« FC4A MICROSMART USER’S MANUAL » 28-1
28: AS-INTERFACE MASTER COMMUNICATION
Introduction
This chapter describes general information about the Actuator-Sensor-Interface, abbreviated AS-Interface, and detailed
information about using the AS-Interface master module.
About AS-Interface
AS-Interface is a type of field bus that is primarily intended to be used to control sensors and actuators. AS-Interface is a
network system that is compatible with the IEC62026 standard and is not proprietary to any one manufacturer. A master
device can communicate with slave devices such as sensors, actuators, and remote I/Os, using digital and analog signals
transmitted over the AS-Interface bus.
The AS-Interface system is comprised of the following three major components:
• One master, such as the MicroSmart AS-Interface master module (FC4A-AS62M)
• One or more slave devices, such as sensors, actuators, switches, and indicators
• Dedicated 30V DC AS-Interface power supply (26.5 to 31.6V DC)
These components are connected using a two-core cable for both data transmission and AS-Interface power supply. AS-
Interface employs a simple yet efficient wiring system and features automatic slave address assignment function, while
installation and maintenance are also very easy.
Applicable Sensors and Actuators for AS-Interface
AS-Interface Compatible Sensors and Actuators
AS-Interface compatible sensors and actuators communicate using the built-in AS-Interface function, and serve as AS-
Interface slaves when connected directly to the AS-Interface bus via a branch unit or a T-junction unit.
Sensors/Actuators Not Compatible with AS-Interface
Conventional sensors and actuators that are not compatible with the AS-Interface can also be connected to the AS-Inter-
face bus using a remote I/O slave and be handled in the same way as devices that are compatible with the AS-Interface.