Unified Ethernet Standard Unlocks New Opportunities for Industrial Digitalization in Automation Industry
The first industrial applications of the jointly developed Ethernet-APL technology by the Standard Development Organizations (SDO) FieldComm Group, ODVA, OPC Foundation, and PI (PROFIBUS & PROFINET International) are already in successful operation in process automation applications worldwide. Now, another significant milestone has been reached.
The Joint Working Group “Independent Protocol Physical Layer Group (10BASE-T1L)” has completed key extensions for the consistent standardization of Single Pair Ethernet (SPE), as defined by IEEE 802.3, and enhancements to Ethernet-APL. This new SPE specification (10BASE-T1L, PoDL) enables higher powered devices and economical deployment in discrete, non-hazardous factory environments such as automotive and packaging.
These advancements strengthen the foundation for reliable, vendor-independent communication and ensure seamless data availability from the field level upward — enabling smarter industrial automation and digital transformation.
Following intensive technical coordination and internal reviews within the participating organizations, important specifications have been finalized. For SPE, this includes the expansion of the power concept, that includes Power over Data Line (PoDL), appropriate power classes, and the definition of suitable connectors. In the Ethernet-APL domain, Power Class B, which supports devices up to 1.16 W, has been specified and incorporated into the second edition of IEC TS 63444.
Another milestone is the preparation of certification systems. Building on the experience gained from the APL project, test cases and a test system have been developed to ensure a high standard of quality and physical layer interoperability. In parallel, joint marketing activities are already underway: technical guidelines, user seminars, and demonstrators are currently being implemented.
These advancements are the result of close and successful collaboration among the participating SDOs. Broad consensus and combined expertise have created a common foundation that is essential for both users and manufacturers. This guiding principle ensures reliable and future-proof implementation in industrial practice.
Further improvements like adding the bandwidth of 100Mbit/s for 2-wire Ethernet applications (100BASE-T1L), are already in progress. The integration into the IEC cycle, specifically into IEC IS 61158-100, is also planned.
The joint initiative for the standardization of SPE and Ethernet-APL continues successfully. With the specifications now finalized, SPE is standardized, and Ethernet-APL further enhanced. This paves the way for broad implementation by users and manufacturers – supported by a robust and quality-assured conformance testing framework.
News release from FieldComm Group, 26/11/2025