any of the over 200 analog, digital, and special function modules offered by WAGO.  This modular approach allows users to easily implement gateways to higher-level communication networks, such as Ethernet, DeviceNet, Profibus, and CANopen, as well as add I/O types not traditionally support by the AS-Interface network, such as stepper control, serial, and up/down counters.  Configuration is also simplified with the use of the WAGO-I/O-CHECK software tool.

The AS-Interface slave I/O nodes, connected directly to the master module, include both IP-67 machine mount and IP-20 in-cabinet (DIN rail) mount designs.  Both versions offer 5 different configurations (based on number of inputs and outputs with a max. 4 in and 4 out), A/B slaves according to AS-Interface spec. 2.1, pluggable sensor/actuator wiring (via M12 or MCS connectors), and built-in LEDs for switch, error, and short circuit indication.  In addition, up to 62 of these slave devices (or over 400 I/O points) can be controlled by the master module with network scan times ranging from 0.3ms to a maximum of 10ms.

Rounding out this family of products is the AS-Interface power supply, which is delivered in a robust, DIN rail mount housing.  The power supply boasts a universal input range of 100-240 AC at 50-60Hz, output voltage at 30.5 VDC at 3A, overload protection, and pluggable connectors for easy wiring.  All WAGO AS-Interface products are currently available from stock.

WAGO is the worldwide leader in spring pressure connection technology designed to eliminate loose wires as a result of vibration and temperature cycling, as well as provide a highly reliable, corrosion resistant, and maintenance-free connection.  Our complete line of spring pressure connection products include DIN rail mount terminal blocks, chassis mount terminal blocks, PCB mount terminal blocks, relays, signal conditioners, power supplies, surge suppressors, the WAGO I/O SYSTEM and more.

For more information contact WAGO at 1-800-DIN-RAIL, [email protected] , or www.wago.us/as-interface.htm.