A game changer for process industries via Ethernet-APL

The key technology Ethernet-APL meets all promises and brings digitalisation to every corner of a process plant: the fast and efficient communication of large amounts of data is barrier-free and reliable in potentially explosive areas.

At 10Mbit/s, the transmission of enormous amounts of data over long distances is at least 300 times faster than with current technologies such as HART or fieldbus. Users can, therefore, access information from highly diagnosable and configurable devices.

Pepperl+Fuchs offers the Ethernet-APL Rail Field Switch – the latest FieldConnex innovation – which allows several applications to query information from the field simultaneously. Diagnostics via the physical layer itself makes it possible to detect and eradicate creeping quality deterioration and errors in the installation. Simply put, the seamless insight of Ethernet APL technology aids to keep production quality and plant availability at a high level. The switch also reports physical layer measurements for fibre optic transmission.

Specially developed SFP modules connect the switch to the network through single mode and multimode fibre optic cables. They support cable lengths of up to 30km. They are certified as accessories for the switch and can be installed in Zone 2/Div. 2.