Active infrastructure for Ethernet APL
Ethernet APL enables a network infrastructure for seamless access from hazardous areas to the control or board room — providing insights into production quality and status. Via the Ethernet-APL field switch from FieldConnex (photo), multiple applications can simultaneously query information from the field. An extra layer of diagnostics about the physical layer itself enables personnel to detect and eliminate errors or creeping quality degradation in the installation. Diagnostics with Ethernet-APL technology assist users in maintaining production quality and uptime. The switch reports physical layer measurements, even for fiber-optic transmission. Specially designed small form-factor pluggable (SFP) modules connect the switch to the network via single-mode and multimode fiber-optic cables, supporting cable lengths of up to 30 km. They are certified as an accessory to the switch for installation in Zone 2/Div. 2. Hall 11.1, Stand A43 — Pepperl+Fuchs SE, Mannheim, Germany