Actuator Sensor InterfaceTechnical OverviewRev9810

Published by

AS-i Trade Organization16101 N. 82nd Street, Suite 3BScottsdale, AZ 85260Ph: (602) 368-9091Fax: (602) 483-7202e-mail: mbryant@netzone.comwww.as-interface.com

Liability ExclusionWe have tested the contents of this document regarding agreement with the hardware andsoftware described. Nevertheless, deviations cant be excluded, and we are not guaranteeingcomplete agreement. The data in this document is checked periodically. Necessary correctionswill be contained in subsequent versions. We gratefully accept suggestions for improvement.This manual is not a substitute for the AS-Interface Specification 2.1. In case of doubt, thespecification takes precedence.

Copyright, AS-i Trade Organization 1998

Table of Contents

About AS-Interface (AS-i) iiIntroduction 1The AS-Interface System 3AS-i Network Components 5Connection to the Controller 8Internal Communication 10Connection Techniques 12Electromechanical Connections 14Components 15User Modules 17Certification 18AS-i Trade Organization 18AS-i Product Guide 19AS-i Technical Specifications 20AS-i Trade Organization Members 21User Groups 22Members of AS-International 23

About As-Interface

The Actuator Sensor Interface (AS-i)For AutomationAS-i is a versatile, low cost, "smart" cabling solution that has been designed specificallyfor use in low-level automation systems where it isa digital replacement for traditional parallel wiring. AS-i offers a flexible solution thatis easy to install, operate and maintain and is simple to configure. AS-i technology iscompatible with any fieldbus or device network. Low-cost gateways exist to use AS-i with CAN,PROFIBUS, Interbus, FIP, LON, RS-485 and RS-232.

AS-International, the sponsor organization of AS-i, was formed in 1991 by a consortium of 11European companies who developed the standard. Today, this association is open to anymanufacturer or user of this technology and boasts a membership of nearly 100 companiesworldwide, offering over 600 products and services. The North American Chapter, theAS-i Trade Organization (ATO), was formed in April of 1996. Through the ATO, members cansubmit AS-i products for conformance testing and certification.AS-i technology has been submitted for approval under the proposed IEC 62026-2 standard. Thisdocument is an overview of the technical features of AS-i. Please consult the full AS-ispecification for design and engineering information.

Introduction

In recent years, automation technology has migrated to new methods of transferringinformation. Increasingly, field-level devices such as sensors and actuators have internalintelligence capabilities and higher communication demands.The AS-i bus system provides thesolution for a digital serial interface with a single unshielded two-wire cable whichreplaces traditional cable harness parallel wiring between masters and slaves (Figure 1).AS-i is an open, vendor-independent bus network that provides a low-cost solution forconnecting binary products such as sensors, actuators, push buttons, valves, relays, etc.,with higher level controllers such as PLCs, PCs, CNCs or DCSs. AS-i is used at the leveldirectly below existing fieldbus and device-level network systems. AS-i transmits control anddevice data, configures the system architecture, powers the devices, and monitors thenetwork, providing a complete system solution.The AS-i system utilizes a common cabling principle with all peripheral elements connected tothe AS-i cable (Figure 2). The basic element of AS-i is the slave chip, through which thesensors and actuators are connected to the AS-i cable. In each cycle, 4 bits of informationare transferred serially to each slave from the master and 4 bits are returned as eitherinput or output data. Typically, the AS-i cable is either an unshielded two-wiregeometrically-shaped cable or a standard round cable which transfers signals and powersimultaneously.The slave chip and the associated peripheral components can either be built into a module, towhich conventional sensors and actuators can be connected, or it can be built into the sensoror actuator itself. This provides users with the flexibility to utilize both existing and newproducts in their control system. The chip set is shown in Figure 3.

AS-i User BenefitsSimplicity - Data transmission is predefined and the master software is universal. There isno parameterization or settings of function variables and no master or slave programming.Cost Effectiveness - Installation and operating costs can be reduced by more than 40 percentfrom traditional cable harness wired networks.Speed - In a full configuration with 31 slaves, the scan cycle time is 5 ms. Scanning isdeterministic. Therefore, the AS-i network meets the real-time requirements of most controlsystems and processes.Reliability - The AS-i network maintains a high degree of data integrity, provides non-stopmonitoring of the network and peripheral devices, and provides excellent diagnostics.

The As-Interface System

Cable ReplacementExtensive parallel control wiring to I/O modules for transmitting remote process signals tothe controller is eliminated with the AS-i system. AS-i utilizes a single, trapezoidal,unshielded two-wire cable as shown in Figure 4.PLC ProgrammingSince AS-i is seen by the controller as remote I/O, it can be connected to new or existing

networks with minimal programming changes. The entire system can be created withoutadditional software or knowledge of internal AS-i functions.Master/Slave CommunicationsThe AS-i system utilizes only one master per network to control the exchange of data. Themaster calls each slave sequentially and awaits their response. By using a fixed formattransmission, AS-i eliminates the need for complex processes to control transmissions or toidentify data types. This allows the master to interrogate up to 31 slaves and update all I/Oinformation within 5ms.Simple Slave ConnectionAlthough a standard two-wire round cable can be used for connections, an insulated two-wirecable with a special profile is suggested. This profile prevents the reversal of poles whenconnecting. The electrical connection is made using contacts which pierce the rubberinsulation contacting the two wires and eliminates the need to strip the cable and wire it toscrew terminals.In addition to the exchange of data, the AS-i cable also provides 30 VDC (nominal 24 VDC)power for electronics such as photoelectric sensors, push buttons, proximity switches, etc.Power is supplied from an AS-i network power supply. For safety considerations, actuatorsconnected to an emergency stop must be connected to an external supply.Reliable, Flexible OperationIn a typical AS-i system, the master checks the voltage on the network and the data beingtransmitted. It recognizes transmission errors and slave failures and reports these events tothe controller. It is also possible to exchange or add slaves during normal operation withoutinterfering with communications to other nodes. A typical AS-i system is shown in Figure 5.The maximum cable length for each master is 100 m without repeaters. Using repeaters,distances to 300 m are possible. Please refer to the full AS-i specification for moredetails.Two different types of slaves, up to a total of 31, can be connected on one AS-i master/slavesystem. The first type is a module that allows the connection of standard 24 VDC actuatorsand sensors. These modules can be IP67 user modules or IP20 application modules (4 in and 4out), for a total of 248 I/O points. The second type is a dedicated AS-i sensor or actuator.Each of these units can handle up to 4 input and output bits. Some can have parameterschanged across the network and many have a "device faulty" signal that can be read by thecontroller. Each of these devices has its own unique address on the network.Addressing the SlavesFor data exchange to occur, each slave connected to the AS-i network must be programmed withan address, numbered between 1 and 31. Therefore, any slave is either an AS-i module or anAS-i device into which an address is stored. The address, which can be changed at any time,is stored internally in non-volatile memory and remains even after power is removed. Theaddresses can be programmed by the PLC using a function block via the AS-i master or withspecial addressing devices.

As-i Network Components

Master ModuleThe AS-i master automatically controls all communication over the AS-i cable without need forspecial software. All the inputs and outputs are handled in the same way as parallel-wiredI/O. The master typically connects to the system as a plug-in card for a PLC, PC or othermicroprocessor-based controller. It can also be a stand-alone controller or a gateway tohigher-level bus systems.AS-i CableThe yellow AS-i cable is the transmission medium for communications between the master andthe slaves, including the supply of power. Although a standard two-wire round cable can beused, the trapezoidal AS-i cable is recommended for quick and simple connection of slaves tothe network. This special AS-i cable eliminates the danger of reversing polarity and utilizesa specially developed penetration technique where contacts penetrate the rubber insulation of

the cable to make a simple, secure electrical connection.The AS-i cable is available in different colors to signify its voltage rating with colorassignments as follows:YELLOW: AS-i cable for data and power to sensors and low power actuators.BLACK: External supply up to 60 VDC, used to supply the outputs via the coupling module.RED: External supply up to 240 VAC, used to supply actuators in closed housings via the4I/4O module.

Coupling ModuleThe coupling module, which is the lower section of the module, connects the user module tothe yellow AS-i cable, (Figure 6). It can be mounted using either screw components orstandard DIN rail. Coupling modules are available with penetration contacts for the profiledAS-i cable (FK coupling module). Two yellow AS-i cables can be connected in order to"spur-off" sections of the AS-i network. Coupling modules with screw terminals are alsoavailable for standard round cable. Both designs have a standardized ElectromechanicalConnection (EMC).In addition to the EMC, there is also the Extended Electromechanical Connection (EEMC). Ayellow AS-i communications cable is connected parallel to a black AS-i profiled cable. Theblack cable is used to connect an external power supply for output units. User modules withan EEMC must be used with an EEMC coupling module. User modules with an EMC can be used witheither type of coupling module.User & Application ModulesStandard sensors and actuators are connected to the user module which is the upper section ofthe module, (Figure 6). There is, for example, a module with 4 inputs to which 4 standardsensors can be connected via an M12 connector.For application modules, the AS-i cable, external power supply, and the actuators and sensorsare connected via screw terminals or connectors. No coupling modules are required.Sensors and actuators with a built-in AS-i chip can be directly connected to the AS-i cable.Power Supplies to the AS-i NetworkData and power on the AS-i network are normally transmitted simultaneously via the AS-icable. Power for the electronics and inputs is supplied by a special AS-i power supply thatfeeds a symmetrical supply voltage of 30 VDC into the AS-i cable via a data decouplingdevice. Power supplies from 2.2 A to 8 A are available.The AS-i power supply provides power to both the electronics of the I/O modules and the AS-imaster. Depending on the type of modules used, 15 to 60 mA current consumption per module andapproximately 100 mA for the master need to be included in the power budget calculations.Power Supply to the SensorsThe sensors (inputs) and the module inputs are all supplied by the short-circuit protectedAS-i power supply. Each AS-i input module can supply standard sensors with a total current ofup to 200 mA, at a voltage of 20 to 30 VDC. From the total current, 5 mA per connected inputis consumed by the input stage of the module. If the power supply to the sensor is shorted orif more current is consumed than is typical, the module automatically cuts itself off fromthe AS-i network for the duration of the fault, which is then reported to the AS-i master.Intelligent sensors, those with an integrated AS-i chip, are connected to the AS-i cabledirectly, which then supplies them with power.Power Supply to the ActuatorsThe power for the actuators (outputs) is taken from the AS-i cable or from a separateexternal power supply connected to the modules via a separate AS-i power cable. This externalpower supply is also used for Emergency-Off circuits. In the event of an overload, outputmodules that are equipped with electronic outputs automatically disconnect themselves fromthe network for the duration of the fault, which is then reported to the master. Modules withrelay outputs must be protected against overload, as appropriate.

Connection to the Controller

The AS-i network is connected to the system controller via the AS-i master. (It is importantto note that the AS-i master for mini-PLCs requires an address area of 16 I/O bytes, whilethe AS-i master for higher performance PLCs requires an address area of 32 I/O bytes). Figure7 shows different available masters.A significant benefit of the AS-i system is that on system start-up, no application softwareor communication packages are required. The AS-i master starts communication over the AS-icable automatically.AS-i Masters with Mini and High-End PLCsAn AS-i master is required on a network being controlled by mini-programmable controllers andit occupies 16 I/O bytes. On high-end programmable controller networks, the AS-i master isreally two masters on one module, with the user able to choose between linear and pageaddressing. Since there are two masters, 32 I/O bytes are occupied, however one of themasters can be switched off if necessary, so that only 16 bytes are used.AS-i with PCsAS-i can also be operated with a PC controller using an AS-i master (short AT bus card) thatcan run under MSDOS or Windows. The software, which is supplied separately, includes all theprograms required for commissioning (drivers, etc.). The AS-i master allows the user to carryout all master functions according to the AS-i specification.AS-i Connections to Other NetworksAn AS-i gateway establishes a powerful connection from AS-i to other distributed controlsystems. Utilizing the performance features of both systems is accomplished by integratingAS-i data into the more complex objects of these other networks.AS-i gateways have been developed for PROFIBUS-FMS, PROFIBUS-DP, INTERBUS, DeviceNet, CAN,SDS, Modbus, Modbus +, RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485. Thus, AS-i offers fast and easy access tosensor and actuator data from all layers in the automation architecture to differentautomation networks. Figure 8 shows a typical AS-i to RS-232 gateway device.

Internal Communication

Start-up PhaseThe AS-i system start-up phase begins by switching on the master. In this phase, the masterinterrogates all possible addresses and waits for an answer. If a reply is received from aslave (node), it is recorded by the master in an internal table where the addresses of allslaves and their profiles are stored. The profile of a node is a number determined by theAS-i specification that represents that particular type of node. A 4-input module, forexample, has the profile 0.0, while an inductive sensor (with an integrated AS-i chip) hasthe profile 1.1. The entire start-up process is automatic and requires no additionalsoftware. However, with the use of additional software, users can provide the master with aconfiguration list, so that the master is able to compare its own automatically generatedlist with this configuration list. On start-up, this allows the master to detect errors inthe AS-i network, such as incorrect addresses or non-existent nodes and report them to thecontroller. Figure 9 shows a typical transmission control cycle.OperationThe entire communication process is synchronous, which means that the master interrogates allthe available AS-i addresses and then repeats the process. An AS-i cycle contains slavecalls, a parameter call, and a diagnostic call. One complete cycle for 31 installed devicesis completed in 5 ms.Data TransferThe master sends a message to all the listed available AS-i addresses, consecutively, one ata time. This request is immediately followed by the response from the slaves. If the slavefails to respond, the master recognizes this failure and repeats the request. If this secondrequest fails, the process shifts to the next address. The master will try to access theunresponsive address twice in each of the two following cycles. If there is still no reply,

the master sets the configuration error bit which can then be interrogated by the controller.Parameter CallA "parameter call" exists in AS-i which is responsible for sending a 4 bit parameter value toa slave. With this call, specialized functions of a slave can be controlled, e.g. switchingfrom one range of sensitivity to another, or inverting the binary signal. Parameter calls areacyclic. Only one slave may be addressed with a parameter call in each AS-i cycle.Diagnostics CallDuring this call, the master interrogates an address which is not entered in the list ofactive slaves. This allows new slaves to be quickly recognized. Only one request is made percycle. All addresses that are not recognized are interrogated in cycles, one after the other.This is a continuous process. As a result, any new slave will be recognized after a maximumof 150 ms (30 cycles of 5 ms).

Connection Techniques

Standard Sensor/Actuator ConnectionsA range of slave devices, called user modules are available to allow standard sensors andactuators to be connected to the AS-i system. The user modules, approximately 45 x 45 x 80 mmin size are connected via the AS-i cable.A special connection technique, developed specifically for AS-i, incorporates a rubberinsulated and sheathed two-core cable (2 x 1.5 mm) with a special profile which prevents thereversal of poles when connecting the cable. The electrical connection is made by 4penetration contacts which pierce the rubber insulation to make a connection to the two cablewires, eliminating the need for cutting, stripping and terminating. Coupling modules for thistype of connection are available with integrated penetration contacts. If, afterinstallation, the unit needs to be moved to another position on the AS-i cable, it is easilyaccomplished since the cable is self-sealing. This means that the holes made in the cableclose when the connection is removed, and the protection level (IP67) is maintained.

Standard Two-Wire CableMost standard two-wire cables can be used in place of the special profile AS-i cable and donot need to be shielded or consist of a twisted pair. Connection of the profiled AS-i cableto a standard round cable can be done in several ways.o A coupling module with Pg glands allows the AS-i cable to be connected to the unitalong with the round cable.o "Tee" coupling devices are available that clip onto the AS-i cable and the roundcable is connected using a standard M12 connector.(Figure 10)o Distribution user modules, which are standard user modules that contain noelectronics, offer 4 connections to the AS-i network, again allowing a round cable to beconnected using M12 connectors.

Electromechanical Connections

Standardized InterfacesAs was discussed earlier, an AS-i module consists of two sections: the coupling module (lowersection) and the user module (upper section). The coupling module, which is responsible forthe mechanical connection, allows connection of the AS-i cable to the user modules. The usermodule contains all the electronics required for communication and the input and outputports. Different types are offered that can be combined with each other.To ensure that the coupling modules and user modules fit together, the two types ofinterfaces have been standardized into two form factors: the EMC (ElectromechanicalConnection) and the EEMC (Extended Electromechanical Connection).

EMC (Electromechanical Connection)

For this connection, only the yellow (communication) cable is connected. For the flat cableunit, two cables can be joined together to allow the network to be branched off at themodule. The coupling module has two electrical connections to the user module (AS-i+ andAS-i-).

EEMC (Extended Electromechanical Connection)The EEMC devices allow connection of the auxiliary 24 V supply used for driving outputs. Theconnection between the user module and the coupling module includes two additional electronicconnections (Aux.+ and Aux.-). The flat cable coupling module has two cable entries, one forthe yellow communications cable and one for the black auxiliary power cable.All the EMC user modules can be connected to EEMC coupling modules, but the power supply toany outputs would still be taken from the M12 connector on the side of the unit.

Components

Coupling Modules (connectors)

FK coupling module for the AS-i cableThe FK coupling modules are used to connect to the special profile AS-i cable. This unitincorporates the insulation displacement contacts for making the electrical connection to theprofiled cables as shown in Figure 11. The EMC version (FK) has connections for two AS-icommunications cables that are electrically connected, allowing branches to be taken off thenetwork wherever there is a module.The FK-E coupling module with an EEMC allows one AS-iprofiled communication cable to be connected alongside a black profiled cable which is usedfor auxiliary power.

Pg coupling module for standard two-wire cablesThe Pg coupling module allows connection to a cable other than the AS-i profiled cable. Cableentries are sealed by Pg 11 heavy-gauge glands and the electrical connection is made usingscrew terminals as shown in Figure 12.The Pg type is also available for both EMI and EEMI connection: the Pg coupling module withEMI and the Pg-E coupling module with EEMI.The Pg coupling module can also be used for change-over from the flat AS-i cable to astandard round cable. A special grommet (cut to the shape of the AS-i cable) has to beinserted for this purpose in a Pg 11 threaded joint.

Addressing UnitThe AS-i addressing unit (Figure 13) is a compact, battery-operated unit for addressing theconnected intelligent modules as well as intelligent sensors and actuators. It is connectedto different slaves by means of a universal adapter. The AS-i addressing unit offers thefollowing functions:o Display of AS-i slave addresso Change of slave addresso New addressing of slaveso Function check with indication on LCD panelThe following components can be directly attached by means of a standard connector:o Active module upper parts (input/output modules)o Intelligent sensors and actuators

User Modules

Special AS-i input modules have been developed for the connection of standard sensors(2-wire, 3-wire) and standard devices (position switches, pushbuttons, etc.). Power for the

modules and the connected sensors is supplied by the AS-i cable (max. 200 mA per module).AS-i output modules(24 VDC, max. 2 A per module) areavailable for actuators, for which power must be supplied externally. Thestandard sensors and actuators areconnected to the I/O modules via M12 plugs (4-pole). All pin connectors are in accordancewith IEC 62026-2. A typical user module is shown in Figure 14.4-input user moduleThe 4-input user module allows for the connection of up to four standard sensors. These canbe 2- or 3-wire proximity sensors, or pushbuttons, position switches or floating contacts.Connection is made via M12 plugs and there are designs with 100 mA and 200 mA supply currentsfor the inputs.2 x 2-input user moduleThe 2x2-input module enables the connection of up to 2 standard sensors each having 2outputs. Connection is made via M12 plugs and include designs with 100 mA and 200 mA supplycurrents for the inputs.4-output user moduleThis 4-output module enables the connection of up to 4 standard actuators and contains relaycontacts (24 V, 1 A, DC 12). An auxiliary supply for actuators must be provided via theexternal M12 plug on the side of the module (max. 2 A). Only the internal electronics (chip,LEDs, relay) are supplied via the AS-i cable, and not the actuators. Connection is made viaM12 plugs, and these modules have the EMC type of interface.

Certification

Tested products complying with the specifications and profiles are certified by theAssociation. Certified products, if properly applied, will satisfy the Associationsspecifications and not interfere with data communications on the network. This gives the userconfidence when configuring a system using components supplied by different vendors.

AS-i Trade Organization

The AS-i Trade Organization is more than just a users group. Members cooperate to promotethe AS-Interface solutions despite competitive issues, reflecting the open nature ofAS-Interface itself. It represents the common interests of its members both internally andexternally through standardization activities, PR activities, trade show participation, andproduct certification. Membership already includes leading manufacturers of sensors,actuators, control systems, and networking elements.We invite you to join our organization. Membership benefits include:o Collaborative marketing campaignso Trade show participationo Joint product catalogo Fax-on-demand service for customerso Workshops and seminarso First-level supporto Specification and updated profileso World wide web participation

o PC MastersSingle and Multi-Master (AT)Single and Multi-Master (Other)o PLC MastersSingle and Multi-Mastero VME MastersSingle and Multi-Mastero Stand Alone Controllers

Single Masters with RS232, RS422 and RS485Single Masters with Interbus, Profibus DP, Device Net and Mod Bus InterfacesMultiple Masters for all the aboveo GatewaysInterbus SProfibus DPDevice NetSDSMod BusCANLight BusRS232, RS422, RS485o SensorsCapacitiveInductiveLevel SwitchMagneticPhotoelectricPressure SwitchUltrasonicFlow Switcho ActuatorsPneumatic Single ValvePneumatic Valve TerminalsHydraulicMotor Starterso I/O UnitsInput ModulesOutput Modules with Relay or TransistorValve ModulesAnalog I/O ModulesModules for IP20 or IP67Hazardous AreaPT 100o Connection ProductsPlugsSocketsFlat CableRound CableOil Resistant CableTee PiecesAccessorieso Power Supply Unitso Repeaterso Trainingo Softwareo Hand-Held Addressing Unitso Ground Fault Detectorso AS-i Product CatalogAvailable on CD by contacting the AS-i Trade Organization or any local AS-Interface UserGroup

AS-i Technical Specifications

Topology: Tree structure

Medium: Unshielded 2-wire-cable for data and power (nominal 24 VDC, 2 A typical, highercurrents allowed)

Cable length: 100 meters per AS-i master (300 m with repeaters)

Number of Slaves: 31 maximum

Number of Nodes: Up to 4 sensors and 4 actuators per slave (maximum 248 binaryelements)

Addresses: Each slave gets a specific address. The master or programming toolestablishes addresses.

Messages: From master to a single slave with immediate slave response

Message Format: 4 bits (net) per slave and message

Cycle Time: With 31 slaves: 5 milliseconds. Real-time performance can be achieved withinthis latency and faster times are possible with less slaves.

Error Detection: Incorrect messages are detected, generating message repeat.

Device Interface: 4 configurable data ports (as inputs or outputs or bi-directional)plus 4 parameter outputs

Process Data in Cyclic polling of all participantsthe Master: Cyclic transmission of data to the host or to the slaves respectively

Master Services: Initialization of the network Identification of participants Acyclic setting of parameter values to the slaves Diagnosis of bus and AS-i-slaves Error messages to the host Setting of addresses in replaced slaves

Master Features: Each master consists of a digital and analog section (fortransmission/reception of modulated data). Several AS-i masters with a common microprocessorand common data images, can be implemented on a single board.

AS-i Trade Organization Members

Advanced AutomationContact - Joel Armistead600 Airport RoadGreenville, SC 29607-2617Tel: (864) 627-0900

Automation Controls GroupDivision of Milwaukee Electronics Contact - David Hall2857 Oakpark DriveCookeville, TN 38506-5041Tel: (931) 537-6383

Balluff, Inc.

Contact - Jim Birkmeyer8125 Holton DriveFlorence, KY 41042Tel: (606) 727-2200

Baumer Electric, Ltd.Contact - John Perrotti122 Spring Street, Suite C6Southington, CT 06487Tel: (860) 621-2121

Bihl+Wiedemann GmbH Contact - Jochen BihlKafertaler Strasse 164D-68167 Mannheim, GermanyTel: 011-49-621-339-2723

Custom AutomationContact - Alex Habib21 Emerald LaneOld Bridge, NJ 08857Tel: (732) 360-9096

efector Inc.Contact - Mike Sewick805 Springdale AvenueExton, PA 19341Tel: (610) 524-2000

Hirschmann Rheinmetall ElektronikContact - Petra HaegeleIndustrial Row, Box 229Riverdale, NJ 07457Tel: (973) 835-5002

ICP Panel-Tec, Inc.Contact - Lane Ingram2607 Leeman Ferry Road, Suite 7Huntsville, AL 35801Tel: (205) 534-8132

InterlinkBT, LCCContact - Karl Lehmann3000 Campus DrivePlymouth, MN 55441Tel: (612) 694-2300

Pepperl + Fuchs, Inc.Contact - Gary Frigyes1600 Enterprise ParkwayTwinsburg, OH 44087Tel: (330) 425-3555

SST, Inc.Contact - Steve Blakely

50 Northland RoadWaterloo, ON N2V 1N3CanadaTel: (519) 725-5136

Siemens E & AContact - Russ Prevost1000 McKee StreetBatavia, IL 60510Tel: (630) 879-6000

Square D / Groupe SchneiderContact - Richard Canfield8001 Highway 64 EastKnightdale, NC 27545Tel: (919) 266-8275

Stonel CorporationContact - Bob JensonOne Stonel DriveFergus Falls, MN 56537Tel: (218) 739-5774

Topworx, Inc.Contact - Mark Peters3300 Fern Valley RoadLouisville, KY 40213Tel: (502) 969-8000

For more information please call the AS-i Trade OrganizationContact - Michael Bryant16101 N. 82nd Street, Suite 3-BScottsdale, AZ 85260Tel: (602) 368-9091 Fax: (602) 483-7202Web Site: http://www.as-interface.com

User Groups

AS-International AssociationContact - Dr. Otto MadelungAuf dem Broich 4aD 51519 OdenthalTel: +49 2174 40756Fax: +49 2174 41571e-mail: as-interface@t-online.de

AS-Interface BelgiumContact - Maurice De Smedt c/o UDIASAvenue Paul Hymanslaan 47B 1200 Brssel Tel: +32 2 771 3912Fax: +32 2 771 1264

AS-Interface FranceContact - Herrn Dumont11/17 rue HamelinF 75783, Paris Cedex 16

Tel: +33 161 45 05 71 37Fax: +33 161 45 05 16 79

AS-Interface ItalyContact - M. GhizzoniVia G.B. BarinettI 20145 MilanoTel: +39 233 600927Fax: +39 231 4996

AS-Interface NetherlandsContact - L.A. de Grootc/o Holland Elektronika,BoerhaavelaanNL 2700AD ZoetermeerTel: +31 79 331349Fax: +31 79 3531365

AS-Interface SwedenContact - L. Mattsonc/o Marknads PartnerKarl Nordstroms Vag 31SE 43253 VarbergTel: +46-340-629281Fax: +46-340-629202e-mail: marknadspartner@varberg.sc

AS-Interface SwitzerlandContact - Ren HhniBittertenstrae 15CH 4702 OensingenTel: +41 62 388 2525Fax: +41 62 388 2520

AS-Interface United KingdomContact - Geoff Hodgkinson1 West StTitchfield,HampshirePO14 4DH UKTel: +44 (0) 1329 511882Fax: +44 (0) 1329 512063e-mail: asi_uk@gghcomms.demon.co.uk

AS-i Trade OrganizationContact - Michael Bryant16101 N. 82nd Street, Suite 3BScottsdale, AZ 85260, USATel: +1 (602) 368-9091Fax: +1 (602) 483-7202e-mail: mbryant@netzone.com

Members of As-International

Advanced AutomationAllen-Bradley Co., Inc.

Allen-Bradley GmbHAmphenol-Tuchel ElectronicAndras SteuerungssystemeAUCOTEC GmbHAutomation Controls Group, Divsion of Milwaukee ElectronicsBalluff Inc.Gebhard Balluff GmbH & Co.Banner Eng. Corp.Baumer Electric Ltd.Baumer electric GmbHHans Bernstein GmbH & Co.Bihl+Wiedemann GmbHFranz Binder GmbH & Co.Robert Bosch GmbHBrad Harrison / H.F. VogelBrkert Werke GmbH & Co.Carinthian Tech ResearchCrouzet GmbHCustom AutomationDatalogic S.p.A.EAO-ESA-Elektro GmbHEckert & Klbererefector Inc.Egemin NVEMC A/SEndress + Hauser GmbHFesto AG & Co.Fachhochschul OsnabrckFachhochschul-StudiengngeFuji Electric Co. Ltd.Forschungszentrum UniversittCarlo Gavazzi AGGebauer & GrillerGEMHarting KgaAHengstler GmbHHERION-Werke KGHirschmann Rheinmetall ElektronikRichard Hirschmann GmbHICP Panel-Tec Inc.Ingenieurschuleifm electronic gmbhInterlinkBT, LCCKlchner-Moeller GmbHLeopold Kostal GmbH & Co.Kuhnke GmbHLachmann & Rink GmbHLeuze electronic GmbH + Co.Karl Lumberg GmbH & Co.Friedrich Ltze GmbH + Co.Dr. -Ing. Hans Jrgen MelhardtMitsubishi ElectricMLS Lanny GmbHMurrelektronik GmbHHeinz Nixdorf InstitutIMI Norgren Ltd.

Omron Europe B.V.Pepperl+Fuchs Inc.Pepperl+Fuchs GmbHPepperl+Fuchs BVPhoenix Contact GmbH & Co.Puls ElektronischePulsotronicRECHNERSchaltbau AGSchiele IndustriewerkeK.A. Schmersal GmbH & Co.Schneider Electric GmbHSense Electronica LtdaSGS-Thompson GmbHSick AGSiemens AGSiemens Energy & AutomationSMC Pnumatik GmbHSquare D / Goupe SchneiderSST Inc.R. Stahl SchaltgerteSteinbeis TZ GppingenSteinbeis-TransferzentrumSteinbeis TZ WeingartenStoneL Corp.Technikum KrntenTechnologie Management GroupeToyoda Machine Works Ltd.FEI-Technische UniverstittHans Turck GmbH & Co.VEGA BelgienVEGA NederlandVisolux-Elektronik GMBHWeidmller GmbH & Co.WERMA Signalgerte GmbHWiechers & PartnerWhner GmbH & Co. KG

AS-i Trade Organization16101 N. 82nd Street, Suite 3BScottsdale, AZ 85260, USATel: (602) 368-9091, Fax: (602) 483-7202

Visit the AS-i Website: http://www.as-interface.com