7 Good Reasons For Ethernet-APL by Pepperl+Fuchs

May 26, 2022

DCS 7 Good Reasons for Ethernet APL Pepperl Fuchs 1 400 As development progresses and the benefits for the process industry become clearer, interest in and demand for the Ethernet Advanced Physical Layer, or Ethernet-APL for short, are growing. The debate about this innovative technology is becoming increasingly intense, so that more and more users from all over the world are approaching our experts with questions. You will find the most important answers here–and thus seven good reasons why this technology should not be missing in your plant.

1. Which DCS Manufacturers already Offer Control Systems with Ethernet-APL Today?

In fact, all of them, without exception, already offer Ethernet-APL. With the FieldConnex® rail field switch from Pepperl+Fuchs, the connection right into the field of the plant and thus the continuous communication can be easily realized–up to the selection of different protocols.

2. Which Field Device Manufacturers already Provide Ethernet-APL-capable Field Devices?

The first manufacturer to immediately announce complete instrumentation with Ethernet-APL for spring 2022 is Endress+Hauser, and others will follow. However, by the time of ACHEMA at the end of August 2022 at the latest, it can be assumed that this topic will cause a lot of movement among manufacturers.

3. What Benefits Will Customers Receive if They Deploy Ethernet-APL, Especially Comparing to 4-20 mA and HART?

This is the key question: universal, barrier-free network access to instrumentation at high speed! All the advantages we know from everyday life with Ethernet can be transferred to the requirements of the process industry:

•better SOPs
•less maintenance
•reduced risk of failure and malfunction
•higher output
•more efficiency

4. From Which Features Do These Benefits Derive?

A field network, in conjunction with PROFINET or Ethernet/IP and appropriate hardware and software, enables applications with fully automated processes interacting with field instruments. Specifically, this means, for example, that systems can provide the following functions and applications:

•automatic device detection
•automatic upload and download of the instrument configuration
•upload of the right DTM / EDD device drivers

5. Are there Demo Devices? How Can I Experience the Technology Live?

The experts from Pepperl+Fuchs will not be able to demonstrate the technology to you in a demo case as usual. The easiest way to implement a test configuration with Ethernet-APL is in your own environment with your control system or controller that you keep on hand for testing. From Pepperl+Fuchs you get a switch and the expert support. You request the field devices from your usual suppliers. You can then start testing immediately with a PROFINET controller and PROFIBUS PA field devices. Before you do this, however, you should set yourself goals for how the functions of a network infrastructure can make your daily work easier and develop test scenarios from them. The NAMUR epics, which describe various use cases, also provide inspiration for this.

7. What Is the NAMUR Open Architecture and How Does Ethernet-APL Fit in?

NOA or the NAMUR Open Architecture defines a lateral access to secondary information of the field instrumentation, such as configuration, alarms and diagnostics. Lateral means access independent of the control system and in parallel, so that the control system can remain unaffected and highly available in its configuration and thus process control

NOA defines appropriate application scenarios for handling the instrumentation, such as

•the simple commissioning of the field devices
•automatic alignment of the plant documentation
•the simple exchange of instruments or
•the ability to read out several variables from one device.

For this purpose, NAMUR defines OPC-UA as the preferred protocol, which is transmitted in parallel to the industrial protocol for plant control. Ethernet-APL is the data transmission link and physics that enables this parallel communication directly to the field device.

Do you have further questions? Please contact the experts at Pepperl+Fuchs and let them know how they can support you.

Source

Put to the Ultimate Test – Part 1: Torsion Tests by HELUKABEL

DCS Put to the Ultimate Test Part 1 Torsion Tests by HELUKABEL 1 400x275

Cables and wires in industrial robots and other moving machine parts are often required to withstand extreme stresses caused by torsion. Constant repetitive movements put materials under considerable strain. At the same time, operators expect components to function perfectly and reliably throughout their entire service life to avoid disruptions, outages and safety hazards.

For this reason, at HELUKABEL, we simulate intensive and continuous torsion stresses under realistic conditions with our high-tech testing equipment in Windsbach. We have several types of apparatus for doing this because some of our customers, for example those in the automotive industry, have very precise specifications for how a torsion test is carried out. The tests show that our cables and wires withstand speeds up to 1,000°/s, accelerations up to 2,000°/s² and torsion angles up to 720°. Hence, we make sure that each product always meets our customers’ high standards, and that they receive the impeccable quality they rightly expect from us as a leading supplier of cables, wires and accessories for more than 40 years.

What Is Torsion?

To learn the answer, click here

30 Minute Live Webinar 2:30 PM ET January 19th, 2023

With PC-based automation, you can implement applications and solutions that far exceed the functions of a classic controller. SIMATIC PC-based products offer you a flexible, innovative platform with long-term availability that give you a home field advantage when meeting the challenges of the digital factory for your machines and plants.

Festo Didactic at the Forefront of Developing Canada’s Future Work Force

DCS Festo Didactic at the Forefront of Developing Canadas Future Workforce 1 400x275

With Canadian manufacturing suffering from a growing labour shortage, the participation of industry in skills development is emerging as a vital component in hiring and retention.

The needs are stark: The Canadian Exporters and Manufacturers Association says almost 40% of its members have jobs they can’t fill. Five years from now, 60% expect to be short-staffed, especially when it comes to skilled trades. Statistics Canada forecasts the country’s labour force growth rate will remain below 0.2% for the rest of the decade, below replacement levels.

This growing shortage is affecting companies of all sizes. Already, some manufacturers acknowledge losing out on contracts because they can’t find the manpower to fulfill them.

In reality, the challenge is two-fold: to replenish and expand the workforce to help close the gap between the number of job seekers and vacancies through 2030 when the last baby boomers reach age 65, and ensure workers get opportunities throughout their careers to upgrade or add to their skillset as current technologies evolve and new ones emerge. Festo, through Festo Didactic, one of the world leading provider of equipment and solutions for technical education, intends to help Canada meet this challenge on both fronts. In essence, the approach Festo has always taken is that the learning never stops.

Product News

DCS Control Techniques Adds Wall Mount Packages 1 400x275

Control Techniques Adds Wall Mounted Packages to ...

When working with industrial pumping, such as crop irrigation or wastewater ...