Ethernet-APL Field Switch for Zone 1 and Zone 2 installation
Ethernet-APL (Ethernet Advanced Physical Layer) is the new 2-wire solution for Ethernet in the process industry. It makes fast Ethernet available down to field level and in hazardous areas, which is the only way to make the consistent digitalisation of processing systems a reality.
The main component for installing Ethernet-APL systems is the Ethernet-APL field switch. The field switch combines the two basic functions: "Ethernet switch" and "Ex i isolator". The field switches are robust and ruggedised for use in the harsh environment of the process industry and, depending on the version, it can be installed in hazardous areas of Zone 1 or Zone 2.
100BASE-TX Ethernet
2 x RJ45 (Zone 2) 3 x Ex e terminals (Zone 1)
100BASE-FX Ethernet
option: 2 x SFP (Zone 2)
Redundant supply
wide range 19,2-57,6 V DC
Local diagnoses
extensive diagnostic information with OLED display
Integrated humidity measurement
measurement of humidity in the field housing
For field installations
rugged aluminium housing
Various port profiles
12 x profile A and 4 x profile A + B or 16 x profile A
External temperature measurement
Ex i, Pt100 in 2-wire circuit
16 Ex ia Ports 2-WISE/FISCO
for Ethernet-APL devices and for PROFIBUS PA devices
The field switch – your diagnostics centre in the network
Ethernet-APL field switches automatically provide a wide range of diagnostic options, both for communication and the physical layer of the installation:
- Monitoring the network quality via signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), analysis for each port.
- Detection of cable faults and precise position information using time domain reflectometry (TDR analysis) for each APL port.
- Unbalance detection.
- NE107-compliant alarm messages (current, history).
- Detailed port status (link, supply current, short circuit, cable breakage).
- Frame and failure counting, lost frames (per port).
- LLDP information, MAC address table, CPU capacity utilisation, network load.
- Integrated measurement of field switch temperature and measurement of the temperature (ext. Ex i Pt100) and humidity in the field enclosure.
Suitable for new as well existing applications
Ethernet-APL is not only the ideal solution for new systems with Ethernet infrastructure; it can also benefit existing installations, especially when combined with the R. STAHL Ethernet-APL field switches, which include a "translator" for PROFIBUS PA devices. And our Ethernet-compatible IS1+ Remote I/O system is available for conventional 4 to 20 mA installations in Zone 1 and Zone 2.
- Support for all Industrial Ethernet protocols like PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, HART-IP and OPC UA.
- Operation of PROFIBUS PA field devices at the field switch via integrated PA proxy.
- Combined operation of PROFIBUS PA and "PROFINET over APL" at the field switch.
- Support for PA profiles 3.02 and 4 and manufacturer-specific GSD.
- IS1+ Remote I/O for Zone 1 and Zone 2 is also bringing the 4 to 20 mA/HART basis to Ethernet.