Ethernet To The Field

Pepperl+Fuchs shows first switch for the Ethernet Advanced Physical Layer

At a glance:

• Ethernet-APL reaches market readiness.
• Standardization will be completed in summer 2021.
• Pepperl+Fuchs introduces first Switch for device connection.

Ethernet-APL upgrades network communications for the field within process plants. This standardization project for Ethernet on the well-known two-wire cable, driven by twelve well-known suppliers, enables long cable runs, power supply and explosion protection with intrinsic safety as integral components. Ethernet-APL eliminates barriers to data flow, helping all stakeholders in a plant's lifecycle simplify designs, get plants up and running faster, keep them up and running better, and thus better manage risk.

As part of the collaboration, confirmitity tests are created to which manufacturers submit, creating a high level of interoperability and reliability. In June 2021, the standardization work will be completed and Ethernet-APL will then be available to all market participants. Pepperl+Fuchs introduces its first switch for mounting in field housings or control cabinets under its FieldConnex® brand. This DIN rail mountable field switch can be installed in Zone 2. The connections for field devices can be 200 m long and are intrinsically safe for Zone 2 (Ex ic). FieldConnex stands for highly reliable digital communication in the field of the process plant and first-class support from the experts at Pepperl+Fuchs