Murrelektronik's AS-Interface products and support

Mr Traill, "stay connected" is your company's claim. What exactly do you mean by this: who is supposed to stay connected with whom and why?

We, as Murrelektronik, have a very close relationship to our customers because we want our products to help our customers stay competitive. Therefore, exchanging thoughts and ideas is essential. This relationship is marked by reliability and mutual trust. We have over 30 years' experience in automation technology. For over 10 years we have been successful with AS-Interface.

Based on the automation pyramid, Murrelektronik has been counting on AS-Interface for years. In your opinion, what are the most important benefits of this system?

An important feature is that with AS-Interface you are completely independent from the installation topology. There is almost nothing that cannot be implemented. This makes AS-Interface very flexible and versatile in installations. We offer an appropriate and versatile module range for flat and round cable installations together with a wide variety of accessories. We have the right product for any application. Another important aspect is that we test components and accessories for their functional interaction and usability in our certified test centre.

AS-Interface is considered one of the greatest winners in the trend towards automation via Ethernet, due to its excellent team player skills. In which other areas will AS-Interface become more important in your opinion?

When we consider the past, it used to be very difficult to implement AS-Interface in applications in extremely demanding environments (IP67/IP68). The same applies to installations in cable carriers with peripheral cables. By using round cables with M12 connections and rugged and industrially sealed MASI68 modules, our customers have many more options. The system is easy to operate, even for unskilled personnel. Murrelektronik's M12 connection technology is easy, cost-effective and error-free. In addition to many standard modules, we also offer many customised options.

It is also possible to transmit safe signals with the normal yellow cable, in addition to standard signals. How important is safety technology to the company's strategy?

We have excellent products for passive safety technology. We offer many AS-Interface components for safe connection of standard outputs. This enables cost-effective installations up to performance level d according to EN ISO 13849-1. A great part of safety-related applications can be implemented like this.

Does this mean that there will soon be even more AS-Interface innovations coming from Murrelektronik?

Yes, indeed. We are up-to-date with the latest developments. Together with our customers, we continually develop many interesting new products. We will present them during the coming exhibitions...more than you expect! It would be great if you could come and visit us!

For more information about Murrelektronik's AS-Interface offering please visit www.murrelektronik.uk.