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ETHERNET-APL TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Word in the process control industry is spreading about a new physical layer that supports
Ethernet communication and power transmission over a single twisted shielded pair cable. This
new physical layer is dubbed the Ethernet Advanced Physical Layer, Ethernet-APL, or just APL.
 

It provides significant advantages over existing physical layer technologies including:

  • High 10 Mbps data rate

  • Easier Intrinsic Safety installation

  • Support for all existing Ethernet protocols including Modbus/TCP, Profinet, HART-IP, and EtherNet/IP

  • No terminators

  • No special power supplies

  • Simpler troubleshooting

  • More power for field instruments

​

See the following Application Notes for more detailed information:

Application Notes:

This application note introduces a new method of getting Ethernet to field devices.  The long distance version is targeted at the process industry.

Various Industrial Process Control networking types are compared to APL in this Tech note.

A list of URL links to specifications, papers, and standards related to APL are contained in this Tech note.

Every technology comes with its own list of acronyms and definitions.  This application note provides an explanation for these APL specific terms.

This Tech note provides information on how signaling works for APL to result in 10 Megabit per second throughput.

Any technology comes with a list of pros and cons.  This paper discusses what is currently known about the strengths and weaknesses of APL.

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