R. Stahl has successfully tested its new Ethernet-APL Field Switch in extensive practical trials under realistic conditions - and is now launching the product following successful Atex and IECEx certification. The results clearly show: the switch meets all the requirements of modern process automation and is ready for deployment in hazardous areas.
As part of a realistic test setup using Profinet over APL, more than 200 field devices were operated in a ring topology with 15 field switches connected to a control system. The aim was to assess the interoperability, scalability, and performance of the technology and infrastructure components under full load. R. Stahl’s Field Switch passed the test with flying colors, demonstrating high stability, fast redundancy switchover times, and full Profinet compatibility. The tests were based on the requirements of a globally operating chemical company and showed that devices from different manufacturers can be operated together seamlessly in a single network. R. Stahl’s pre-production devices consistently delivered reliable results - even under heavy load scenarios.
Reliable networking - even in hazardous areas
With the introduction of the Ethernet-APL Field Switch, R. Stahl expands its solution portfolio for digitalization in hazardous areas. The devices are specifically designed for Zone 1 and Zone 2 and enable end-to-end Ethernet communication down to the field level - featuring intrinsically safe field device power over two-wire cabling, long cable lengths, and a robust design. “Our Field Switch is a key component for industrial digitalization in hazardous areas,” says André Fritsch, Product Manager at R. Stahl. “By successfully participating in system tests, we have proven that our solution is technologically mature and ready for deployment.”
A step toward the future of process automation
Ethernet-APL is regarded as an enabler for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) in the process industry. The tested systems demonstrated that the technology can manage large numbers of devices while ensuring stable, high-performance communication - even under full network load. R. Stahl’s switch integrates seamlessly into existing Profinet infrastructures and supports modern concepts such as system redundancy and remote maintenance. With its new Ethernet-APL Field Switch, R. Stahl delivers a market-ready solution for future-proof industrial networks. The combination of explosion protection, high system availability, and advanced diagnostic capabilities makes this device a powerful tool for planners, operators, and system integrators.
