FieldComm Group (FCG), based in in Austin, Texas, has successfully approved physical layer conformity of ABB’s first vortex flowmeter (VortexMaster FSV400) and swirl flowmeter (SwirlMaster FSS400) with APL communication interfac-es, following a comprehensive series of tests. Ethernet-APL (IEEE 802.3gc or 10Base-TL1) is a new member of the fami-ly of Ethernet standards, providing full Ethernet and TCP/IP connectivity in hazardous environments at 10Mbit/s for field instruments over fieldbus Type A cables, such as those installed in many process plants around the world. Field-Comm Group and ABB are founding members of the APL project, working on technology development, standardization, and product testing and certification since 2015 along with other companies and organizations.
Sean Vincent (FCG director of technology programs) and Dr. Peter Bradley (ABB sales director Americas for instrumentation) during the certifi-cate handover ceremony at ABB’s US facility in Houston/Texas
“Product certification is a significant cornerstone for assuring superior product quality and interoperability in industrial communication networks”, said Paul Sereiko, director of marketing and product strategy at FCG.
“For ABB, this certificate is an important milestone on our journey towards a fully digitalized instrumentation and net-work-centric architecture,” said Tilo Merlin, Platform Manager for Instrumentation and Head of APL Development Pro-gram, ABB Measurement & Analytics. “Getting this certificate means we can be quick in rolling out APL technology to other instruments based on the same platform. More specifically, pressure and temperature instrumentation is ex-pected in 2025.”
About ABB
ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company’s solutions connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufac-tured, moved, powered and operated. Building on more than 140 years of excellence, ABB’s ~105,000 employees are committed to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation. www.abb.com
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