In process automation, we strive for efficient engineering and plant design. It is important to achieve a fast start-up and commissioning and to produce with efficiency and quality. Digital transformation and Industry 4.0 use valuable data from the field level for optimizing processes. Field level connectivity and data access are crucial. So far, there were limitations such as low speed, limited bandwidth and complex protocol conversions.
The leading standards organizations worked together with major industry partners like Endress+Hauser to specify an advanced physical layer for Ethernet, Ethernet-APL, which meets the requirements of process industries. This technology is designed to be open, future-proof and ready for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
Ethernet-APL – the Advanced Physical Layer for Ethernet
Ethernet-APL as enabler for digital services in parallel to process control
Ethernet-APL topology comparison
Cost comparison of analog and digital technologies
Ethernet-APL – the Advanced Physical Layer for Ethernet
Ethernet-APL as enabler for digital services in parallel to process control
Ethernet-APL topology comparison
Cost comparison of analog and digital technologies
Benefits of Ethernet-APL
With Ethernet-APL, digitalization in process plants is fully enabled and benefits are achieved across all life cycle phases. Ethernet-APL extends the capabilities of conventional Ethernet to meet the high requirements of the process industry, e.g. long cable lengths, easy installation and intrinsically safe design for hazardous areas. It enables high-speed communication and power supply via a 2-wire-cable and is therefore suitable for field-level devices such as measuring sensors. Ethernet connectivity to field devices provides full access to process and monitoring variables, diagnostic data, and advanced functionalities such as multi-device 'ready-for-batch' status verification.
Ethernet-APL applications
Ethernet-APL can be used everywhere, where 4–20 mA and fieldbus technologies were used in the past. The field devices and infrastructure products fit perfectly for process industries – mainly for greenfield projects but with some modifications also in brownfield. Ethernet-APL fits to many applications across different industries where some of the following use cases are relevant:
Additional process quality information via access to all measurement and monitoring data
Advanced functions like 'ready-for-batch' verification of multiple measuring points
Efforts for calibration of analog communication loops
Explosion hazardous areas
Asset management for many measuring points
Easy access to device diagnostics
Monitoring and optimization, e.g. by using the 2nd channel / IIoT
Download our whitepaper to learn more
In this whitepaper, system integration aspects regarding device diagnostics, verification and monitoring are described, comparing 4–20 mA/HART and PROFINET over Ethernet-APL in practical application scenarios.
Successful validation of Ethernet-APL technology in the chemical industry
In the BASF Ethernet-APL lab, BASF engineers evaluated the Ethernet-APL technology over several months. Different topologies and use cases according to the requirements of BASF plants were in focus. Additionally, the technology was validated in various stress tests together with DCS, field switch and instrument manufacturers. The engineers identified many advantages of the new technology such as:
Netilion Health is a digital asset-health management service. With IIoT technology it provides diagnostics from your field devices anywhere at any time, so you have remedies ready when you need them.
Netilion Value is an IIoT based data monitoring service that connects you to your measurements from anywhere, allowing you to track your facility in real-time.
