Ethernet-APL
Ethernet-APL is Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) that uses Type A fieldbus cable and 2-WISE intrinsic safety to enable digitalization of field devices in harsh process automation environments. Standard safety and security services built on IEC 61508 and ISA/IEC 62443 can be utilized with Ethernet-APL such as CIP Safety and CIP Security for EtherNet/IP. The digitalization of process plants with safety and security measures allows end users to access multiple process variables, speed up device commissioning, and to allow for remote device monitoring. Device vendors are also able to combine different types of sensors now into one device that can be connected to the network via SPE.
Ethernet-APL
ODVA is actively engaged in industry-wide efforts to promote adoption of an Advanced Physical Layer, known as Ethernet-APL, for long-reach, single pair Ethernet. Ethernet-APL enables two wire cable lengths up to 1,000 meters, potential reuse of existing infrastructure, and use in hazardous areas, which will fully open up the process industry to Ethernet. Ethernet-APL will be an important enabler of EtherNet/IP in process. Read about Ethernet-APL in the white paper “Ethernet to the Field,” available in English and Japanese.
At the field level, industrial Ethernet via Ethernet-APL will first be applied to devices with larger data exchange requirements, such as flow meters, which contain instrumentation data (e.g., mass flow, viscosity) or control valves, which contain process data (e.g., travel distance, stiction). In the longer term, devices with smaller data exchange requirements, such as simple sensors and actuators, will follow. Ethernet-APL will soon open up process operations to the higher speed and rich data afforded via industrial Ethernet based networks such as EtherNet/IP.
Simplified installation. Greater range. Valuable data.
幅広く付加価値の高いデータへのアクセスを可能にします。
Ethernet-APL is more than just Single Pair Ethernet. Ethernet-APL is made up of Single Pair Ethernet (IEEE 802.3cg-2019, 10BASE-T1L), 2-Wire Intrinsically Safe Ethernet (IEC 60079, 2-WISE), and Type A fieldbus cable (IEC 61158-2, for intrinsic safety). The combination of Single Pair Ethernet, Intrinsic Safety, and Type A fieldbus cable is what allows Ethernet-APL to satisfy the process industry needs for long reach cabling of up to 1,000 meters per trunk length and intrinsic safety protection for all hazardous Zones and Divisions. 2-WISE defines intrinsic safety protection, including simple steps for verification of intrinsic safety without calculations.
The Ethernet-APL cable specification is important because end users can potentially re-use existing installed Type A fieldbus cable that meets the resistance standards of 100 ohms with +/- 20 ohms tolerance. Type A two-wire cable with shielding is polarity independent to reduce installation errors and only requires a screwdriver to ensure connectivity along with related wire preparation tools to physical connect to the remaining automation installation. This can potentially result in a much easier migration for existing fieldbus installations that could net significant amounts of time and money savings for large installations and long cable runs.
Ethernet-APL will use Single Pair Ethernet Technology to help move critical information from the device to the cloud for future applications with IIoT and Industry 4.0 solutions. Interest in Ethernet-APL from end users has been enthusiastic and will help drive adoption of Ethernet-APL, which will enable companies to gain the benefits of valuable additional data insights that will help drive cost savings. EtherNet/IP will be one of the key available industrial Ethernet communication networks that will run on Ethernet-APL as EtherNet/IP was originally designed for the future with a basis in IP technology. Click here to learn more about EtherNet/IP Single Pair Ethernet solutions.
