Following close on the heels of launching its VTSA configurable valve terminal, Festo has announced the availability of an AS-i version, enabling OEMs and system integrators to implement high performance decentralised control systems. The company is also now offering this interface technology as an option for its popular CPV fixed grid and MPA compact series valve terminals. Actuator sensor interface (AS-i) technology is an open standard, supported by a large number of leading automation companies. Designed for interconnecting digital and analogue devices such as sensors, actuators and valve terminals via a 2-wire cable, it is used for a wide variety of PLC- and PC-based automation systems. There are currently more than 13 million AS-i devices in use worldwide, in a diverse range of applications including food processing and packaging lines, bottling plants, conveyors, process control valves, airport carousels and elevators. The AS-i version of Festo’s VTSA configurable valve terminal is supplied as a fully assembled and pre-tested unit, enabling users to effectively replace an entire control panel via a single order. It can accommodate up to eight ISO standard 18mm, 26mm and 42mm valves in any combination mounted on the same manifold.