ASi-5 is compatible with earlier ASi generations

ASi-5 is fully compatible with all earlier certified ASi products. Therefore, you can use new ASi-5 devices together with ASi devices of any previous generation – in existing as well as in new ASi networks because all ASi generations work in parallel on the same cable.

If you already use ASi, you can easily add ASi-5 devices – and continue to use your existing ASi devices. New ASi-5 devices are particularly suited for use in system sections with additional demands on data volume, transmission speed or I/O density.

The only prerequisite to using ASi-5 devices: you need an ASi-5 / ASi-3 gateway. Without ASi-5 devices, the new ASi-5 / ASi-3 gateways work exactly as earlier ASi-3 gateways because the ASi-3 part remains unchanged. Using new ASi-5 / ASi-3 gateways, you can easily replace your existing gateways.

More about ASi-5 products

ASi-5 Q&As

Is ASi-5 a completely new technology?

No. ASi-5 is the evolution of the well-proven AS-Interface standard. ASi-5 offers all the advantages that have already made ASi so special in the past. For example, power and data are still transmitted over a single cable, you have free choice of your topology and the safety technology is still on the same infrastructure. The main reason for evolving ASi was the fact that Industry 4.0 and increasing digitalization brings with it ever greater volumes of data. ASi-5 has both a large data size and short cycle times, making it possible to transport more and more data, without restrictions, to where they can yield valuable information.
 

Is ASi-5 compatible with earlier ASi generations?

Yes. ASi-5 is compatible with all earlier ASi devices and components, meaning that ASi-5 nodes  can be combined with ASi nodes of any generation—in existing as well as in new ASi networks. In an existing ASi network, you can simply connect additional new ASi-5 slaves and easily continue to use existing ASi nodess. To use ASi-5 nodes all you need is a new Bihl+Wiedemann ASi-5 / ASi-3 gateway.
 

Why is there no ASi-4?

ASi-3 directly follows ASi-5. “Skipping” ASi-4 illustrates that this development step is really big. In addition, we did not want to suggest that Industry 4.0 is the sole innovation driver for the new ASi generation.
 

When does it pay off to switch to ASi-5?

In particular for applications with high transmission speeds or high data volumes. In addition, in places where a concentrated and cost-efficient collection of a larger number of inputs and outputs is needed. In many cases, Bihl+Wiedemann’s new digital ASi-5 modules can be an affordable alternative to other fieldbus solutions.
 

Does ASi-5 still provide interoperability?

Yes. AS-Interface remains a standard ensuring compatibility with components from any manufacturer. All certified products with an ASi logo can interoperate in a common network.
 

Do ASi-5 networks need special software?

No. In principle, they can be configured without software but we always recommend the more comfortable option using our software solutions. Our software Suite enables you to easily plan, configure and parameterize ASi networks with or without safety. If you already use the software for your ASi network, all you need is a free update to be able to continue using it for ASi-5 applications. The software is as intuitive and comfortable to use as with ASi-3. An integrated hardware catalogue encompasses the complete ASi product range. All you need to do is click the device you need when configuring the ASi circuit. The new online bus information also enables you to easily address slaves and monitor inputs and outputs. This function makes it even easier to integrate IO-Link sensors.
 

Who developed ASi-5?

Like all ASi generations, ASi-5 is a joint development of several manufacturers of AS-Interface products. The complete project took more than 200,000 developer hours, evolving the idea of a new ASi generation into a mature trendsetting technology. Now that the main project has been completed, the involved companies continue to work on standards and certifications for new ASi-5 products.
 

How many ASi-5 nodes can be connected?

By combining ASi-5 and ASi-3 slaves on one ASi circuit, it is possible to connect at least 62 nodes – in many cases, even considerably more.

The Bihl+Wiedemann hardware catalog tells you how many ASi nodes can be connected for specific applications. It is integrated in our ASIMON360 and ASi Control Tools360 software. So a warning appears if the maximum possible number of ASi-5 and ASi-3 slaves is exceeded. In addition, vacant ASi-5 transport channels can be shown at any time when planning.

Our experts will gladly answer any further questions you may have.
 

Does it make sense to use ASi-5/ASi-3 gateways even without ASi-5 nodes?

Yes, the use of ASi-5/ASi-3 gateways brings advantages in any case – even if you do not (yet) use ASi-5 nodes. This is because the new ASi-5/ASi-3 gateways are also the most performant ASi-3 gateways. Their advantages:

• Field update capability: Firmware and security updates are installed in a tamper-proof way; new functions are quickly available. Users decide for themselves which updates they want to install on the gateways and slaves of their choice.
• Integrated OPC UA server: Data from the field level can be transmitted directly and easily to Industry 4.0 applications.
• Integrated web server: among other things, it enables fast system diagnostics via remote maintenance or convenient addressing of the slaves during commissioning.
• Cyber security: The Ethernet fieldbus and Ethernet diagnostic interface are subjected to strict load tests by means of the Achilles test software Level 1 and 2 (Version 3.18); end-to-end encryption takes place via the Bihl+Wiedemann server.

What do I have to take into consideration when replacing a defective node?

The replacement device must have the same part number. You can then replace the defective node  without using a hand-held addressing device or additional programming work. The additional steps necessary depend on the slave type used (e.g. standard or safety). You can find more information in our video tutorial.

If you encounter problems or issues related to this topic, please contact our support team. Our product specialists will be happy to assist you.

Tel.: +49 621 33996-0
E-Mail: mail@bihl-wiedemann.de
 

What do I have to take into consideration when replacing a defective master?

The replacement device must have the same part number. You can then replace the defective master without additional programming work. Please attach to the following necessary steps:

1. Disconnect the defective safety monitor from the power supply and from the ASi network.

2. Remove the chip card from the top of the defective unit and insert it into the replacement unit.

3. Connect the new monitor to the ASi network and the power supply.

4. The display menu of the monitor willguide you through the copying process to help you transfer the stored configuration from the chip card to the device.

5. You may be asked to specify the direction in which the copying process is to be started – in this case, select "Chipcard > Master".

6. Enter the release code of the configuration and confirm this code. The safety monitor then starts and the transfer is completed.

The above steps are described in detail in our video tutorial.

If you encounter problems, please contact our support team. Our product specialists will be happy to assist you.

Tel.: +49 621 33996-0
E-Mail: mail@bihl-wiedemann.de
 

Why do ASi-5 and IO-Link match so well?

Already during the development of ASi-5 we made sure that IO-Link will be perfectly embedded in ASi-5 and our user-friendly PC software - from the device to the PLC or cloud.

Our mature concept enables IO-Link data to be transmitted transparently via ASi-5. The fieldbus-independent solution combines the advantages of IO-Link and ASi-5, allowing up to 64 ASi-5 modules, each with 1, 2, 4 or 8 IO-Link ports, to be connected to an ASi-5 master. The maximum possible data frame of an IO-Link device (32 bytes) can be mapped without any problems.

Thanks to ASi, you also benefit from drastically reduced wiring effort without swichtes, great freedom in the choice of topology, and a smart power supply concept.

You can find more information here.