SA Instrumentation & Control | Volume 40 | September 2024

FIELDBUS & INDUSTRIAL NETWORKING

KROHNE reaches important milestone in Ethernet-APL

combined with intrinsic safety at the field level and enabling two-wire operation with power supply. Since 2018, KROHNE has been a founding member of the Ethernet-APL consortium, playing a key role in the technical design of this standard. Interest in Ethernet-APL has been steadily growing, especially within the chemical industry. Dr Christoph Spiegel, head of strategic product management at KROHNE, highlighted that the company’s demonstrators already incorporate most of the technology’s capabilities. These include the implementation of PROFINET according to the Process Automation (PA) profile 4.0, compatibility with both generic and manufacturer-specific GSD files, an FDI package for use with modern asset management systems, and an integrated web server with a user-friendly interface for straightforward commissioning and diagnostics. KROHNE’s objective with these demonstrators is to obtain early feedback and test results, particularly focusing on interoperability with various host systems. This initiative aims to reinforce customer trust in KROHNE as a reliable partner that brings the latest technology into practical use at an early stage. Given the nascent nature of Ethernet-APL, KROHNE is working closely with users to refine and improve the technology. The company is confident that it will be able to present the first Ethernet-APL devices by the end of the fourth quarter of 2024.

In December 2023, KROHNE introduced Ethernet-APL demo devices to selected customers, marking a significant milestone in their development of Ethernet APL for various sensor types. Ethernet-APL is a revolutionary technology in the process industry, offering a high data rate of 10 Mbit/s

For more information contact KROHNE SA, +27 11 314 1391, b.elliot2@krohne.com, krohne.com/pipepatrol

Robust Ethernet cordset cables

Turck Banner offers a product range comprising a wealth of different connectors and cables, including over 115 000 connection technology solutions with differing degrees of complexity. These include everything from field-wirable connectors and cables to complex systems like switch cabinets. The 4422 series is a comprehensive range of standard Ethernet cables for industrial production – robust, flexible, and suitable for high data rates. The multiprotocol-capable Ethernet cables have been approved for the most important markets and network types, and meet all the criteria for use in networks with Profinet (PNO), EtherCAT (ETG), Ethernet/IP (ODVA) or Modbus TCP. The polyurethane cable jacket makes them resistant to abrasion and pressure, and allows a high level of flexibility, with torsion radii of ±180°/metre. The cable can also withstand more than five million bending cycles, thus making it suitable for drag chain applications. In combination with the appropriate female connectors, the cables comply with protection type IP67. With Cat 5e and 100 Mbps, they can also be used to implement applications with high data rates. The cables of the 4422 series are available with RJ45 male connectors, and also with straight or angled M12 or M8 male connectors with different codings. The combined knurled hexagon nut simplifies assembly with or without tools. In addition to CE and UKCA approval for Europe, the cables also have UL certification for the American market. The portfolio is available from stock, and customer-specific variants can

also be supplied on request, for example with customised printing, or in special lengths or assemblies.

For more information contact Turck Banner, +27 11 453 2468, sales@turckbanner.co.za, www.turckbanner.co.za

40 September 2024 www.instrumentation.co.za