Test and registration services for Ethernet-APL infrastructure products

August 2022 Fieldbus & Industrial Networking

FieldComm Group provides conformance testing and registration for leading industrial instrumentation technologies for the process automation sector. Now, Ethernet-APL solutions join the portfolio of registered products with the availability of physical layer conformance testing for Ethernet-APL infrastructure products – power switches and field switches.

Ethernet-APL is an enhanced physical layer for single-pair Ethernet (SPE) based on 10BASE-T1L. This new physical layer provides end-users with a resilient, isolated and powered Ethernet network for process automation. Ethernet-APL-enabled field devices connect directly to this network. Switches registered with FieldComm Group undergo conformance tests for crucial aspects of the physical layer of the new technology: EMC, data and power.

Gunther Rogoll, manager of fieldbus technology for Pepperl+Fuchs, expressed excitement for this milestone. “We are thrilled to have the first registered Ethernet-APL switches – the Rail Field Switches, including up to 24 intrinsically safe Ex ic spur ports – with FieldComm Group. We have recently been working with FieldComm Group to create test policies and procedures for infrastructure products like field switches and power switches usable by all test and registration authorities in the Ethernet-APL consortium, including ODVA, OPC Foundation, and Profibus & Profinet International. This effort will ensure conformance to the Ethernet-APL standards independent of the test agency.”

Ted Masters, president and CEO of FieldComm Group, adds: “As additional innovative products join the digital evolution of process automation, we will see HART-IP field devices and other infrastructure products completing our registration process, expanding the breadth of fast and secure process data delivery for cloud-based analytics and optimisation.”

FieldComm Group has developed a conformity assessment system to support Ethernet-APL switching hardware. It assesses products for overall conformity to the Ethernet-APL standards using a combination of test results from specialised laboratories and in-house testing services. Products are evaluated against the latest test specifications to ensure consistent EMC immunity and emissions of products; the functionality of the PMA, PCS, PHY control and auto-negotiation sublayer; and the correct implementation of Port Profiles electrical characteristics such as noise and power for intrinsic safety. Product owners who submit conformant Ethernet-APL infrastructure hardware receive a conformance report, certificate and listing on the FieldComm Group Product Registry.

Further reading:

Enhancing process efficiency
Endress+Hauser South Africa Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
In the ever-evolving landscape of industrial process automation, staying ahead of technological advancements is crucial. The Endress+Hauser FieldPort SWA50 is a game-changer, offering a seamless integration of Bluetooth and WirelessHART communication for HART field devices.

Read more...

---

Instrumentation platform generates and acquires faster signals
Vepac Electronics Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The hybridNETBOX is an innovative instrumentation platform that combines a multi-channel arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) and a digitiser in a single portable unit.

Read more...

---

Providing visibility over critical infrastructure
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Sequence of event recorders or sequence of event monitors play a significant role in monitoring and maintaining critical infrastructure. Gary Bradshaw, director at remote monitoring equipment specialist, Omniflex, outlines the applicable industries and reasons for use.

Read more...

---

AI-driven innovations with CCTV and cyber security
RJ Connect Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The fast progress of artificial intelligence (AI) and video analytics is redefining the rail surveillance landscape. Advancements have bolstered proactive event detection, predictive maintenance and enhanced situational awareness.

Read more...

---

Compact drive and control technology
Beckhoff Automation Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
When custom machine builder Lehnen Industrial Services introduced a filling machine for lip balm, the company was surprised by the amount of interest in this premium system. In order to meet this demand, they decided to standardise the machine. The necessary adaptability is provided by the scalable control technology from Beckhoff.

Read more...

---

Condition monitoring in three axes with smart IO-Link vibration sensor
ifm - South Africa Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Machine vibrations are important indicators when it comes to assessing the current condition of a machine. Damage to rolling element bearings and other machine components can be detected at an early stage before costly machine downtime occurs.

Read more...

---

EtherCAT interoperability removes industrial networking barriers
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Selecting the right communication technology is one of the most important decisions engineers make, and interoperability helps with that decision. Key development tools and standards ensure interoperability among many EtherCAT devices and manufacturers.

Read more...

---

Boosting long-distance critical signal delivery in mining
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
In mining applications globally, conveyor belts of up to 20 km are used to transport ore. Damage to conveyors often causes cargo spillage and creates major safety risks. Ian Loudon, international sales manager at remote monitoring specialist, Omniflex explains how these challenges can be combatted using bidirectional fibre optic modules.

Read more...

---

Industrial PCs with new processor generations and increased performance
Beckhoff Automation Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
PC-based control technology from Beckhoff has always benefited from the convergence of automation and the IT world. Current examples include the use of the latest industry-standard processor generations, high-quality and demand-optimised flash memory, and the long-term availability version of Windows 11.

Read more...

---

New EtherCAT digital input and output terminals
Beckhoff Automation Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The new EL14xx and EL24xx EtherCAT Terminals from Beckhoff complement the company’s existing broad portfolio in the area of digital input/output, and combine proven functions with an optimised circuit architecture.

Read more...

---