Ethernet-APL field switch

Softing Industrial presented its new “aplSwitch Field” at ACHEMA 2024. This state-of- the-art 16-Port Ethernet-Advanced Physical Layer (Ethernet-APL) Field Switch with optional PROFIBUS Process Automation (PA) proxy is designed for use in Zone 2 and establishes seamless connectivity down to the field level.

The “aplSwitch Field” enables the transparent connection of “Two-Wire Intrinsically Safe Ethernet” (2-WISE) Ethernet-APL field devices to higher-level Industrial Ethernet networks, providing these devices with intrinsically safe power. Additionally, the “aplSwitch Field PA” variant supports the connection of both Ethernet-APL field devices and PROFIBUS PA devices, ensuring smooth integration into existing industrial systems.

Advanced Features and Compatibility of “aplSwitch Field” The “aplSwitch Field” offers easy integration into leading Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Asset Management Systems (AMS) with 16 Ethernet-APL spur “2-WISE” ports, supporting PROFINET with Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP) ring topology.

It is compatible with major systems like Emerson, Siemens, and ABB, ensuring stable networks through ingress/egress support. Extensive diagnostics are facilitated by integrated PROFINET functions and a local display, enhancing commissioning and maintenance processes. The “aplSwitch Field” is designed for installation in Ex Zone 2, with connectivity for field devices in Ex Zone 0 and 1. It has a robust housing with protection class IP30.

Flexible power classes and migration options: “aplSwitch Field” and “aplSwitch Field PA” variants The “aplSwitch Field” variant supports both Power Class A and Power Class B. This ensures that field devices with higher power requirements can also be operated without any problems. The PA variant – “aplSwitch Field PA” – enables the migration of existing PA infrastructure to Ethernet-APL topology.

plantPerfect Monitor for condition monitoring of industrial communication networks

Softing Industrial also presented “plantPerfect Monitor”, an innovative solution for comprehensive condition monitoring of industrial communication networks and installed systems.

“plantPerfect Monitor” provides detailed insights into the status of industrial networks. Version 1.00 is designed for use with Softing’s hardware gateway “smartLink HW-DP”, which enables controller-independent access to PROFIBUS DP networks.

Softing Industrial will launch an extended version of the “plantPerfect Monitor” for status monitoring of PROFINET devices in the fourth quarter of 2024. That version will be compatible with Softing’s “smartLink HW-PN” hardware gateway.

Central access and comprehensive monitoring for PROFIBUS devices

“plantPerfect Monitor” provides centralized access to real-time and historical data. Through live inventory, it provides an overview of all installed PROFIBUS devices and monitors the status of all connected PROFIBUS devices, including PROFIBUS diagnostic messages. Convenient access is provided via a web browser and can be shared by multiple organizations and users. The solution is deployed using a container architecture on a Windows workstation.

Modern technology for plant operators and maintenance personnel

“plantPerfect Monitor” is a specifically designed for plant operators and maintenance personnel. It enables efficient monitoring of industrial networks and facilities. With state-of-the- art technology, “plantPerfect Monitor” meets the requirements of a modern and safe Operational Technology (OT) application, setting new standards in condition monitoring.

https://industrial.softing.com/products/network-management-tools/plantperfect-monitor.html

Softing Industrial