Abstract
he digitalisation trend is showing no signs of slowing. The process automation sector is also working on this topic across a number of levels. New abbreviations such as NOA (NAMUR Open Architecture), OPAF (Open Process Automation™ Forum) and MTP (Module Type Package) regularly appear in almost all the latest specialist publications. However, unlike industrial automation, this involves an additional hurdle to overcome – the hazardous areas that are present in many systems in chemical, pharmaceutical or oil and gas companies. In particular, IP communication down to the field level plays an important role in these sectors and in new concepts. NAMUR recommendation NE168 "Requirements for an Ethernet communication system for the field level" therefore also requires "suitable explosion protection" for "Ethernet in the field" solutions of this type. In the past, the "intrinsic safety" type of protection in accordance with DIN EN 60079-11 has been tried and tested to great success in these sectors and is well-established around the world. However, depending on the application and requirements, entirely different solutions may be practical options.
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