Ethernet-APL for Process Automation
Process plants today compete to produce more with less waste. Digital transformation and IIoT have made it increasingly valuable to obtain more plant data from process automation systems and instrumentation. Together with automation communication networks, Ethernet-APL extends industrial Ethernet directly to field-level process devices.
By enabling EtherNet/IP over Ethernet-APL, process facilities can access more operational data from field devices while simplifying network architecture and supporting digital initiatives.
What is Ethernet-APL?
Built on Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) 10BASE-T1L, Ethernet-APL combines high-speed Ethernet communication, power, long cable distances, and intrinsic safety into a single two-wire solution. It allows process facilities to connect instruments throughout the plant, including hazardous locations, using a standard Ethernet infrastructure.
- Extend Ethernet to the field up to 1,000 meters
- Simplify hazardous environment installations with 2-WISE
- Potential reuse of existing Type A fieldbus infrastructure
- Access device data throughout the enterprise
But Ethernet-APL is more than just SPE. It 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). This combination is what allows Ethernet-APL to satisfy the process industry needs for long reach cabling and intrinsic safety protection for all hazardous Zones and Divisions.
EtherNet/IP and Ethernet-APL
EtherNet/IP is one of the key available industrial Ethernet communication networks that runs on Ethernet-APL, as it was originally designed for the future with a basis in IP technology. Standardized functional safety and cybersecurity technologies, based on IEC 61508 and ISA/IEC 62443, can also be deployed over Ethernet-APL. Process plants with integrated safety (CIP Safety) and security (CIP Security), allow end users to access multiple process variables, speed up device commissioning, and perform remote device monitoring.
The Future of Process Automation
Ethernet-APL combines the simplicity of two-wire installation with the speed and openness of industrial Ethernet. By supporting long cable distances, intrinsic safety, and standardized Ethernet communication, Ethernet-APL provides a practical migration path for modernizing existing process plants and building future-ready facilities.