At the heart of process plants via Ethernet

The name Ethernet-APL (Ethernet Advanced Physical Layer) will no doubt ring a bell in the process industry, as it combines two well-known technologies: Ethernet providing seamless, parallel communication and robust two-wire technology combined with explosion protection ´in the field´ within the process plant. Ethernet-APL thus enables the digitization of instrumentation. 

Ethernet-APL improves network communications in this particular environment. This standardization for Ethernet on the familiar two core cable, powered by twelve well-known vendors, enables long cable lengths, power supply and explosion protection with intrinsic safety as integral components. Ethernet-APL eliminates barriers to data flow and helps all stakeholders in the plant life cycle to simplify designs, get plants up and running faster, keep them running better and thus better manage risk.

Now that the standardization process is over, the technology is becoming available to both suppliers and users. The collaboration has also resulted in conformance testing to which manufacturers are subjected. This ensures interoperability and generates a high level of reliability. The first components with this structure are now available, the Ethernet- APL Rail-Field Switch being a prime example. This DIN-rail mountable field switch can be installed in Zone 2. The connections (Spur) for field devices can be up to 200 m long, and are intrinsically safe for Zone 2 (Ex ic). FieldConnex stands for highly reliable digital communication in the process plant area and first-class support from the experts at Pepperl+Fuchs.

Highlights:

• Detectiebereik tot 1.000 m: spur tot 200 m, trunk tot 1.000 m.
• Stroomvoeding voor een totaal van 50 veldapparaten aan max. 60 W.
• Hoge overdrachtssnelheden: 10 Mbit/s, full-duplex (FDX);
• Download ongeveer 100 configuratieparameters per veldapparaat in slechts enkele seconden.
• Eenvoudig te implementeren intrinsieke veiligheid.
• Gelijktijdige overdracht van gegevens en voeding via dezelfde twee aderige kabel.

Your automation, our passion.

A willingness to take entrepreneurial risks, a pioneering spirit and a firm belief in their own inventive powers - these were the foundations on which Walter Pepperl and Ludwig Fuchs started their radio repair business in Mannheim in 1945. Their invention of the proximity switch a few years later was proof of their abilities. It was also the starting point of a success story defined by close customer relationships and innovative automation technologies and processes. Then, as now, our focus is deliberately on the individual needs of each customer. As a pioneer in the field of electrical explosion protection, both as a leading innovator of highly efficient sensors - the close communication with our customers is what has ultimately made us a leader in the field of automation technology. Our main goal is to combine advanced technologies and comprehensive services to optimize our customers' processes and applications.