The Siemens 3RK1901-1NN10 is an AS-Interface compact distribution board — an accessory that distributes power and data from an AS-i flat cable to up to four slave modules or sensors in a single enclosure. It uses an insulation-piercing method to tap the flat cable, so no stripping or splicing is needed at the connection point. The screw-fixing mount secures it to a panel or machine frame, and the IP67/68/69K rating means it handles high-pressure washdown and temporary submersion — common in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical lines where sanitation cycles are aggressive.
The 8 A load rating is the total current the distribution board can pass through its contacts — shared across all downstream devices. If your sensor bank draws 2 A per slave, you can feed four slaves before hitting the limit. The operating voltage range of 26.5 to 31.6 V matches the AS-Interface specification exactly, so it works with any standard AS-i power supply. Ambient temperature tolerance of -25 to +75 °C covers most industrial enclosures and outdoor cabinets; storage range extends to -25 to +85 °C, which matters if the part sits on a shelf before commissioning.
Installation note — cable routing constraint
One line in the spec sheet: the cable must not end in the distribution board. That means the AS-i flat cable passes through the board — it does not terminate inside. Plan your cable run so the flat cable continues past the distribution point to the next device or to a terminating cap. This avoids a stub that could cause signal reflection or voltage drop on the AS-i network.