Clamp-on device doubles AS-i range

According to the specifications for the AS-i bus system, the maximum segment length (without using repeaters) is 100m. But now, a German company has come up with a simple device that can double this length to 200m.

The Z Plug, developed by Industrial Communications Solutions (ICS), simply clamps into the AS-i cable and alters its impedance and damps any oscillations, allowing data to be transmitted further without being corrupted.

The passive device draws about 10mA from the AS-i bus. It incorporates a LED to indicate if the AS-i supply voltage drops too low.

ICS, which specialises in AS-i technology developments, has licensed the Z Plug technology to Siemens and Biehl+Wiedemann who will be selling it under their own names. The device costs around £30-40.