R. STAHL announces that it is entering into a technology partnership with Softing Industrial Automation GmbH for the further development and expansion of Ethernet-APL technology. The new 2-wire Ethernet for process automation "Ethernet-Advanced Physical Layer" (Ethernet-APL) is the key technology for the integrated digitalization of process plants down to the field level, including use in hazardous areas.
In the Ethernet-APL project, R. STAHL worked with eleven other manufacturers and four renowned organisations for process automation, FieldComm Group, ODVA, OPC Foundation and PROFIBUS and PROFINET International (PI), and developed the basics and specifications for Ethernet in the field. R. STAHL and Softing Industrial will shortly be presenting corresponding products and solutions for installation in Zone 1 and 2 with intrinsically safe 2-WISE (2-Wire Intrinsically Safe Ethernet) field device connections for Zone 0 in the form of Ethernet-APL Power Switches and Field Switches. R. STAHL has chosen Softing Industrial as a partner, who brings a high level of expertise in industrial Ethernet switches and the technologies of the organisations involved - HART-IP, EtherNet/IP, OPC UA, and PROFINET - to the partnership. Softing is a recognised specialist for industrial communication with fieldbuses and Industrial Ethernet protocols, for standardised data exchange and the integration and configuration of devices and networks.
According to André Fritsch, Senior Product Manager Remote I/O & Fieldbus at R. STAHL, "the technology partnership with Softing will drive the development of Ethernet-APL solutions in both explosion protection and communication technology." Thomas Rummel, Senior Vice President Engineering & Product Management at Softing, adds: "We have known R. STAHL as an experienced and reliable business partner for a long time. Softing's expertise in industrial Ethernet switches, together with R. STAHL`s expertise in explosion protection, guarantee that these two important requirements for Ethernet-APL are perfectly met."
Press contact:
R. STAHL
Kerstin Wolf
Am Bahnhof 30, 74638 Waldenburg, Germany
T: +49 7942 943 4300
E: [email protected]