AS-Interface

What AS-Interface does

AS-Interface (formally AS-International Association e.V.) is a German registered association (eingetragener Verein) headquartered in Gelnhausen, Germany, that owns, maintains, and promotes the AS-Interface (ASi) fieldbus communication standard for industrial automation. The organization curates the ASi specification, operates a test and certification laboratory at HTWK Leipzig, and serves a member ecosystem of automation device manufacturers, gateway/system suppliers, and end-user integrators. Leadership comprises Managing Director Rolf Becker with Jochen Bihl (Managing Director of gateway supplier Bihl+Wiedemann) serving as Chairman, reflecting a supplier-led governance model typical of industrial standards consortia.

The core technical asset is the ASi wired fieldbus — a single two-conductor cable carrying both power and data to binary and analog sensors and actuators, standardized externally under IEC 62026 / EN 62026. The current generation, ASi-5, layers Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) transmission over the same physical layer, raising bandwidth, address density, and diagnostic depth relative to legacy ASi-3. The association's commercial surface consists of the ASi-5 Compendium technical reference, the ASiMAG industry publication, certification testing through the Leipzig lab, and the ASi Academy training and certification program, alongside the underlying IP and trademark rights to the ASi mark.

The organization is funded primarily through membership dues from industrial automation suppliers and integrators — named members include Siemens, Bihl+Wiedemann, Pepperl+Fuchs, ifm, Renesas, and SEW-EURODRIVE — supplemented by Academy tuition, publication sales, and certification fees. With 1–10 employees, AS-Interface operates as a not-for-profit standards body rather than a commercial vendor, prioritizing ecosystem adoption and multi-vendor interoperability over direct product monetization.

Name

AS-Interface

Legal name

AS-International Association e.V.

Website

https://as-interface.net

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

AS-Interface (AS-International Association e.V.) is the German industry consortium that owns and curates the AS-Interface (ASi) fieldbus standard for industrial automation, standardizing single-cable sensor/actuator networking under IEC 62026 for device manufacturers, integrators, and end users.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Automation Fieldbus Systems

NAICS

Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451), Communications Equipment Manufacturing (3342)

SIC

Computer Communications Equipment (3576), Communications Equipment, Nec (3669), Measuring & Controlling Devices, Nec (3829)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial Communication & Interface Components (Transceivers, PHYs, isolators, level shifters, fieldbus/Ethernet ICs) (IMAGAJAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial I/O, Signal Conditioning & Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) (IMAGABAD), Embedded & Industrial Network Interfaces (PCIe/M.2/SOM/SoC NICs) (HDAFAEAI)

Keywords

• Industrial fieldbus systems
• Automation networking standards
• Sensor actuator wiring
• Safety at work integration
• Field level automation

Headquarters

HQ city

Gelnhausen

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: AS-Interface is operated by the AS-International Association e.V., a standards organization. The association is funded through membership fees from its member companies, which include major automation manufacturers such as Bihl+Wiedemann, Siemens, ifm, Pepperl+Fuchs, Renesas, SEW-EURODRIVE, and dozens of others worldwide.
2. ASiMAG Magazine Publication: The organization publishes the ASiMAG magazine (e-paper), available in German and English, covering AS-Interface technology, member company products, and industry applications. The magazine is published twice yearly (E1 and E2 editions).
3. ASi-5 Academy Training: The AS-Interface Academy offers online technology courses including 'AS-Interface Technology' and 'Introduction to ASi-5 Technology.' In Q1 2022, approximately 1000 participants enrolled. Courses are available in multiple languages including English, German, and Spanish.
4. ASi-5 Compendium Sales: The organization publishes and sells the ASi-5 Compendium, a comprehensive technical book covering ASi-5 technology, targeted at automation developers and technicians. Available in German and English.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

AS-Interface (AS-International Association e.V.) maintains and promotes the AS-Interface (ASi) fieldbus standard, an internationally standardized two-conductor bus system for the lower field level of industrial automation. The technology transmits both data and power simultaneously over a single yellow flat profile cable using piercing contact technology for tool-free installation. The current generation ASi-5 uses OFDM modulation with cycle times of ~1.2 ms, supporting up to 96 participants and 32 bytes per participant. The association coordinates a member ecosystem of dozens of manufacturers who produce interoperable ASi-compatible devices, gates, I/O modules, safety devices, and IO-Link integration products.

Product overview

AS-Interface is an internationally standardized fieldbus system for the lower field level of automation, transmitting both data and power over a single two-conductor flat cable with piercing contact technology (no stripping or tools required). The portfolio centers on two technology generations: ASi-3 (established) and ASi-5 (next-generation using OFDM, cycle time ~1.2 ms, up to 96 participants, 32 bytes/participant). ASi-5 extends into higher-performance applications including IO-Link integration, predictive maintenance via OPC UA, and Industry 4.0 connectivity. Supporting offerings include AS-Interface Safety at Work (functional safety per EN 13849 on shared infrastructure), the ASi-5 Compendium technical book, the ASiMAG digital magazine (biannual, EN/DE), the AS-Interface Academy online training platform, and the AS-Interface Arena digital showcase platform. Member companies including Bihl+Wiedemann, Pepperl+Fuchs, ifm, Siemens, SEW-EURODRIVE, and Renesas contribute products to the ecosystem.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• AS-Interface Safety at Work Functional safety technology that allows protective components (E-stops, safety doors, two-hand controls) to be easily and quickly integrated into AS-Interface control systems according to EN 13849 and other safety standards, on the same two-conductor cable as standard signals. Targeted at automation engineers and safety system integrators in factory automation, process industries, and intralogistics.
• ASi-5 Compendium Technical book covering ASi-5 technology details, transmission methods (OFDM), functional scope, application possibilities, and system components. Targeted at automation technology developers and technicians who design and implement AS-Interface systems.
• ASiMAG (AS-Interface Magazine) Digital e-paper magazine published twice yearly covering AS-Interface technology, member company products, case studies, and industry news. Available in English and German. Targeted at automation professionals, engineers, and decision-makers interested in AS-Interface technology developments.
• AS-Interface Academy Online learning platform offering courses on AS-Interface Technology and Introduction to ASi-5 Technology, with certificate options for technicians and students. Available in English, German, and Spanish. Targeted at automation professionals, technicians, and students seeking AS-Interface training and certification.
• AS-Interface Arena Digital trade fair presence and video platform showcasing AS-Interface member company products, recorded presentations, and trade show highlights. Targeted at automation professionals and potential customers seeking AS-Interface product information and demonstrations.
• ASi-5 Developer Seminar Hands-on seminar covering ASi-5 product development, technology basics, diagnostic features, and bandwidth capabilities for component developers. Conducted in Leipzig and online. Targeted at manufacturers and engineers developing AS-Interface-compatible components.
• AS-Interface Test Laboratory Certification Services Accredited test laboratory at HTWK Leipzig's Research and Transfer Center, directed by Prof. Dr. Tilo Heimbold. Provides product certification and compliance testing of AS-Interface specifications to ensure member devices meet the IEC 62026 standard. Subject to regular annual audits. Targeted at member companies developing AS-Interface-compatible products.
• AS-Interface Membership Membership in AS-International Association e.V. provides companies access to the AS-Interface technology specification, participation in technology development, co-marketing at major trade shows worldwide, and inclusion in the global member ecosystem. Targeted at automation manufacturers, system integrators, and technology companies seeking to participate in the AS-Interface standard.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 60% savings in installation and commissioning phases of automated machines or plants
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature10 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• HTWK Leipzig (Leipzig University of Applied Sciences)coreTechnology or Integration · 27 January 2026The AS-Interface Test Laboratory at HTWK Leipzig's Research and Transfer Center is accredited by AS-International Association to verify AS-Interface product certifications against the specification. Led by Prof. Dr. Tilo Heimbold, with engineers Tobias Rudloff and Jens Voigt. Subject to regular audits (January 2023, January 2025, January 2026).
• Bihl+Wiedemann GmbHcoreTechnology or Integration · 17 November 2022Bihl+Wiedemann is a key member of the AS-International Association, serving as the organization's Chairman company (Jochen Bihl, Chairman of the Board). Bihl+Wiedemann develops and manufactures ASi-5, ASi-3, and ASi Safety products including gateways, I/O modules, motor modules, safety monitors, and IO-Link masters. It is the most prominently featured member company across all AS-Interface applications.
• Pepperl+Fuchs SEcoreTechnology or Integration · 17 November 2022Pepperl+Fuchs is a member and technology partner contributing to AS-Interface standards. Frank Ebert serves as Head of the Technical Commission of AS-International. Pepperl+Fuchs manufactures AS-Interface sensors and supports Safety at Work solutions, frequently co-exhibiting at trade shows (Automate, Hannover Messe, PACK EXPO, SPS).
• ifm electronic gmbhcoreTechnology or Integration · 17 November 2022ifm is a member of AS-International Association (Ralf Kämper serves as Treasurer on the Board). ifm supplies AS-Interface compatible IO-Link masters, stainless-steel I/O modules, and distribution modules with IP69K protection using M12 ecolink technology. Featured in food industry applications (Camembert manufacturers) and ASi-5 use cases.
• Siemens AGcoreTechnology or Integration · 17 November 2022Siemens is a member and technology partner of AS-International (Bernd Kaiser serves as Vice-Chairman). Siemens develops AS-Interface compatible automation products and contributed to the development of ASi-5 technology. Siemens is one of the seven ASi-5 development partners.
• GEMÜ GroupcoreTechnology or Integration · 14 November 2022GEMÜ Group, a global manufacturer of valves and automation components for process technology (pharma, food, biotech, semiconductor, medical), has been using AS-Interface since the late 1990s and is now deploying ASi-5 with the GEMÜ 4242 valve interface. GEMÜ featured as a use case for ASi-5 in process industry applications with Condition Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance capabilities.
• SEW-EURODRIVEcoreTechnology or Integration · 29 June 2022SEW-EURODRIVE, the international market leader in drive technology and automation, integrated AS-Interface (ASi-5) into its modular automation system MOVI-C. SEW-EURODRIVE uses ASi-5 for its failsafe profile cable with piercing technology for easy device connection, replacement, and addition. ASi-5 provides faster transmission of large data volumes with short cycle times for SEW drive applications.
• BizLinkminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 June 2022BizLink is a member company of AS-International and co-exhibits at trade shows including Automate (North America). BizLink provides AS-Interface connectivity solutions and has participated at AS-Interface booths to showcase products to North American automation market.
• Valmet (incl. StoneL brand)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 June 2022Valmet and its StoneL brand manufacture AS-Interface products for process automation, particularly valve position monitoring and control. Featured at PACK EXPO trade shows. Valmet presented new AS-Interface products in the AS-Interface Arena digital platform.
• AS-Interface AcademyminorOthers · 1 January 2022The AS-Interface Academy (as-interface-academy.net) is an online learning platform developed by the association to provide technology training courses in AS-Interface and ASi-5. Available in English, German, and Spanish. It generated ~1,000 enrolled participants by Q1 2022 and serves as both a training and demand-generation channel.
• SAFELOG GmbHcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 June 2021SAFELOG, based in Markt Schwaben, Germany, develops pick-by-light and put-to-light picking systems. Their picking solutions use ASi-5 to connect up to 96 receiver devices (displays, eTag modules) via two-conductor profile cable. First deployed at Mercedes-Benz Group's Factory 56 in Sindelfingen. SAFELOG is a key use case demonstrating ASi-5 in automotive intralogistics.
• Bihl+Wiedemann, ifm, Murrelektronik, Pepperl+Fuchs, Phoenix Contact, Renesas, SiemenscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 November 2019ASi-5 was developed jointly by a consortium of seven leading automation companies: Bihl+Wiedemann, ifm electronic, Murrelektronik, Pepperl+Fuchs, Phoenix Contact, Renesas, and Siemens. This joint development ensures broad cross-manufacturer support and compliance with the ASi-5 specification.
• Renesas ElectronicscoreTechnology or Integration · 1 November 2019Renesas is one of the seven ASi-5 development partners and a member of AS-International Association. Contributed to the development of ASi-5 ASIC technology. Renesas co-exhibits at AS-Interface booths at trade shows (SPS, Hannover Messe) and publishes in ASiMAG magazine.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Beckhoff Automation: Provider of PC-based automation technology and originator of EtherCAT. Beckhoff's EtherCAT competes directly with ASi-5 for high-performance industrial communication, representing the proprietary-vendor alternative to association-based standards.
• Pepperl+Fuchs: Leading manufacturer of industrial sensors and explosion protection equipment, and a core AS-Interface member. While P+F is a member/partner of ASi, its broader sensor portfolio competes with other fieldbus-attached sensor offerings and represents the wider industrial sensor market in which ASi competes.
• Harting Technology Group: Major manufacturer of industrial connectors and connectivity solutions used across factory automation. Harting serves similar customers as ASi member companies but operates as a hardware vendor rather than a standards body, supplying connectors and interfaces that compete at the physical layer.
• Phoenix Contact: Global manufacturer of industrial automation, connection, and interface technology. Phoenix Contact is both an AS-Interface member (co-developer of ASi-5) and a broader automation supplier whose product portfolio overlaps significantly with ASi member companies' offerings.

Direct peers

• CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA): Organization promoting CC-Link IE and related open industrial networks, primarily in Asia. Operates the same member-funded standards association model as AS-Interface and targets overlapping factory automation customers in automotive and process industries.
• ODVA: Standards organization promoting CIP (Common Industrial Protocol) and EtherNet/IP for industrial automation. ODVA operates a similar association-based model with member companies developing interoperable devices, competing with AS-Interface for industrial connectivity standardization.
• EtherCAT Technology Group: Standards body for EtherCAT, a high-performance real-time Ethernet protocol widely used in machine automation. Competes with ASi-5 for higher-performance fieldbus applications and represents the kind of Ethernet-based alternative threatening ASi's niche.
• PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI): Global standards organization for PROFINET and PROFIBUS, the dominant Ethernet-based industrial communication protocols. Both AS-Interface and PI are member-funded associations standardizing industrial fieldbus protocols with overlapping use cases in factory automation.
• IO-Link Consortium: International consortium promoting IO-Link, the point-to-point digital communication standard for sensors and actuators. Directly overlaps with ASi at the sensor/actuator level, and ASi-5 has positioned IO-Link integration as a complementary rather than competing strategy.
• FieldComm Group: Standards body governing HART and FOUNDATION Fieldbus protocols for process automation. Like AS-Interface, FieldComm Group operates an accredited test lab and certifies member-company devices, particularly in process industry verticals where ASi also has presence.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ASInterface
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCi5kQoTRmsD3sv88I7XVROQ
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/as-interface
• Facebookfacebook.com/ASInterfaceNA

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about AS-Interface