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Ethernet-APL

Revolutionizing the process automation industry

What Is Ethernet-APL?

Ethernet-APL (Advanced Physical Layer) is an enhanced physical layer for single-pair Ethernet based on the IEEE 802.3cg 10BASE-T1L standard. It is designed to meet the rigorous demands of field process automation and usage in hazardous environments. Ethernet-APL simplifies network architecture by supporting both data and power transmissions over a single connection for more efficient and cost-effective installations. Ethernet-APL also provides high-speed, 10 Mbit/s full-duplex communication over distances up to 1,000 meters. These features combined make Ethernet-APL ideal for building scalable and reliable industrial networks, revolutionizing Ethernet accessibility for field-level instruments.

Key Features of Ethernet-APL

Two-wire Ethernet
Two-wire Ethernet

Using only a single twisted-pair cable reduces material costs and simplifies installations, saving precious time and resources.

Power and Data
Power and Data

By providing both power and data over a single twisted-pair cable, Ethernet-APL eliminates the need for dedicated power lines in industrial settings.

High-speed Connectivity
High-speed Connectivity

Ethernet-APL supports full-duplex data rates of up to 10 Mbit/s, more than 300 times faster than other field communication protocols.

Extended Reach
Extended Reach

Ethernet-APL supports seamless communications across longer distances of up to 1,000 meters.

Intrinsic Safety
Explosion Protection

Designed for explosion protection, Ethernet-APL is ideal for use in hazardous environments.

What Is the Difference Between Ethernet-APL and Single-pair Ethernet?

Ethernet-APL combines 10BASE-T1L single-pair Ethernet technology with unique process automation requirements, including intrinsic safety, to achieve IEC TS 63444 compliance.

Ethernet-APL is an industry-specific profile outlined in IEC TS 63444:2023, enhancing the IEEE 802.3cg 10BASE-T1L single-pair Ethernet (SPE) standard to meet the specific needs of process automation in different industries, including oil and gas, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. This technology allows seamless integration of field instruments with industrial networks over Ethernet by leveraging several key attributes:​

  • Standardized Power Delivery: Simultaneously delivers power and data over a single twisted-pair cable using predefined power classes.​
  • Hazardous Area Protections: Designed with embedded safety measures for deployment in hazardous locations, supporting both intrinsically safe (CID2 Zone 0/1) and non-intrinsically safe (CID2 Zone 2) applications.
  • Streamlined Field Connectivity: Specifies electrical parameters, topology rules, port classifications, and device roles for reliable field installations.

How Is Ethernet-APL Revolutionizing the Industry?

Ethernet-APL extends standard Ethernet to the field level, offering robust and reliable digital communication that boosts operational efficiency. This technology features explosion protection and crucial safety features, making it perfect for use in hazardous environments. By using APL-compatible networking equipment and field devices, industries can seamlessly integrate and optimize their processes, enhancing productivity and safety in field process plants. Ethernet-APL is not just an upgrade; it's a game-changer for building smarter and safer industrial operations.

Upper-level network devices connected via regular fiber or copper to field devices in hazardous environments via APL-compatible switches using 10BASE-T1L Ethernet-APL cabling.

Ethernet-APL Applications

Process automation is crucial in industries such as the oil and gas, mining, and chemical sectors, where complex operations and harsh environments demand robust, reliable, and high-performance networking solutions. Ethernet-APL offers several advantages tailored to the specific needs of these industries. Here are just a few ways process automation in these sectors can benefit from Ethernet-APL.

Requirements:

  • Solid reliability to ensure 24/7 continuous operations in harsh and hazardous operating environments.
  • Ability to facilitate large-scale and remote installations.
  • Need for real-time monitoring and control capabilities.

Benefits of Ethernet-APL:

  • Explosion Protection: Ethernet-APL is designed for use in hazardous conditions, ensuring safe operations in explosive environments common in the oil and gas, mining, and chemical industries.
  • Long-distance Connectivity: With cable lengths up to 1,000 meters, Ethernet-APL connects scattered industrial field devices over longer distances.
  • Real-time Communication: Featuring data rates up to 10 Mbit/s, Ethernet-APL enables more precise data acquisition and control than other field communication protocols, enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ethernet-APL

Ethernet-APL is revolutionizing industrial communication by delivering reliable, high-speed data over long distances in harsh environments. This FAQ section aims to answer some common questions about Ethernet-APL.

Discover Our Latest Ethernet-APL Resources

Forging Open and Unified Industrial Network Architecture With TSN and Single-pair Ethernet

Discover how game-changing technologies like TSN, single-pair Ethernet, and Ethernet-APL are shaping unified industrial network architectures, driving productivity, efficiency, and innovation across diverse industrial sectors.

How Moxa Is Transforming Industrial Networks

In our latest collaboration with RealPars, we demonstrate how TSN, single-pair Ethernet, and Ethernet-APL are revolutionizing industrial networking for modern manufacturing. Come and see how these technologies are transforming the industry!

Extending Ethernet to Process Field with Moxa APL Switch

TWS-3010-APL Series

Preliminary*

TWS-3010-APL Series 

8 10MbE-APL-spur, 2 1GbE-port managed Ethernet switches

Features and Benefits
• 8 802.3cg 10Base-T1L Ethernet-APL spur ports
• Ethernet-APL power classes A and C on each spur port
• Compact size for easy installation
• EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, and Modbus TCP industrial protocols supported

*Available now on a preliminary basis.

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Driving the Industrial Ecosystem

Moxa is proud to contribute to The Open Group Open Process Automation™ Forum, reinforcing our commitment to shaping the future of industrial automation. Collaborating with industry leaders, we champion open, vendor-neutral technology standards and advanced connectivity, including Ethernet-APL. Our goal is to help drive interoperability and innovation in industrial and process automation.​

LEARN MORE

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