Feature

Using existing 24 VDC standard power supply units and reduce costs

MASI is Murrelektronik's AS-interface series for cost-effectively connecting system and machine I/O signals to higher-level control systems.

28/04/2016 15:38:55

Font size:

MASI installations offer flexibility because they are not bound to rigid topologies.

In the past, AS-interface installations needed a special 30.5 VDC power supply unit. On installations with a minor number of inputs and outputs and line lengths of up to 50m, an additional power supply unit is a huge portion of the costs. Now, the new Murrelektronik MASI Power24 gateways are designed for precisely this kind of application.

They allow the use of standard power supply units with an output voltage of 24 V. Normally, there is one in the control cabinet anyway to power the electronic components. This is an excellent synergy effect and directly saves costs, as well as space in the controls cabinet and additional assembly and installation effort.

The new MASI Power24 gateways act as interfaces in higher-level field bus systems. Murrelektronik supplies Power24 gateways for PROFIBUS, PROFITNET and Ethernet/IP. Data decoupling required by the AS-interface is already integrated into the gateway.

The masters work with the AS-interface specification 3.0 (M4 master) and offer advanced functions and extensive diagnostics options. Slaves to specification 2.0 or 2.1 can also be integrated, as the system offers full downward compatibility.

An integrated web server facilitates commissioning, parameter setting and diagnosis on gateways for PROFINET and Ethernet/IP. Users can access the diagnosis and parameter-setting display over a laptop, tablet PC or smartphone. The application can be easily supported in the machine via remote control, thus speeding up commissioning and troubleshooting.

Installations with MASI68 components provide additional benefits. The individual components are connected by unshielded 4-core M12 lines (A-coded) for comparatively low connection costs. In addition, a large number of digital and analogue I/O modules is available. Since standard power supply units can also be used in many applications, systems can be efficiently decentralised while maintaining maximum flexibility.

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.