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Ethernet-APL Universal Media Converter for Industrial Single-Pair Ethernet
Instrava curated instruments are selected to help industrial operators modernize field communication systems with reliable, future-ready networking technologies. This Ethernet-APL Universal Media Converter is designed to seamlessly bridge standard Ethernet networks with Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) and Ethernet-APL infrastructure, enabling long-distance industrial communication with transparent protocol transmission.
The device integrates one standard RJ45 Ethernet port and one IEEE802.3cg-2019 compliant 10BASE-T1L Ethernet-APL interface, allowing bidirectional transparent conversion between conventional Ethernet and SPE/Ethernet-APL networks. It supports both industrial data transmission and PoDL (Power over Data Line) power delivery over a single twisted pair cable with transmission distances up to 1000 meters.
Unlike conventional industrial media converters, this Ethernet-APL Universal Media Converter is specifically optimized for industrial process automation, Ethernet-APL deployment, and Industry 4.0 migration projects. It supports major industrial Ethernet protocols including PROFINET, MODBUS TCP/IP, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, CC-Link IE, and POWERLINK without requiring IP configuration or network topology participation.
Its transparent physical-layer design allows users to treat the converter as a simple cable extension device during network configuration, greatly simplifying engineering deployment and reducing integration complexity.
Ethernet-APL Switch Description
Long-Distance 10BASE-T1L Communication with Integrated PoDL Support
This Industrial Ethernet-APL Media Converter enables stable long-distance communication between standard Ethernet equipment and field-level Ethernet-APL devices using a single twisted pair cable.
The SPE/Ethernet-APL port supports full-duplex 10Mbit/s communication compliant with IEEE802.3cg-2019 10BASE-T1L standards, making it suitable for process automation systems requiring reliable long-range industrial Ethernet transmission.
Key performance advantages include:
- Transparent conversion between Ethernet and Ethernet-APL
- Long-distance SPE communication up to 1000 meters
- Full-duplex 10BASE-T1L transmission
- Support for Power over Data Line (PoDL)
- Compatible with both SPE and Ethernet-APL applications
- Supports multiple PoDL voltage and power classes
- No IP address required
- No network topology configuration required
- Plug-and-play industrial deployment
- Compatible with Industrial Ethernet protocols
The converter supports various PoDL power classes for both SPE and Ethernet-APL systems:
- SPE Class 10, 11, 12
- SPE Class 13, 14, 15
- Ethernet-APL Class A and C
- Ethernet-APL Class 3 and 4
This flexibility allows engineers to deploy the converter across different field instrument architectures, process control systems, and industrial Ethernet infrastructures.
Industrial-Grade Reliability for Process Automation and Industry 4.0
Designed for demanding industrial environments, this Ethernet-APL Universal Media Converter provides stable communication performance, excellent EMC protection, and flexible industrial installation capability.
The device supports wide-range 9–60VDC power input, enabling compatibility with different Ethernet-APL and SPE field power architectures while simplifying industrial cabinet integration.
Industrial-grade protection features include:
- TVS surge protection
- ESD electrostatic protection
- IEC61000-4-2 compliance
- IEC61000-4-4 compliance
- IEC61000-4-5 compliance
- Reverse polarity protection
- 1500VDC isolation protection
Its compact DIN rail mounting design and ultra-low power consumption make it ideal for industrial control cabinets, process automation systems, smart factories, and hazardous industrial networking applications.
Because the converter operates as a transparent physical-layer device, it does not participate in industrial Ethernet topology configuration and requires no network management settings. This dramatically reduces commissioning time while enabling smooth migration from legacy industrial communication systems to Ethernet-APL infrastructure.
The converter is especially suitable for:
- Process automation modernization
- Industrial IoT infrastructure
- Ethernet-APL migration projects
- Long-distance field device communication
- Hazardous process industries
- Smart manufacturing systems
- Digital oil & gas applications
- Intelligent instrumentation networks
Ethernet-APL Switch Parameter
| Parameter Category | Item | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Ethernet Port | Interface Type | 1 × RJ45 Ethernet port |
| Ethernet Standard | IEEE802.3, 10BASE-T | |
| Transmission Speed | 10Mbit/s | |
| Auto MDI/MDI-X | Supported | |
| Max Distance | 100m via Cat.5 cable | |
| SPE / Ethernet-APL Port | Interface Type | 5.08-3Pin pluggable spring terminal |
| Ethernet Standard | IEEE802.3cg-2019, 10BASE-T1L | |
| Communication Mode | 10Mbit/s full duplex | |
| Transmission Medium | Single pair twisted cable | |
| Cable Size | 26AWG–14AWG | |
| Max Transmission Distance | Up to 1000m | |
| Signal Voltage | Default Vpp = 1.0V | |
| PoDL Support | Supported | |
| SPE PoDL Classes | Class 10–15 | |
| Ethernet-APL Power Classes | A, C, 3, 4 | |
| Supported Protocols | PROFINET, MODBUS TCP/IP, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, CC-Link IE, POWERLINK | |
| Protection | Surge Protection | IEC61000-4-5 |
| ESD Protection | IEC61000-4-2 | |
| EFT Protection | IEC61000-4-4 | |
| Isolation Voltage | 1500VDC | |
| Power Supply | Input Voltage | 9–60VDC |
| Reverse Polarity Protection | Supported | |
| Power Consumption | Without PoDL | ≤1W |
| Environment | Protection Rating | IP20 |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to +75°C | |
| Mechanical | Dimensions | 120 × 32 × 32 mm |
| Weight | 100g | |
| Installation | DIN35mm rail 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 Universal Media Converter?
An Ethernet-APL Universal Media Converter is a physical-layer device that transparently converts Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) or Ethernet-APL signals into standard Ethernet communication. It enables seamless integration between modern Ethernet-APL field devices and conventional industrial Ethernet networks without requiring protocol configuration or IP addressing.
What is the difference between an Ethernet-APL media converter and a standard industrial switch?
An Ethernet-APL media converter operates at the physical layer and performs transparent signal conversion between Ethernet-APL and standard Ethernet. Unlike managed switches, it does not require IP configuration, protocol setup, or network topology programming. In industrial networks, it behaves like a transparent cable extension while supporting all upper-layer industrial Ethernet protocols.
Which industrial protocols are supported by the Ethernet-APL Universal Media Converter?
The converter supports transparent transmission for all industrial Ethernet upper-layer protocols, including:
- PROFINET
- Modbus TCP/IP
- EtherNet/IP
- EtherCAT
- CC-Link IE
- POWERLINK
Because it works transparently at the physical layer, no additional protocol driver or software configuration is required.
What transmission distance does the Ethernet-APL Universal Media Converter support?
The converter supports long-distance Single Pair Ethernet communication up to:
| Connection Type | Maximum Distance |
|---|---|
| Standard Ethernet (RJ45) | 100 meters |
| Ethernet-APL / SPE | Up to 1000 meters |
When PoDL power is enabled, the actual distance depends on cable size, device power consumption, and voltage level.
Does the Ethernet-APL Universal Media Converter support PoDL power supply?
Yes. The device supports Power over Data Line (PoDL) for both SPE and Ethernet-APL applications.
Supported PoDL classes include:
| Technology | Supported Power Classes |
|---|---|
| SPE | Class 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 |
| Ethernet-APL | Class A, C, 3, 4 |
This allows both power and Ethernet communication over a single twisted-pair cable.
Why is this Ethernet-APL Universal Media Converter ideal for Industry 4.0 upgrades?
The converter enables legacy industrial Ethernet systems to connect with next-generation Ethernet-APL field networks using a simple plug-and-play architecture.
Key advantages include:
- Transparent data transmission without protocol conversion
- No IP address or software configuration required
- Support for long-distance 10BASE-T1L communication
- Wide 9–60VDC industrial power input
- Compact DIN rail installation for control cabinets
- Industrial-grade protection with surge and ESD immunity
These features make it ideal for process automation, smart instrumentation, and brownfield Industry 4.0 modernization projects.
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