Qu'est-ce que la numérisation des friches industrielles ?

Brownfield Digitalization is the process of upgrading existing industrial systems without replacing installed instrumentation.

Instead of rebuilding infrastructure, it focuses on:

• Connecting legacy devices
• Extracting usable data
• Enabling gradual digital transformation

This approach is widely used in plants with 4–20mA and HART-based systems.

Learn more: Brownfield vs Greenfield Strategy → /brownfield-vs-greenfield

What is HART to Cloud?

HART to Cloud is a key method in Brownfield Digitalization that enables data extraction from HART-enabled instruments and integration into cloud platforms.

It typically involves:

• HART data acquisition via gateways
• Protocol conversion (OPC UA / MQTT)
• Cloud connectivity for analytics

This allows existing instruments to become part of modern IIoT systems.

Related solution: Edge Gateway Solutions → /edge-gateway

Why is HART to Cloud important in Brownfield Digitalization?

Most industrial plants already have a large installed base of HART devices.

HART to Cloud helps:

• Unlock hidden device data
• Improve operational visibility
• Enable predictive maintenance
• Reduce upgrade costs

It provides a low-risk and scalable path to digital transformation.

What is Ethernet-APL?

Ethernet-APL (Advanced Physical Layer) is a technology that enables Ethernet communication directly at the field level.

It offers:

• Two-wire communication (power + data)
• Transmission à longue distance (jusqu'à 1000 mètres)
• Intrinsic safety for hazardous areas
• High-speed data (10 Mbps)

Ethernet-APL is a key technology for future-ready industrial networks.

Learn more: Edge Integration Architecture → /edge-integration

What types of instruments support Ethernet-APL?

Only instruments with native Ethernet-APL interfaces can connect directly.

Voici quelques exemples :

• Pressure transmitters
• Débitmètres
• Level sensors
• Temperature transmitters

Legacy 4–20mA and HART instruments do not support direct APL connectivity.

Can HART instruments be integrated into Ethernet-APL systems?

Not directly, but they can be integrated through edge devices.

Typical approach:

• Use HART gateways or multiplexers
• Convert data into OPC UA or MQTT
• Connect to higher-level systems

This is the foundation of most Brownfield Digitalization projects.

What is the architecture of an Ethernet-APL system?

Ethernet-APL uses a trunk-and-spur topology:

• Trunk: Main communication backbone
• Spur: Connection to individual devices

The system includes:

• APL switches
• Field switches
• Ethernet backbone
• Field instruments

This enables Ethernet connectivity all the way to field devices.

Why can Ethernet-APL transmit more data than HART?

Ethernet-APL removes traditional communication limitations through:

• High bandwidth (10 Mbps vs HART’s low speed)
• Ethernet-based communication
• Support for structured protocols like OPC UA

This enables:

• Multi-variable data
• Diagnostic de l'appareil
• Real-time status information

What is Publish/Subscribe in industrial communication?

Publish/Subscribe is a communication model where:

• Devices publish data continuously
• Systems subscribe to receive data

Unlike traditional polling, this model:

• Enables real-time data flow
• Supports multiple systems simultaneously
• Reduces network load

How do Ethernet-APL instruments send data actively?

Ethernet-APL instruments are network devices with IP-based communication.

They can:

• Send periodic updates
• Trigger event-based messages
• Stream real-time data

Supported by protocols such as:

• OPC UA
• PROFINET
• MQTT (via edge systems)

What is the difference between HART to Cloud and Ethernet-APL?

HART to Cloud focuses on activating existing assets, while Ethernet-APL enables next-generation infrastructure.

Which is better: HART to Cloud or Ethernet-APL?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer.

• Brownfield projects → HART to Cloud
• Greenfield projects → Ethernet-APL

Most real-world applications use a hybrid approach.

How does Instrava support Brownfield Digitalization?

Instrava focuses on practical and scalable upgrade strategies.

We help customers:

• Assess existing instrumentation
• Identify digitalization opportunities
• Design HART to Cloud architectures
• Integrate edge and cloud systems

Our approach enables digital transformation without disrupting operations.

Explore more: Industrial Data Modeling → /data-modeling

Conclusion: From Legacy Signals to Data-Driven Systems

Brownfield Digitalization is not about replacing systems—it is about activating them.

• HART to Cloud unlocks existing data
• Ethernet-APL defines future architecture

Together, they form a complete path toward modern industrial digitalization.