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By Alina Neacsu
Phoenix Contact has expanded its Ethernet-APL portfolio with managed switches offering 12 ports, addressing growing demand for Ethernet connectivity at the field level in process industries. The switches are designed for hazardous-area applications and support direct Ethernet connections to sensors and field devices.
For eeNews Europe readers, the development highlights the continued rollout of Ethernet-APL infrastructure across process industries. As chemical plants, refineries and pharmaceutical facilities pursue greater digitalisation and real-time access to operational data, higher-port-count networking equipment could help simplify the deployment of Ethernet-based architectures in hazardous environments.
Ethernet-APL (Advanced Physical Layer) is gaining traction as a way to extend standard Ethernet communications into process plants over existing two-wire infrastructure while supporting long cable lengths and intrinsic safety requirements.
Phoenix Contact’s latest managed switches enable direct Ethernet connectivity for sensors and field devices operating in potentially explosive environments. This allows operational data to be transferred in real time for process control, condition monitoring and diagnostics.
For engineers in sectors such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, and mining, Ethernet-APL is increasingly viewed as a key enabling technology for digitalisation projects and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) initiatives. The technology aims to bridge the gap between field instrumentation and higher-level Ethernet networks without requiring protocol gateways.
The introduction of a 12-port configuration expands the range of deployment options available for larger greenfield projects where multiple field devices need to be connected through a single network infrastructure.
According to Phoenix Contact, the switches support Ethernet-APL power class A, allowing connected field devices to receive power and communications through the same two-wire connection.
The company has also updated the firmware with simplified configuration and diagnostic tools intended to reduce commissioning effort. A compact design allows installation in space-constrained control cabinets.
Both switch variants carry international approvals for use in hazardous-area applications, making them suitable for deployment in global process industry projects.
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