ASi-tech 2003

General introduction to AS-i technology
Geoff Hodgkinson from AS-Interface UK

AS-Interface UK Chairman Geoff Hodgkinson provided a brisk start to the day's proceedings with his animated slide presentation of AS-Interface basics, called 'the 'Rich Potential of the Yellow Cable'. Using real-world applications Geoff explained how the benefits of AS-Interface have moved rapidly on in recent months to encompass many new automation fields such process valves, power distribution and machinery safety. Linking upwards into higher level fieldbuses is another significant advantage of AS-Interface today.

AS-i in Process Control
Irwin Hodgkiss from Burkert Fluid Control

Irwin gave an insight into AS-Interface as used in the world of process control. With the vast majority of field devices in the process industries being ON/OFF, AS-Interface provides an ideal solution. Not only does this encompass ON/OFF valves but AS-Interface can also be used to control local 'clusters' of instrumentation underneath wider area fieldbuses.

Networked safety systems: Standards and regulations
Steve Shaw from HSE Electrical & Control Systems Group

Networked systems for Machinery Safety are the 'hot topic' for AS-Interface, as this presentation proved. Steve himself told us that "the number of people attending this seminar was beyond my expectations," and the level of interest was also demonstrated by the detailed questions Steve answered. HSE is keen to support the growth of networked safety and has provided the following web addresses for further information.
www.europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/newapproach/standardization/harmstds
www.iec.ch/zone/fsafety/fsafety_entry.htm
www.bsonline.techindex.co.uk
www.iee.org/oncomms/pn/functionalsafety/

Safety: general overview of ASi-safe
Andy Verwer from Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU)

MMU have been making a name for themselves recently as a centre of excellence for fieldbus technology. As well as being a PROFIBUS Competence Centre, MMU has begun offering certified training course for AS-Interface engineers and technicians. His presentation however, focussed on Functional Safety, and it provided an excellent accompaniment to Steve Shaw's earlier discussions. Andy explained why 'competence' is essential in handling Networked Safety components and systems and told the audience that it was his intention to become a training centre for Safety by mid-2003. Andy also explained more fully the principles of the AS-Interface Safety at Work technology.

Safety Applications issues
Ken Davies from LC Automation

After two valuable presentations on the background of functional safety as it applies to networking, Ken presented a real-world view of AS-Interface Safety at Work technology in action, detailing many of the issues that need to be faced when implementing actual systems. Ken's Company is one of the most active SI's in AS-Interface Safe installations and Ken's experience provided a valuable addition to the earlier, more theoretical, presentations.

Customer presentation
Patrick Heaton from Z-tech & Kevin Keefe from Johnson Matthey

End user experience of AS-Interface does not come more comprehensive than at Johnson Matthey's plant. Z-tech's Patrick Heaton explained how they had implemented a large AS-Interface installation at the plant and gave some of the reasons for choosing AS-Interface in the first place. Kevin Keefe then told of his experiences as the user of the equipment, warts and all, (there's not many actually), pointing out that issues such as training need to be taken into account. A useful overview of the real-world, and proof that AS-Interface is really making an impact in process.

Connectivity/upgrades/trends/integration in other networks
Jochen Bihl from Bihl + Wiedemann, Germany

Jochen 's company was set up some years ago to take advantage of AS-Interface technology and is today one the leading authorities on AS-Interface and its applications. A particular field of expertise lies in supplying gateway products for connecting AS-Interface to higher level networks. Jochen presented some of the reasons why AS-Interface works well in partnership with fieldbuses of all flavours. Jochen also exhibited products in the mini-exhibition, and told us it's his aim to become more active in the UK market, so expect to see B+W raise their profile in coming months.