5/11/2012

Product News: ZMDI introduces the ASI4U-F IC for AS-I applications

ZMD AG (ZMDI), a Dresden-based semiconductor company that specializes in enabling energy-efficient solutions, today announces an additional member of their AS-Interface IC family, the ASI4U-F. A global supplier of analog and mixed-signal solutions for automotive, industrial, medical, information technology and consumer applications, ZMDI is very proud to present the ASI4U-F, which is perfect for extremely cold and harsh environments for both process and factory automation applications. It can easily be used at ambient temperatures ranging from -40°C to +85°C, which minimizes extensive and costly module tests.
The low-level field bus AS-I (Actuator Sensor Interface) is designed for easy, safe and cost-effective interconnection of sensors, actuators and switches. It transports both power and data over the same two-wire unshielded cable, which is typically yellow. Bi-directional data exchange between one master and up to 62 slaves is possible.

The "F" version of the ASI4U is functionally and pin-compatible with ZMDI's ASI4U family in SSOP28 package and it conforms to the AS-Interface Specification v3.0. The ASI4U-F is also supported by the ZMDI AS-Interface development tools.

"As the AS-I market grows, the operating environment requirements for our ICs increase as well. ZMDI has been quick to react to customer demands by implementing this IC in its product portfolio. An example of application areas may include; freezing plants or production equipment in extremely cold environments," according to Bernhard Huber, Business Line Manager for Power and Analog Products at ZMDI.

The unit price starts at USD 8.06 in volumes of 1000 devices, and the IC is available for volume production.

Benefits and Features of the ASI4U-F:
  • Supports the AS-I Complete Specification v3.0
  • Excellent for extremely cold temperatures and harsh environments, -40°C to +85°C
  • Saves extensive and costly module tests for applications subject to frost
  • Flexible, separated I/Os
  • Small SSOP28 package
For more information please contact sales@score-electronics.com