Electrical Power & Protection


Second-generation AS-interface power supplies

March 2002 Electrical Power & Protection

The second-generation of AS-interface power supplies from Pulse is now on offer. With the latest AS-interface functions these power supplies are of compact, flat and robust design for quick and easy installation and are available in single and in three-phase versions

Three single-phase power supplies (115/230 V a.c. switchable) with 2,8, 4 and 8 A output current and one three-phase power supply (3 AC 400-500 V) with 8 A output current - to date, unique to the market - supply the AS-i-Bus system and ensure the separation of data and supply voltage via the integrated decoupling filter.

Some additional functions offer practical solutions for particular situations in AS-interface networks. For example, the innovative 'IR addressing mode' considerably reduces the start-up time of the unit and the servicing time of the AS-i slaves fitted with the second-generation AS-interface IC. Activated via a jumper, this mode temporarily suppresses the data traffic on the AS-i bus and consequently activates the programming interface of each individual AS-i slave. This means that the slaves can be programmed even if they are already connected to the AS-i bus, dispensing with the need for the time-consuming and logistically costly individual start-up.

Ground-fault identification with diagnostic and test function is integrated into the output of the 4 A power supply. Both 8 A power supplies are fitted with the SilverLine FUSE mode for protecting the relatively thin, profiled yellow AS-i cables, in the event of a short-circuit: If the power supply output voltage is interrupted for more than 3 to 5 s (caused by an overload or short-circuit) an internal electronic fuse switches off the output permanently (status is displayed by a flashing LED) until it is reactivated externally (by pressing a button on the unit or disconnecting the unit from the mains supply for at least one minute). The delay ensures a reliable start-up of the power supplies even if they have to drive heavier loads. With its special power limitation, the 2,8 A unit fulfils, amongst others, the North American requirements of Limited Power Class 2 (NEC Code).

All power supplies come with sturdy metal casings with the large screw terminals, the solid DIN-rail bracket (which requires no tools) and the controls located exclusively on the front of the unit. These features guarantee fast, reliable installation under the tough conditions of everyday industrial use. The flat housing and the cable outlets above and below instead of on the front, allow the new units to fit into the smaller local control cabinets, 120 mm deep, consequently making them also well suited for distributed systems.

As a result of their high efficiency, the power supplies generate little excess heat, resulting in long service lives and improving reliability. The units are compact (the single-phase SLA8 with WxHxD = 91 x 125 x 102 mm is hardly any larger than a pack of notepads).

The comprehensive approvals package (including EN, UL, CUL, CB Scheme), the excellent EMC (compliant with the current standards of the most stringent category in each case, interference level B, EN55024) and the CE label in accordance with the EMC and low voltage directive, ensure that the power supply units can be used worldwide in virtually all industrial and office/home applications.

About PULS

PULS has been developing, producing and distributing switched-mode power supplies since 1980. Typical applications are for machinery and factory automation. The product range includes DIN-rail power supplies and DC/DC converters, as well as 19" applications. The main focus at PULS is on high efficiency, the conversion to compact design coupled with the highest reliability.

For the last three years the turnover has more than trebled, and distribution has been extended worldwide. The company employs approximately 400 people and its headquarters are in Munich. Bernhard Erdl is the owner and general manager.

Ettienne van der Westhuyzen, Current Automation

011 462 4253

[email protected]

www.switches.co.za



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