Pepperl+Fuchs introduces the VAN-KE2-2PE Two Network AS-Interface Power Conditioner. The VAN-KE2-2PE is the industry's first panel mount AS-Interface power conditioner to enable two AS-Interface networks to be operated from a single DC power supply. This power conditioner delivers up to 4 A output power per network connection, and is suitable for double master use without the need for data uncoupling.

"Mounting the previous design was often cumbersome, as the AS-Interface connections were located in the base of the G4 housing.  This new power conditioner features a KE2 housing that is DIN rail mountable with easy-to-use and color-coded removable terminals for simplified mounting and operation," says Helge Hornis, Ph D, manager, Intelligent Systems Group.

Power conditioners are often used in factory or process automation applications where AC power is not available.  In such applications, 30 VDC is run to the junction box and connected to the power conditioner, and with the new AS-Interface power conditioner VAN-KE2-2PE, up to two network segments can be connected there.  The ability to make two AS-Interface connections is a powerful option for users because it enables them to power a dual network gateway, both segments before and after a repeater and both segments after a set of two repeaters.