Ethernet-APL will look familiar to users in process industries. It combines two well-known technologies: Ethernet for seamless, parallel communication – and robust two-wire technology combined with explosion protection for the field within the process plant. Ethernet-APL thus enables the digitization of the instrumentation.
Ethernet-APL upgrades network communications in this special environment. This standardization for Ethernet on the familiar 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 the plant lifecycle to simplify designs, get plants up and running faster, keep them up and running better, and thus better manage risk.
With standardization complete, the technology is available to suppliers and users alike. The collaboration has also resulted in conformance tests to which manufacturers are subjected. This ensures interoperability and generates a high level of reliability. The first infrastructure components are available, such as the Ethernet-APL Rail Field Switch. 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.
Automation is our world. A Perfect application solution is our goal.
A willingness to take entrepreneurial risks, a pioneering spirit, and a firm belief in their own inventive powers – these were the assets that Walter Pepperl and Ludwig Fuchs started out with when they opened their Mannheim radio repair shop in 1945. Their invention of the proximity switch a few years later proved their strength. It was also the starting point in a successful history defined by close customer relationships as well as innovative automation technologies and procedures. Then as now, our focus is directed squarely on the individual requirements of each customer. Whether as a pioneer in electrical explosion protection, or as a leading innovator of highly efficient sensors – the close communication with our customers is what allowed us to become the leader in automation technology. Our main objective is combining state-of-the-art technologies and comprehensive services to optimize our customers’ processes and applications.
For more information, please visit our website: www.pepperl-fuchs.com
