Industrial Ethernet for Process Industries
The process industry, traditionally reliant on fieldbus systems, has undergone a transformative shift with the adoption of Ethernet-based communication protocols. Offering higher speeds, enhanced reliability, and robust security, Industrial Ethernet has become the backbone of modern automation networks. In process industry applications where deterministic communication, system availability, and long operational lifespans are non-negotiable, Ethernet-based protocols now offer the performance and flexibility needed to support next-generation digitalization. Industrial Ethernet seamlessly integrates PLCs, field devices, HMIs and many other applications, facilitating efficient process control and large volume data exchange.
Enabling the Shift: From Fieldbus to Ethernet-Based Control
Softing Industrial meets shop floor demands by offering industrial-grade Industrial Ethernet connectivity products tailored to process automation industry’s requirements. While new plants and greenfield projects may rely on Industrial Ethernet communication only, modernization projects for existing plants require migration strategies and a coexistence of traditional fieldbus and Industrial Ethernet based communication. We help customers who wish to transition their plant and machines to Ethernet-based control.
We support a variety of deployment scenarios:
- Greenfield installations that adopt Industrial Ethernet from the ground up
- Brownfield upgrades that require coexistence of legacy fieldbus (e.g. PROFIBUS, HART) and modern Ethernet networks
- Migration strategies that minimize downtime and risk during phased transitions
Ethernet-APL for Innovative Solutions and Ex-Zones
Building upon the success of Ethernet, the development of Ethernet-APL has expanded the technology‘s reach into demanding process industry environments. By overcoming limitations in cable length and providing intrinsic safety, Ethernet-APL has opened new possibilities for automation.
Softing Industrial‘s aplSwitch Field bridges the gap between APL field devices in zones 0 and 1 and higher-level Industrial Ethernet networks, replacing traditional 4-20mA and fieldbus systems. For customers who need to operate Ethernet-APL and PROFIBUS PA networks in parallel, for example in migration projects, Softing’s aplSwitch Field PA offers connectivity of PROFIBUS PA devices in the field and higher-level PROFINET systems. With aplSwitch Field PA, customers can enhance plant efficiency, optimize operations, and accelerate digital transformation while protecting investments in PROFIBUS PA technology.
Connecting Legacy Devices to Modern PLCs
In addition to Ethernet-APL switches, Softing offers gateways bridging the gap between legacy Foundation Fieldbus, PROFIBUS PA, and DP field devices and modern control systems. Our gateway products seamlessly integrate these devices, enabling them to communicate with modern EtherNet/IP-based, Modbus TCP and PROFINET systems. Thus, we offer efficient and robust connectivity and enable migration paths for customers who wish to deploy Industrial Ethernet in their machines and process plants.
Product Families
Ethernet aplSwitches:
Seamless Ethernet connectivity down to the field devices in Ex Zones in Brownfield and Greenfield
Products: aplSwitch Field, aplSwitch Field PA
pnGates product family
Gateway connection to connect PROFIBUS DP/PA field devices to PROFINET control systems
Products: pnGate DP, pnGate PA, pnGate PB
epGates product family
Gateway connection to connect PROFIBUS DP/PA field devices to EtherNet/IP control systems
Products: epGate DP, epGate PA, epGate PB
mbGates product family
Gateway connection to connect PROFIBUS DP/PA field devices to Modbus/TCP control systems
Products: mbGate DP, mbGate PA, mbGate PB
FG200
Gateway connection to connect FOUNDATION Fieldbus field devices to Modbus/TCP control systems
Product: FG-200
Downloads
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Articles & White Papers
- Ethernet-APL – How to get Started | Technical Article (Process worldwide, 08-2022)
- Palm oil tank farms ready for digitalization | Technical Article (Industrial Ethernet Book, 7-2019)
- The Digital Bridge Builders | Technical Article (openautomation, 1-2/2020)
- Smart devices leverage PROFINET and OPC UA | Technical Article (Industrial Ethernet Book, 2-2020)
- Machine Builder Food and Beverages | Case Study
