The DP/AS-i F-Link is a compact, safety-related router between PROFIBUS (DP slave) and AS-Interface, with the following features:

• Monitoring the inputs of safety-related digital AS-i slaves (ASIsafe slaves) and forwarding of data through PROFIsafe. No additional safety-related components required for the AS-Interface (e.g. MSS ASIsafe Modular Safety System)
• Can be used up to PL e according to EN ISO 13849‑1 and to SIL 3 according to IEC 61508/EN 62061.
• As many as 62 AS-Interface slaves can be connected
• Supports all AS-Interface master functions in accordance with the AS-Interface specification V3.0
• Typically easy transmission of non-safety-related input/output data of all AS-i slaves
• Integrated analog value transmission
• Direct integration in PROFIBUS networks.
• Local diagnostics using LEDs and display with control keys
• Sturdy and narrow plastic enclosure in degree of protection IP20 for mounting on a standard mounting rail or wall mounting (with an adapter)
• Fast device replacement in the event of a fault

Note:

A powerful, safety-related router between PROFIBUS (or PROFINET) and AS‑Interface can be set up as an alternative to the DP/AS‑i F‑Link by combining the CM AS‑i Master ST and F‑CM AS‑i Safety ST modules in a single ET 200SP station; see "Master" в†’ "Master for SIMATIC ET 200" в†’ "F‑CM AS‑i Safety ST for SIMATIC ET 200SP".

Functionality

Communication principle

The PROFIBUS DP master or the safe control communicates with the AS-Interface slaves over the DP/AS-i F-Link. The AS-Interface process data are mapped in different data areas for non-safety-related input and output data and safety-related input data.

Diagnostics

Extensive diagnostics is possible using the four LEDs, display and control keys or SIMATIC S7. Further details can be found in the manual, see “Additional Information”.

Configuration

The DP/AS-i F-Link is configured as follows:

• With STEP 7 version V5.4 SP1 and higher: In particular, Siemens AS-Interface slaves can be conveniently configured via the slave selection dialog.
• Uploading the ACTUAL configuration of an already configured AS-Interface network in a STEP 7 project is also possible.
• The DP/AS‑i F-Link does not support AS‑i safety output modules.
• The DP/AS‑i F-Link cannot be configured with TIA Portal.

Programming

In contrast to the MSS ASIsafe Modular Safety System, the DP/AS-i F-Link is a pure gateway, which does not run through its own safety logic. Programming of the safety function is implemented at the level of the higher-level fail-safe PLC, e.g.:

• With Distributed Safety, version V5.4 SP1 or higher for SIMATIC S7-300F/416F
• With SINUMERIK Safety Integrated

The safety and standard range can access the digital and analog I/O data of the connected AS-Interface slaves directly through the I/O address area of the CPU.

Operating conditions:

• In the case of an AS‑i communication error (e.g. failure of an AS‑i standard slave or ASIsafe slave), the DP/AS‑i F‑Link sends the substitute value "0" to the F controller for all safe inputs.
• No safe AS‑i outputs can be operated on the AS‑i line of the DP/AS‑i F‑Link.
• Safe control of actuators is handled by the F controller, e.g. via safe SIMATIC output modules.
• The DP/AS‑i F‑Link is not suitable for AS‑i Power24V.