ASI and CLPA forge stronger links

AS-International is responsible for the promotion and development of the AS-Interface (AS-i) sensor level network that has become widely accepted globally. Its distinctive flat yellow cable has become the preferred way to connect simpler digital I/O devices such as sensors and actuators due to its simple "clip-on” connection method.

The CLPA is responsible for the CC-Link IE open gigabit industrial Ethernet technology and the CC-Link open fieldbus. The CC-Link open network technologies hold a leading market share in Asia and have enjoyed good support in the rest of the world. The CLPA currently counts over 1900 partners in the association, making it one of the world’s largest open automation network organisations.

The decision to form a closer relationship came naturally. Says John Browett, General Manager of the CLPA, "AS-Interface and CC-Link are very complementary technologies. AS-Interface provides a well proven, effective solution at the bottom end of the network hierarchy and also has an excellent safety solution with AS-i Safety at Work. CC-Link neatly fits on top of this with a transparent architecture that provides seamless communication from devices on a machine all the way to enterprise level systems such as MES and ERP. Some of our key mutual partners such as Bihl+Wiedemann and Pepperl+Fuchs are already providing solutions to allow seamless interoperation between the two networks.”