IEC TS 63444:2023 PDF

Overview

IEC TS 63444:2023 – Industrial networks: Ethernet‑APL port profile specification defines port and segment profiles for deploying Ethernet-APL in process automation. It is applicable to equipment using the 10BASE‑T1L physical layer (see IEEE Std 802.3‑2022, Clause 146) and establishes predefined intrinsic‑safety and electrical limits (voltage, current, power, capacitance, inductance, cable length) to simplify interoperability and safety assessment of Ethernet‑capable field devices.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope & PHY relation: Targets process automation using the single‑pair 10BASE‑T1L PHY; complements IEEE 802.3 by specifying port profiles and conformance needs.
• Port and segment classification: Defines segment classes, port classes, power classes and intrinsically safe protection classes to ensure predictable interconnection behavior.
• Topology support: Specifies trunk/spur installation capability for industrial topologies and examples of APL segments.
• 2‑wire full‑duplex 10 Mbit/s: Confirms the 2‑wire technology delivering 10 Mbit/s data rate and optional power over the same pair.
• Long‑distance operation: Supports cable spans of several hundred metres up to 1 000 m.
• Intrinsic safety: Provides intrinsic‑safety profiles and matching rules for hazardous‑area installations.
• Power delivery: Details power classes and electrical characteristics for powered trunks and spurs (power over the two‑wire cable).
• General port rules: Requirements for terminals/connectors, cable shield termination, polarity sensitivity, electrical isolation and short‑circuit behavior.
• Cabling and wiring rules: Cable category system, requirements for intrinsically safe cables and wiring practices.
• Connectors & auxiliary devices: Normative annexes include guidance on M8 / M12 connectors, PCB/terminal block pin assignments and requirements for surge protection and other auxiliary devices.
• Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and conformance testing provisions.

Applications and users

IEC TS 63444:2023 is intended for:

• Field device manufacturers designing Ethernet‑APL ports and power delivery features.
• System integrators and control engineers deploying process automation networks in safe and hazardous areas.
• Plant safety and certification bodies evaluating intrinsic safety and interoperability.
• Network designers and OEMs implementing long‑distance, powered single‑pair Ethernet for process plants.

Practical benefits include simplified conformity assessment, predictable port interoperability, safe power delivery over a single pair, and standardized connector and wiring guidance for industrial and hazardous environments.

Related standards

• IEEE Std 802.3‑2022, Clause 146 (10BASE‑T1L) - physical layer reference for Ethernet‑APL
• IEC TC 65 / Subcommittee 65C publications (industrial networks and process automation)

Keywords: IEC TS 63444:2023, Ethernet‑APL, 10BASE‑T1L, intrinsic safety, industrial networks, process automation, single‑pair Ethernet, trunk/spur, power over two‑wire.