Technical data

AS-Interface (AS-i)
1-2
SIMATIC NET AS-Interface – Introduction and Basic Information
C79000-G8976-C089/03
1.1 Area of Application
AS-i Cable Replaces “Cable Harnesses”
The Actuator/Sensor Interface or AS-Interface, normally abbreviated to AS-i, is a
connection system for the lowest process level in automation systems. The cable
harnesses previously found at this level are replaced by a single electrical cable,
the AS-i cable. Using the AS-i cable and the AS-i master, the simplest binary
sensors and actuators can be connected to the control devices at the field level via
AS-i modules.
AS-Interface in SIMATIC
AS-Interface is the SIMATIC product name for the AS-i technology.
Under the name AS-interface, Siemens produces master interface modules for
industrial PCs and programmable controllers. The range of available master
interface modules is being permanently extended. Up-to-date information can be
obtained from your local Siemens office.
The following diagram illustrates the position of AS-i within the automation system.
Cell level
Field level
Industrial Ethernet
PROFIBUS
Process
level
AS-Interface
AS-Interface
Management level
Figure 1-1
The AS-interface is distinguished by several main characteristics:
S AS-interface is optimized for connecting binary sensors and actuators. The AS-i
cable is used both for data exchange between the sensors/actuators (AS-i
slaves) and the AS-i master as well as for power supply to the sensors /
actuators.