6.6 O pen System: Interoperability and Certification
EN 50295[1] and IEC 62026-2[2] are the standardization basis for AS-i. All AS-i components are developed
based on these standards and on the complete specification. The internationally high market
acceptance means that the broad AS-i product spectrum is constantly growing. That is another benefit
of this open system.
The technical commission of AS-International has developed complete manufacturer-neutral documentation
that ensures that the functionality of the system and safe operation in harsh industrial
environments can be taken for granted. An important goal of the documentation is interoperability of
the various components.
The documentation of the user organization consists of the complete specification with profiles and testing
specifications. This specification describes the slave and master transmission systems, the minimum
6-54 Field Area and Control Networks
requirements and the profiles, as well as everything necessary for a full understanding of the system. The specification
also contains notes on technical implementation to simplify the development of new components.
The testing specifications allow for verification that the specification has been met. The AS-International
Association provides the documentation to its members. This availability of information is doubtless an
important factor in the success of the system. Many companies are in this way able to design special solutions
and make these individual solutions available for a variety of applications. The AS-i chips from a wide
variety of manufacturers are the foundation of the economical product range.