Ethernet APL enables data transmission via Ethernet up to the field level. The technology enables intrinsic safety for areas at risk of explosion, especially for challenging applications in the process industry. In addition, distances of up to 1000 metres can be bridged. LAPP offers an extensive portfolio for setting up Ethernet APL networks with Single Pair Ethernet cables.
Ethernet Advanced Physical Layer – the benefits
Ethernet APL adds important properties to the physical layer of Ethernet:
- Intrinsic safety for areas at risk of explosion
- Distances up to 1000 metres
- Two-way communication up to 10 Mbit/s
- Real time capability
- Integrated power supply
- Future-proof thanks to IEEE standard
- Easy integration into the process control system
- Easy installation and commissioning
- Remote access for fast device configuration
- All components from a single source from LAPP
How you benefit:
- Make your slow and analogue data communication at field level digital and future-proof.
- Develop new, data-based business models, even in the process industry.
- Err on the side of caution in areas at risk of explosion with intrinsically safe Ethernet APL technology.
- Use cable lengths of up to 1000 metres to network very large systems.
- Uniform Ethernet technology across the entire automation pyramid saves time and money.
"Ethernet APL is the upgrade for the field level that will bring more power and more opportunities for digitalisation to the process industry, while simultaneously ensuring maximum safety." Christian Illenseer, Industrial Communication Product Manager at LAPP
Automation pyramid up to now (left) and in the future: Ethernet APL seamlessly connects the field level to the other levels of a company in areas at risk of explosion – consistently with Ethernet.
Single Pair Ethernet: the basis for Ethernet-APL
Single Pair Ethernet cables only have one twisted core pair. This makes them ideal for simple data networking in industrial applications at field level.LAPP has been instrumental in the development of SPE and offers all components for networking with SPE – including as a basis for Ethernet APL.
The benefits of SPE:
- Replaces fieldbuses and brings Ethernet to the field level.
- Unifies technology in IP-based networks, from the sensor to the cloud – without any "translators".
- Saves space and weight – and costs due to the elimination of gateways.
- Easy to install as only two cores.
- Lengths of up to 1000 metres.
- Speeds of up to 10 Gbit/s.
- Power transmission of up to 50 watts with Power-over-Data-Line.
- Standardised cables and connector, therefore universal use in automation.