Representative End User Clients
Representative Automation Clients
Representative Software Clients
NAMUR (User Association of Automation Technology in Process Industries) and ZVEI (German Electro and Digital Industry Association) announced the publication of a comprehensive collection of Ethernet-APL use-cases in the process industry. Ethernet-APL (Advanced Physical Layer) is based on single-pair Ethernet (SPE) on 10BASE-T1L as defined in IEEE 802.3cg, with additional provisions for process industry applications.
The publication treats Ethernet-APL as a synonym that encompasses the entire technology stack, including:
Ethernet-APL.
PROFINET or Ethernet-IP as current application protocols, or OPC UA via TSN as a future candidate.
Generic device profiles and drivers according to NE 131 (e.g., PA Profile 4.02).
FDI (Field Device Integration) for device integration into asset management systems.
-PA-DIM (Process Automation - Device Information Model) as the standard information model for diagnostic information.
OPC UA for diagnostic data exchange, either from the asset management system to NOA, or directly from the field device via a secondary data channel; and
A safety protocol, such as PROFIsafe, to allow Ethernet-APL to be used in the safety domain.
The publication highlights the potential and benefits of Ethernet-APL use-cases in engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, operations, maintenance, and smart sensors. Operations roles detailed include Control Room Operator, Reliability Manager. Operations Engineer, Improvement Engineer, Process Automation Manager, Process Safety Manager, and Security Manager.
NAMUR and ZVEI have established dedicated APL Task Forces to support the introduction of Ethernet-APL and ensure it meets the needs of end-users. The NAMUR APL Task Force was initiated at the end of 2022 with an aim to catalyze the implementation of APL within the member companies and also with leading vendors. The task force has a planned lifetime of two years and a target of ten or more projects associated with APL. The task force consists of representatives from Bayer, BASF, Bilfinger, Covestro, DOW, Evonik, and Lanxess.
Sub-WG APL-Safety
The physical layer APL offers the option of using safety-oriented Ethernet protocols for field communication. The corresponding user requirements of the process industry for field devices, control system, and configuration tools are identified within this Sub-WG. The NAMUR companies are aiming for a user-friendly implementation in which identical field devices with a standardized communication infrastructure can be used for both process control and safety applications.
Established methods, such as prior use, remain applicable. In addition, the significant reduction in measurement uncertainty through digital communication and new types of diagnostics offer significant benefits (e.g. extension of the operating range). To achieve these benefits across all phases of a system's life cycle, the Sub-WG defines and specifies the user requirements in NE 168 and the position paper Ethernet-APL for functional safety applications.
Further information regarding industrial Ethernet developments is available here.