Estudo do padrão de comunicação Ethernet-APL

Abstract

The migration to Ethernet-based standards in industrial networks is growing, driven by the Internet of Things (IoT) and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). However, adapting Ethernet for industrial environments, characterized by vibrations, particles, and electromagnetic noise, requires solutions that ensure effective communication and safety. The Ethernet-APL standard has emerged to meet these requirements, particularly in industrial process automation environments where potentially explosive atmospheres are common, such as in the oil, gas, sugar, and alcohol industries. This study conducts a detailed analysis of the Ethernet-APL standard, comparing it with the HART and PROFIBUS-PA protocols, and highlighting its characteristics and limitations. The research includes a practical application for temperature monitoring, using a network analyzer to capture communication telegrams and a web server for parameterization and monitoring of system variables. The integration of OT (Operational Technology) with IT (Information Technology) is demonstrated through the use of a web server. The aim of this work is to conduct an in-depth study of the Ethernet-APL communication standard, covering all points of interest in a laboratory context, with a specific focus on temperature monitoring without evaluating all variables. Network communication will be validated by analyzing telegrams using a free network analyzer, which imposes some limitations. Cost evaluations of the project were not conducted. Furthermore, the safety and reliability of the network require further investigation. The Ethernet-APL standard will be compared with networks designed for potentially explosive atmospheres, demonstrating its practical operation with real communication elements. The research will highlight configuration using the TIA Portal software, network parameterization and diagnostics using the web server, and communication and speed performance analysis through Wireshark software.