Ethernet-APL is an extension of the specification for Ethernet via two-wire cable (en: Single-Pair Ethernet, SPE) based on 10BASET-1L and can support any higher-level Ethernet communication protocol. The requirements for safe operation in process plants have been met by making appropriate adjustments to the physical layer. The most important requirements are fast Ethernet communication, operation in hazardous areas and the ability to install cables with a length of up to 1,000 meters. The electrical parameters that an Ethernet APL device must fulfill in order to ensure "intrinsically safe" ignition protection are defined in the technical specification IEC TS 60079-47 (2-WISE or 2-Wire Intrinsically Safe Ethernet).

Three years of accelerated cooperation

The numerous obstacles to the use of high-speed Ethernet-capable instruments in potentially explosive process automation systems are now being removed with the introduction of Ethernet-APL technology. Ethernet-APL is the new intrinsically safe physical layer designed for 2-wire cables and is suitable for use in demanding process automation applications. The benefits of Ethernet-APL include dramatically improved communication speed, coverage of hazardous areas, power supply for sensors/actuators in the field and the ability to run long cables. Standardization organizations such as the FieldComm Group, ODVA, OPC Foundation, Profibus & Profinet International (PI) and 12 key project partners from industry have worked together successfully over the past three years as part of "The APL Project" to develop this new physical layer for field devices. With the publication of the specifications, engineering guidelines and conformance test plans by the APL project, end users can now expect components from leading suppliers - the first products from suppliers are already available.

Conformity tests almost complete

Ethernet-APL supports the EtherNet/IP, HART-IP, OPC UA, Profinet and any other higher-level network protocol as a standardized physical layer. The conformance tests are currently being finalized by the leading standardization organizations that are part of the APL project. The test specifications now published will ensure the quality of the products and the compliance of products with the parameters defined in the APL port profile. The APL project team has also worked with semiconductor manufacturers who will offer 10BASE-T1L for Ethernet APL to the market. In addition, the 12 industrial partners of the APL project are finalizing the development of products that will be available on the market in the near future. A digital demonstration in Karlsruhe during Achema Pulse, involving various product vendors and network organizations, showed the wide range of possibilities and interoperability that Ethernet-APL will offer end users.