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Ethernet-APL Field Switch for Hazardous Process Automation Networks
Instrava curated instruments are carefully selected to help industrial operators build stable, scalable, and future-ready process automation networks. This Ethernet-APL Field Switch is specifically designed for field-level Ethernet-APL deployment, enabling long-distance industrial Ethernet communication and PoDL power delivery without requiring an additional auxiliary power supply.
The 8-port Ethernet-APL Field Switch integrates 2 Trunk interfaces and 6 Spur interfaces into a compact industrial-grade platform, allowing seamless expansion of Ethernet-APL process networks in demanding industrial environments. The switch receives both power and data from upstream Ethernet-APL power switches through the Trunk interfaces and directly distributes PoDL power and Ethernet communication to field instruments through the Spur interfaces.
Built around IEEE802.3cg-2019 10BASE-T1L technology, the switch supports transparent Ethernet transmission for industrial protocols such as PROFINET, MODBUS TCP/IP, EtherNet/IP, CC-Link IE, and POWERLINK. This allows users to modernize legacy field networks into intelligent Ethernet-APL architectures suitable for Industry 4.0 and Industrial IoT applications.
With IP66 protection, aluminum waterproof housing, long-distance communication capability, and industrial PoDL support, this Ethernet-APL Field Switch is ideal for harsh process industries including oil & gas, chemical plants, pharmaceuticals, power generation, and water treatment systems.
Ethernet-APL Switch Description
Long-Distance Ethernet-APL Communication with Integrated PoDL Distribution
This industrial Ethernet-APL Field Switch is engineered to simplify field-level networking while reducing installation complexity and cabling costs.
The two Trunk ports receive 48–54VDC PoDL voltage and Ethernet signals directly from an upstream Ethernet-APL power switch. These Trunk interfaces support Ethernet-APL Power Classes 3 and 4, enabling stable long-distance communication and power transmission over a single twisted pair cable.
The six Spur interfaces act as powered Ethernet-APL output ports, supplying 12VDC PoDL power directly to connected Ethernet-APL field devices while simultaneously transmitting Ethernet data transparently.
Key advantages include:
- No auxiliary power supply required
- IEEE802.3cg-2019 compliant 10BASE-T1L communication
- Long-distance Ethernet transmission up to 1000m on Trunk lines
- Spur communication distance up to 200m
- Simultaneous data and power transmission over SPE cable
- Supports Ethernet-APL Power Classes A, C, 3, and 4
- Transparent industrial Ethernet protocol transmission
- Compact field-level Ethernet-APL expansion architecture
- Reduced wiring and installation costs
- Optimized for process automation and smart instrumentation
The switch supports cascading expansion through dual Trunk interfaces, making it highly suitable for large-scale Ethernet-APL network deployment across industrial production facilities.
Industrial IP66 Design for Harsh Process Environments
Designed for demanding industrial field applications, this Ethernet-APL Field Switch combines rugged mechanical protection with stable industrial Ethernet performance.
The device uses a durable cast aluminum waterproof enclosure with IP66 protection, ensuring reliable operation in outdoor and harsh industrial environments exposed to moisture, dust, vibration, and electromagnetic interference.
Additional industrial-grade features include:
- Wide operating temperature range from -20°C to +75°C
- Surge protection and reverse polarity protection
- Heavy-duty cable glands for industrial field wiring
- Screw-fixed installation for stable field deployment
- Industrial LED indicators for communication and PoDL status
- Long-term stable operation in hazardous process environments
Unlike conventional Ethernet switches, this Ethernet-APL Field Switch is optimized specifically for Ethernet-APL field instrumentation and SPE-based industrial communication networks. It helps operators build efficient, low-power, long-distance digital process automation systems with simplified infrastructure requirements.
The switch uses DIP switches to manually enable or disable PoDL output on each Spur interface, allowing flexible field power management for Ethernet-APL instruments and sensors. Users should ensure connected field devices comply with Ethernet-APL standards and support 9–15VDC PoDL input specifications.
Ethernet-APL Switch Parameter
| Parameter Category | Item | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Ethernet-APL Interfaces | Interface Type | 5.08-3Pin pluggable terminal |
| Ethernet Standard | IEEE802.3cg-2019, 10BASE-T1L | |
| Communication Speed | 10Mbit/s full duplex | |
| Transmission Medium | Single pair twisted cable | |
| Signal Voltage | Trunk: 2.4Vpp / Spur: 1.0Vpp | |
| Trunk Distance | Up to 1000m | |
| Spur Distance | Up to 200m | |
| Port Quantity | 2 × Trunk ports, 6 × Spur ports | |
| Supported Protocols | PROFINET, MODBUS TCP/IP, EtherNet/IP, CC-Link IE, POWERLINK | |
| PoDL Power | Trunk Input Voltage | 48–54VDC |
| Trunk Power Classes | Ethernet-APL Class 3 & 4 | |
| Spur Output Voltage | 12VDC | |
| Spur Output Power | Max 2W per port | |
| Spur Power Classes | Ethernet-APL Class A & C | |
| Protection | Reverse Polarity Protection | Supported |
| Surge Protection | Supported | |
| Environment | Protection Rating | IP66 |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to +75°C | |
| Mechanical | Housing Material | Cast aluminum waterproof enclosure |
| Dimensions | 200 × 130 × 80 mm | |
| Weight | 1.2kg | |
| Installation | Backplate screw mounting |
Instrava OEM/ODM
Reliable Instruments. Solutions That Fit Your Application.
Instrava is focused on delivering reliable industrial solutions through carefully curated products, application-driven optimization, and flexible customization. We select proven instruments from trusted manufacturers to ensure consistent quality, optimize solutions based on real working conditions to solve practical challenges, and provide tailored configurations to meet specific application needs.
By combining selection expertise with application understanding, Instrava helps customers reduce risk, improve efficiency, and achieve dependable results in complex industrial environments.
Instrava design the right path to digitalize your operations — from legacy instruments to connected, data-driven systems.
What is an Ethernet-APL Field Switch?
An Ethernet-APL Field Switch is an industrial switch designed for process automation networks using Ethernet-APL and Single Pair Ethernet (SPE). It connects field instruments over long distances while delivering both data and power through a single twisted-pair cable using PoDL technology.
How does this Ethernet-APL Field Switch work without auxiliary power?
This Ethernet-APL Field Switch receives both power and communication signals directly from the upstream APL power switch through its Trunk ports. It does not require an external local power supply, making installation simpler and reducing wiring complexity in field deployments.
What are the port configurations of this Ethernet-APL Field Switch?
The switch includes:
| Port Type | Quantity | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Trunk Ports | 2 | Cascade expansion and upstream power input |
| Spur Ports | 6 | Connect and power APL field devices |
The Trunk supports Ethernet-APL power classes 3 and 4, while Spur ports support APL power classes A and C.
What transmission distances are supported by the Ethernet-APL Field Switch?
The switch supports long-distance industrial Ethernet communication:
- Trunk maximum distance: up to 1000 meters
- Spur maximum distance: up to 200 meters
Distance may vary depending on cable size, power consumption, and PoDL load conditions.
Which industrial protocols are supported by the Ethernet-APL Field Switch?
The switch supports transparent transmission for standard industrial Ethernet protocols, including:
- PROFINET
- Modbus TCP/IP
- EtherNet/IP
- CC-Link IE
- POWERLINK
It complies with IEEE802.3cg-2019 and 10BASE-T1L Ethernet-APL standards.
Is this Ethernet-APL Field Switch suitable for harsh industrial environments?
Yes. The switch is designed for demanding industrial and process automation environments:
- Protection rating: IP66 waterproof enclosure
- Operating temperature: -20°C to +75°C
- Aluminum housing for industrial durability
- Surge and reverse polarity protection
- Long-distance communication over SPE cables
These features make it ideal for chemical plants, oil & gas facilities, and smart process automation systems.
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Why Choose Instrava
Built on Consistency, Not Claims
Focused on Industrial Applications
We specialize in industrial analysis and detection, with a clear understanding of real-world operating environments and requirements.
Strict Product Selection Criteria
Every instrument is evaluated based on performance, stability, and application suitability—not just specifications or pricing.
Reliable Supply & Quality Consistency
We work with trusted manufacturers to ensure stable supply, consistent quality, and dependable delivery.
Practical, Experience-Based Support
Our recommendations are grounded in application understanding, helping customers avoid common issues and achieve reliable results.
Instrava is built to reduce uncertainty—so every decision you make is clearer, safer, and more reliable.
