Technichal Description
AS-Interface Z Plug
Article No. AI001
Content
1.
2.
3.
4.
General............................................................................................................... 1
Block Diagram..................................................................................................... 2
Use of the Z Plug................................................................................................. 2
Technical Data.................................................................................................... 4
4.1 AS-Interface................................................................................................... 4
4.2 M12 pin out................................................................................................... 4
4.3 LED Display.................................................................................................... 4
4.4 Mechanical and Environmental Data................................................................. 5
5. Standards........................................................................................................... 5
1. General
The AS-Interface Z Plug AI001 is a passive component of the fieldbus system ASInterface without an own address. It serves as network extension utility for networks
with up to 200m length without repeaters. Previously only 100m network lengths were
possible.
The AS-Interface Z Plug AI001 can furthermore be used as indicator for undervoltage
detection. If the AS-Interface supply voltage is within the specified level the green
indicator LED will light up. If the supply voltage drops below the lower limit of the
specified voltage range it will start flashing.
Rev. 6, 27.02.2006
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Technical Description
AS-Interface Z Plug
Article No. AI001
2. Block Diagram
Block Diagram of the AS-Interface Z Plug
3. Use of the Z Plug
The AS-Interface Z Plug AI001 can be utilised to extend AS-Interface networks beyond
the limit of 100m. With it's help it is possible to double network length to up to 200m
without repeaters.
In standard networks, where signal quality is below average due to full load or use of
non standard network cable it may be possible to reduce telegram error rates with the
insertion of the Z Plug.
Furthermore the Z Plug has an integrated undervoltage detection circuit that signals a
voltage within the specification via a green LED. A voltage below the lower specification limit is signalled via the green LED flashing.
Use to extend network length
If the AS-Interface Z Plug AI001 is to be used to extend network length, the following
installation rule has to be observed:
•
The Z Plug is to be installed at the point in the network that has the longest distance
to the AS-Interface power supply unit.
It is not necessary to hit this point exactly, a deviation of ±10m is tolerable. Only one Z
Plug per network shall be installed.
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Rev. 6, 27.02.2006
ICS Industrial Communication Solutions GmbH  D-88069 Tettnang  Germany  All rights reserved. Changes without prior notice
Technichal Description
AS-Interface Z Plug
Article No. AI001
If repeaters are used, one Z Plug per network segment is needed, if it is longer than
100m. Due to longer signal delay times in networks with more than 100m length it is
not possible to install two repeaters in series.
The possibility to extend AS-Interface networks as described above also exists for
networks where AS-Interface Safety at Work products are installed.
The properties of AS-Interface networks without and with Z Plug are summarised in the
following table:
criterion
without Z Plug
with Z Plug
62
62
max. number of slaves
possible network structures star, ring, line, line with taps,
tree
max. distance Master-Slave
without (with) repeaters
max. distance Slave-Slave
without (with) repeaters
star, ring, line, line with
taps, tree
100m (300m with two
repeaters in series)
200m (400m with one
repeater)
100m (500m)
200m (600m)
use for AS-Interface signal quality improvement
If in networks with up to 100m length the telegram error rate is higher than tolerable
and if this high telegram error rate is due to a high load of the network and/or a non
standard cable in use then the installation of a Z Plug may improve the network
communication significantly. This is also true for networks where Safety at Work
products are connected.
The same installation rules as above apply.
use for undervoltage detection
At the most distant point in the network the probability is highest that the voltage drop
along the line is such that the supply voltage level drops below the lower specified
limit. This is particularly the case in networks with a length of up to 200m. The ASInterface Z Plug AI001, therefore, is equipped with an undervoltage detection circuit
that signals a supply voltage below the specified limit with a flashing green LED. The
detection circuit is designed in such a way that even short undervoltage drops (e.g. in
case a high power actuator changes it's state) are detected and displayed clearly.
Rev. 6, 27.02.2006
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ICS Industrial Communication Solutions GmbH  D-88069 Tettnang  Germany  All rights reserved. Changes without prior notice
Technical Description
AS-Interface Z Plug
Article No. AI001
4. Technical Data
4.1 AS-Interface
AS-Interface Profile:
reverse voltage protection:
Display "Power":
Display "Fault":
AS-Interface operating voltage range:
AS-Interface undervoltage:
max. current consumption:
power on delay time:
AS-Interface Specification:
AS-Interface IC
AS-Interface certificate:
--yes
LED (green)
--26,5...31,6 V (LED green steady state)
approx. 15V...26,5V (LED green flashes)
≤ 10 mA
<1s
V3.0
--will be applied for
4.2 M12 pin out
Pin 1:
Pin 3:
A+
A-
For the installation of the Z-Plug on the AS-Interface flat cable an accessory flat cable
connector (ICS Art. No. ZS006) is available.
4.3 LED Display
supply voltage
AS-Interface
Display "AS-Interface voltage ok"
LED green steady state
Display "AS-Interface voltage below
lower limit"
LED green flashes with approx. 1Hz
change over voltage at RT:
25,8V ±0,5V
change over voltage within the
operating temperature range:
25,8V ±1V
Minimum duration of an undervoltage dip: 1ms
Page 4 of 5
Rev. 6, 27.02.2006
ICS Industrial Communication Solutions GmbH  D-88069 Tettnang  Germany  All rights reserved. Changes without prior notice
Technichal Description
AS-Interface Z Plug
Minimum off-time of the LED:
Article No. AI001
300ms
4.4 Mechanical and Environmental Data
ambient operating temperature range:
protection rating:
max. vibration level (temporarily):
max. shock:
-25 ... 70 °C
IP67
1,5mm Amplitude (10..55Hz)
10g
LED
All dimensions in mm
M12 plug according to type JM (IEC 61076-2-101)
5. Standards
IEC 62026-2:2000
This product is designed and manufactured for industrial applications and is not
suitable for sale to the general public.
Rev. 6, 27.02.2006
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ICS Industrial Communication Solutions GmbH  D-88069 Tettnang  Germany  All rights reserved. Changes without prior notice