Helmholz Benelux introduces the aplSwitch Field from Softing Industrial: a 16-port Ethernet APL Field Switch for use in process automation. The switch enables a direct connection between Ethernet APL field equipment and higher-level Industrial Ethernet networks and is designed for use in hazardous environments.
What is Ethernet-APL?
Ethernet-APL stands for Ethernet Advanced Physical Layer and brings Ethernet communication directly to the field level in the process industry. Data and power are transmitted via a single two-wire connection. Ethernet-APL was specifically developed for process automation and enables fast, digital communication with field equipment, even in hazardous environments.
Simple migration from PROFIBUS PA to Ethernet-APL
An important advantage of the aplSwitch Field is the ability to migrate existing PROFIBUS PA installations step-by-step to Ethernet-APL.
In addition to the standard aplSwitch Field, the aplSwitch Field PA is available for this purpose. This version features an integrated PROFINET proxy and supports both Ethernet-APL and existing PROFIBUS PA field equipment on a single switch.
As a result, an existing PROFIBUS PA infrastructure does not need to be replaced all at once. Existing field equipment can remain in use, while new Ethernet APL devices are gradually added to the installation. This makes the aplSwitch Field PA particularly interesting for retrofit and modernization projects where existing investments must be preserved as much as possible.
16 Ethernet-APL connections and PROFINET integration
The aplSwitch Field features 16 Ethernet-APL 2-WISE spur ports and can be integrated into Distributed Control Systems and Asset Management Systems.
The switch supports PROFINET and Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP), enabling redundant ring topologies. Extensive diagnostic functions for commissioning and maintenance are available via PROFINET and a local display.
The aplSwitch Field is suitable for integration with systems from Siemens, Emerson, and ABB, among others.
Suitable for explosive environments
The aplSwitch Field is designed for installation in Ex Zone 2. Field devices located in Ex Zone 0 and Zone 1 can be connected to the switch.
The switch supports Two-Wire Intrinsically Safe Ethernet (2-WISE) and provides intrinsically safe power to connected Ethernet-APL field devices.
The standard version supports both Power Class A and Power Class B. This allows Ethernet-APL field devices with higher power consumption to be connected as well. The switch is housed in an IP30 enclosure.
With the aplSwitch Field, Helmholz Benelux offers a solution for companies that want to implement Ethernet communication at the field level and, at the same time, modernize existing PROFIBUS PA installations in a controlled manner.