Ethernet APL for high-availability security applications

Advantages over the entire life cycle of process plants

Authors

  • Alexander Meurer BASF SE
  • Marc Risser BASF SE
  • Martin Roser BASF SE

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17560/atp.v63i5.2595

Keywords:

Ethernet-APL, ProfiSafe, Industrie 4.0

Abstract

While field devices for control and regulation are usually connected via digital fieldbus solutions, the instrumented safety technology still lives its existence in the “Sleeping Beauty sleep” - in analog 4…20 mA technology with completely separated infrastructure. The Ethernet-Advanced Physical Layer (APL) now enables the development of uniform field devices for safety-related and non-safety-related applications as well as their connection via a uniform, fully digital infrastructure. This article shows the advantages for the plant operator in the individual phases of the safety life cycle of process plants and discusses the upcoming challenges.

Published

2022-05-25

Issue

Section

Article / Peer Review