In the core production areas of process industries, existing network architectures face several practical engineering challenges as they evolve toward higher levels of digitalization:
• Complex system integration: To achieve safe interconnection of equipment in hazardous areas, it is often necessary to add components such as safety barriers, which increases system configuration complexity, hardware costs, and long-term maintenance complexity.
• Coexistence of multiple protocols: Various fieldbus communication standards (such as HART, PROFIBUS PA) coexist at the field level, making direct interoperability between devices difficult. Data aggregation often requires additional protocol conversion gateways, increasing integration difficulty.
• Limited data utilization: Restricted by the bandwidth of traditional fieldbuses, in-depth data generated by devices (such as status parameters and diagnostic information) cannot be uploaded efficiently, limiting deep analysis of production conditions and optimization decisions.
Currently, with the improvement of the international APL (Advanced Physical Layer) standard system and the commercialization of related products, new technological pathways are available to address the above challenges.
Based on this, Zhaolong Interconnect launches the Intrinsically Safe APL-SPE Cable. As a physical-layer connection solution, this product enables simultaneous transmission of data and power over a single cable while complying with explosion-proof requirements for hazardous areas, providing a feasible technical foundation for IP-based unified connectivity of field devices in process industries.
Zhaolong Intrinsically Safe APL-SPE Cable
Core Positioning: An Inherently Safe Connection Component for Hazardous Areas Based on International Standards
The design and development of Zhaolong Intrinsically Safe APL-SPE Cable strictly comply with the IEC TS 60079-47 (2-WISE) international standard. The core of this standard is to define a simplified "2-wire intrinsically safe Ethernet" system concept.
Therefore, the primary positioning of this product is as a dedicated physical-layer component for building a 2-WISE system. Its design objective focuses on ensuring, at the physical level, that the energy level of the entire loop is limited to a safe range when used in hazardous areas — a difference from ordinary APL-SPE cables whose design priority is mainly to optimize communication performance.
| Characteristic Dimension | Ordinary APL-SPE Cable | Intrinsically Safe APL-SPE Cable |
| Core Standard | Focuses on communication performance (IEC 61156-13, IEEE 802.3cg) | IEC TS 60079-47 (2-WISE) + Communication performance standard |
| Safety Philosophy | Used for safe areas (Zone 2/non-hazardous areas) | Designed for Zone 0/1/20/21 and other core hazardous areas |
| System Value | Achieves long distance and simplifies cabling | Enables compliant connections from the control room to field instruments in hazardous areas based on a unified Ethernet architecture |
| Deployment Value | Excellent performance | As a pre-certified system component, it greatly simplifies engineering design and acceptance, reducing lifecycle costs |
Essential Difference Between Intrinsically Safe APL-SPE Cable and Ordinary APL-SPE Cable
Technical Features: Combination of 2-WISE Compliance and APL Advantages
This cable not only meets the intrinsic safety requirements of the 2-WISE standard but also possesses the general advantages of APL technology:
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Intrinsically Safe Compliant Design
By controlling conductor specifications, insulation materials, etc., the distributed capacitance and inductance parameters of the cable are limited within the safety limits specified by the 2-WISE standard. Specific safety parameters comply with:
• Distributed capacitance ≤ 60 nF/km
• Distributed inductance ≤ 1.0 mH/km
This ensures intrinsic safety performance in hazardous environments and helps simplify loop assessment procedures.
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Extended Transmission Distance and Signal Integrity Assurance
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Based on the IEEE 802.3cg standard, it supports a 10 Mbps transmission rate and stable transmission up to 1000 m (trunk line), providing a basis for transmitting richer data. This product complies with Category IV requirements of the cable category system in IEC TS 63444:2023, supporting up to 1000 m trunk transmission and 200 m spur transmission.
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Single Cable Integrating Data and Power
Adopting Power over Data Line (PoDL) technology, a single cable simultaneously transmits data and power, helping to reduce on-site wiring volume.
Application Scenarios Analysis for Zhaolong Intrinsically Safe APL-SPE Cable
This cable is primarily designed for environments with explosion-proof requirements in process industries. Typical application scenarios include, but are not limited to:
• Petrochemical industry: Suitable for Zone 0, Zone 1, and other explosive atmospheres, connecting field instruments such as pressure transmitters, temperature transmitters, and combustible gas detectors.
• Pharmaceutical industry: Can be used in workshop environments requiring both cleanliness grades and explosion protection, connecting various process detection and actuation devices.
• Oil & gas exploration: Applicable to offshore platforms, onshore oilfields, and other harsh environmental conditions, providing network connections for on-site monitoring equipment.
• Grain processing and other fields: Suitable for Zone 20, Zone 21, and other dust explosion risk areas, connecting level and flow measurement instruments.
Zhaolong’s intrinsically safe APL-SPE cable, specially designed for hazardous areas, is ready to provide compliant and efficient connection solutions for your next project.
For detailed technical parameters, certification information, or application cases, please contact our technical support team to embark on a safe and reliable digital transformation journey. For purchasing inquiries, visit the Zhaolong official website, Zhaolong JD flagship store, Zhaolong Tmall flagship store, or call our customer service hotline 400-8877-125.
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