Ethernet-APL bears fruit

Technical and economic miracles only seem like miracles because we probably weren’t paying attention to all the work going on behind the scenes.

For instance, Ethernet-Advanced Physical Layer (APL) has been progressively developing for close to a decade, but devices that let it extend Ethernet into hazardous areas have only been available for a couple of years. Now, this physical layer’s 10 Mbps speed and 200 meter networking is enabling much faster and more detailed communications, analytics, configuration, data storage and other tasks.

“Now that device manufacturers and some end users are setting up, trying out, and starting to get their hands dirty with Ethernet-APL field switches and other devices, they’re getting to experience the benefits of its greater bandwidth, cable length, and the richness of Ethernet in general,” says Michael Bowne, executive director of PI North America. “They’re also discovering that device configuration is orders of magnitude easier with APL, and can go from hours to minutes.”

• Switching on Ethernet-APL field switches: Pepperl+Fuchs shows how Ethernet-APL field switches can work with transmitters, positioners and other components.
• Ensuring (power) safety with Ethernet-APL: Phoenix Contact explains how Ethernet-APL’s operating profiles provide electricity safely.
• More data, much faster with Ethernet-APL: ODVA and Rockwell Automation demonstrate how Ethernet-APL’s common interfaces let switches, controllers work with transmitters and indicators.
• Security must be part of safety in hazardous areas: Softing reports that Ethernet-APL must address cybersecurity issues, too.
• Ethernet-APL products spring up like dandelions: Profibus Nutzerorganisation exhibits 14 different Ethernet-APL products at Hannover Fair 2025.