The September Technology Evening was kindly sponsored by ifm and Freddie Coertze, field technical support engineer, gave an interesting presentation entitled: 'Focus on the essentials: automating with AS-Interface'.
Howard Lister (right) thanks Freddie after the presentation.
Freddie showed his audience why the Actuator Sensor Interface (AS-i) had been developed, and how it fits into the hierarchical control structure that is applied to current generation networks used for industrial measurement and control. AS-i was developed to be easy and economical to apply to systems including safety applications, and is not specific to any one manufacturer but it ensures compatibility between devices when correctly applied. Standards and specifications to which all manufactures must adhere are set by the AS-I Association to which many globally known manufacturers belong, and the Association provides a central communication platform worldwide for manufacturers, users, institutions and universities. Hardware components were displayed and the way that they would fit into the network structure and their function explained.
Use of a live demonstration and diagnostic system showed clearly how the system reacted immediately to a short circuit on the cable. It also showed clearly the need for cable lengths not to be exceeded; how the use of a bus terminator could extend the cable length from 100 m to 200 m, and how a system could ultimately be extended up to 1 km between extremities. Examples of practical problems, such as plant changes causing a system that had worked perfectly to fail because cables had been modified or re-routed, were highlighted as points to watch out for if an AS-I system suddenly failed. There were a number of questions, all of which were answered clearly and concisely prior to Howard Lister thanking ifm and Freddie for an interesting presentation and also for sponsoring the evening. The usual delicious food served by the Durban Country Club (chicken curry this month) was the perfect backdrop for some good networking.
Digitise what matters and leverage
SAIMC
SAIMC has been invited to partner with technology leaders 4Sight and NextGenOpX for a one-day industry event aimed at unlocking the full value of OT investments in the mining sector.
Read more...Bridging the digital gap in industrial systems SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
SAIMC
Industrial engineers, digital transformation leaders, and operations managers are invited to an exclusive knowledge-sharing event designed to tackle the complexities of digitising large-scale systems.
Read more...SAIMC Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg branch recently hosted the June Technology Evening. The presentation covered HVAC systems through the lens of instrumentation, highlighting how sensor technologies form the backbone of effective monitoring and control, allowing for effective energy efficiency.
Read more...SAIMC Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban Branch hosted its latest technology meeting on 4 June.The event drew a strong turnout, highlighting the keen interest in the topic ‘Understanding Level Measurement: Contact vs Non-Contact Methods’.
Read more...SAIMC at KITE 2025
SAIMC
The Society for Automation, Instrumentation, Mechatronics and Control Engineering (SAIMC) invites you to connect with us at the KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) from Tuesday 22 to Thursday 24 July 2025.
Read more...SAIMC User Advisory Council annual summit SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
SAIMC
The SAIMC User Advisory Council is proud to present the 2025 Annual Summit, formerly known as the MESA Africa Summit. The theme is ‘Mining and manufacturing in South Africa: SMART operations in a disruptive world economy’.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The Durban branch of the SAIMC was pleased to welcome Vusi Sithole, managing member of Hybrid Control Corporation in Richards Bay, who presented\on the very pertinent topic of ‘Infrastructure monitoring and control for water loss management’.
Read more...SAIMC: Sunshine, swings and smiles: Durban Golf Day hits a high note Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
SAIMC
We say it every year, and we’ll say it again: May in Durban is hard to beat; but 9 May, when the Durban Golf Day teed off at Kloof Country Club, was something else. With sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 20s, it was a fantastic day, full of fun and great energy.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version