Softing Industrial proudly announces the introduction of its innovative “aplSwitch Field” at ACHEMA 2024. This cutting-edge 16-Port Ethernet-Advanced Physical Layer (Ethernet-APL) Field Switch, with an optional PROFIBUS Process Automation (PA) proxy, is engineered for Zone 2 environments, offering seamless connectivity down to the field level.
The “aplSwitch Field” facilitates the transparent integration of “Two-Wire Intrinsically Safe Ethernet” (2-WISE) Ethernet-APL field devices into higher-level Industrial Ethernet networks, supplying these devices with intrinsically safe power. “aplSwitch Field PA” variant further supports the connection of both Ethernet-APL and PROFIBUS PA devices, ensuring effortless integration into existing industrial frameworks.
Seamless Integration and Robust Design
The “aplSwitch Field” is designed for seamless integration into leading Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Asset Management Systems (AMS). It features 16 Ethernet-APL spur “2-WISE” ports and supports PROFINET with Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP) ring topology. The switch is compatible with major systems such as Emerson, Siemens, and ABB, providing stable network connectivity through ingress/egress support. Comprehensive diagnostics are enabled by integrated PROFINET functions and a local display, simplifying commissioning and maintenance processes. The “aplSwitch Field” is suitable for installation in Ex Zone 2, with connectivity options for field devices in Ex Zone 0 and 1, and is housed in a robust IP30-rated enclosure.
Flexible Power Classes and Migration Options
The “aplSwitch Field” variant accommodates both Power Class A and Power Class B, ensuring compatibility with field devices that have higher power requirements. The PA variant, “aplSwitch Field PA”, facilitates the migration of existing PA infrastructure to Ethernet-APL topology. Thanks to an integrated PROFINET proxy, Ethernet-APL and PROFIBUS-PA devices can coexist on the same switch, offering a smooth transition path for legacy systems.
Official Release
The official release date for the “aplSwitch Field” and “aplSwitch Field PA” is set for September 2024.
Softing Industrial specializes in connecting disparate automation components, enabling data flow from the shop floor to the cloud for control and analytics. The company’s products ensure reliable data transmission and provide the foundation for optimizing production processes through monitoring and diagnosing communication networks.
