In the process industry, Ethernet-compatible interfaces are increasingly needed to access data from the field via IIoT. The Ethernet-APL (Advanced Physical Layer) technology enables direct access down to the field and device level via an internationally standardized two-wire solution. Thanks to Ethernet-APL, data can be transmitted more efficiently and reliably over long distances in industrial environments. This requires powerful IIoT devices with qualified components that can optimally utilize the advantages of Ethernet-APL. To help you do just that, Weidmüller has comprehensively expanded its portfolio of data connectors, enabling a consistent data infrastructure for Industry 4.0 that is fully customized to the requirements of Ethernet-APL.
With Ethernet-APL, the process industry relies on classic terminals with screw or spring connections. Here we offer you a wide range of suitable components, such as OMNIMATE® PCB components, built-in and field attachable connectors (M12):
Our qualified products allow reliable data transmission at 10 Mbit/s according to IEEE standard and simultaneous power supply via twisted pair cable up to 1,000 m.
Ethernet-APL is suitable for all IIoT devices and is compatible with all common protocols such as PROFINET, Ethernet/IP, or EtherCAT.
The different connection technologies are all built for high levels of contact and vibration safety. Color-coded markings facilitate error-free installation.
Unique design-in services like our product catalog, a free sample service and the ConnectorGuide help to find the right products for individual requirements and applications.
APL (Advanced Physical Layer) is an innovative technology that has been specially developed for the requirements of the process industry. It enables Ethernet communication via two-wire cable and offers robust, reliable data transmission over long distances and in hazardous areas. APL combines the advantages of Ethernet with the ability to be used in demanding industrial environments and also supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) for supplying power to field devices.
There’s the challenge that information is required from sensors and devices in the field, with large distances to be bridged. In addition, various IIoT devices must be integrated into the network infrastructure. There is only limited space for RJ45 or M12 connectors in the device.
Ethernet-APL enables direct connection via a two-wire solution using cost-effective PCB components from Weidmüller. Transmission is possible over distances up to 1,000 m. In addition, data and voltages can be transmitted on just one line (PoDL).
By this you will get an increased plant availability and production data: The collection, use and analysis of data from devices in the field is possible easily to ensure and increase plant availability and to implement new solutions.
In the process industry, Ethernet-compatible interfaces are increasingly needed to access data from the field via IIoT. Of course, this may also include hazardous areas requiring special protection and corresponding approvals. But not only. In the process industry, too, there are still a lot of sensors and devices in the field outside of hazardous areas which are not yet connected via Ethernet. There’s a wide range of Industry 4.0 applications to connect all IIoT devices via Ethernet-APL which are compatible with all standard protocols, such as PROFINET, Ethernet/IP, or EtherCAT.
When you have the challenge in the process industry to integrate IIOT devices into the network infrastructure, our Ethernet-APL components can help you with Ethernet-compatible high-speed data transmission with a top performance of 10 Mbit/s. Ethernet-APL enables direct connection via a two-wire solution using economic PCB components.
Within compact field devices, there is limited space for RJ45 or M12 connectors. The Ethernet-APL PCB components reduce space and weight.
Although the process industry is the target market for Ethernet-APL, our components can also support you to integrate IOT devices into the building network infrastructure and cover long distances.
Ethernet-APL enables direct connection via a two-wire solution using cost-effective PCB components from Weidmüller. It is possible to bridge large distances of up to 1,000 m.
In fact, Ethernet-APL is a part of Single Pair Ethernet. In the process industry, Ethernet-compatible interfaces are increasingly needed to access data from the field via IIoT, too. Single Pair Ethernet describes various Ethernet standards that are all based on two-wire technology: 10Base-T1S, 10Base-T1L, 100Base-T1, 1000Base-T1. These standards describe different transmission speeds from 10 Mbit/s to 10 Gbit/s and a cable length of 15 m to 1000 m.
Here, Ethernet-APL is a dedicated definition of 10Base-T1L and needs qualified components which allow reliable data transmission at 10 Mbit/s and simultaneous power supply via twisted pair cable up to 1,000 m.
You can say that Ethernet-APL is the Single Pair Ethernet for the process industry. Within the Ethernet standard, certain requirements were added to describe characteristics of cables and plugs, power supply, and explosion protection in hazardous areas. While Single Pair Ethernet will mainly be used in factory automation and building infrastructure, Ethernet-APL was specifically developed for the process automation industry and the components need to fulfill the special requirements in that area.
Single Pair Ethernet for industry and building automation mainly considers connectors with miniaturized mating faces, patch cables, field attachable plugs, M8 adapters as well as IP20 and IP67 sockets in different outlet directions. Regarding the APL specification, the process industry relies on classical terminals with screw or tension spring connection.
Single Pair Ethernet | Ethernet-APL | |
| Technology | Two-wire technology | Two-wire technology |
| Ethernet standards | 10BASE-T1S, 10BASE-T1L, 100BASE-T1, 1000BASE-T1 | Dedicated definition of 10BASE-T1L |
| Data transmission | 10 Mbit/s up to 10 Gbit/s | 10 Mbit/s |
| Power transmission | PoDL (Power over Data Line) transmits up to 50 W via a single wire pair. | The 2-WISE power supply (2-Wire Intrinsically Ssafe Ethernet) limits the current in hazardous areas, supports various power levels and minimizes sparking. |
| Cable length | 15 m to 1,000 m | up to 1,000 m |
| Main application | Factory automation and building infrastructure | Specifically developed for the process industry |
| Special features | Miniaturization, industrial suitability, simplicity, future-proof | Certain requirements were added to the standard to describe characteristics of cables and plugs, power supply and explosion protection in hazardous areas. |
| Connection technology and our range | Connectors with miniaturized mating faces, patch cables, field attachable plugs, M8 adapters as well as IP20 and IP67 sockets in different outlet directions | Classical terminals with screw or tension spring connection, like OMNIMATE® PCB components, built-in and field attachable plugs (M12). |
Single Pair Ethernet will be the next generation of communication architecture for industrial IoT. The concept of Ethernet right down to the sensors promises a seamless connection from the sensor to the cloud.
Would you like to find out more about Advanced Physical Layer technology, its advantages and areas of application? Request our free white paper and find out more about Weidmüller’s contribution to Ethernet-APL: