Technology Bridging Tradition and Innovation

Michael KesslerActually, earlier than many people think: The first switch amplifier was developed back in 1956, even before the invention of the inductive proximity sensor two years later by Pepperl+Fuchs. This was made possible by the emerging semiconductor technology of the time. It allowed us to galvanically isolate and safely transmit electrical signals from hazardous areas to non-hazardous areas for the first time. That was essentially the birth of industrial interface technology.

Michael KesslerIn the early years, everything was still true handcrafted work, produced in small quantities here in Mannheim. It wasn't until the 1970s that this evolved into an industrial standard. Around that time, the first systems were also developed that can now be seen as precursors to the K-System and H-System.

Michael KesslerThe K-System emerged from the early DIN rail devices and later became our most important interface system. In parallel, there were the Eurocards—the rack-mounted modules that were particularly popular in the chemical industry. Later, the H-System was added, which offers particularly convenient wiring with termination boards. This made the connection between the control system and the interface level significantly more efficient.

Michael KesslerThis is due to the robust design and the philosophy with which we develop: We always ensure that a new device remains compatible with its predecessor. This allows a plant to be operated safely for decades. We have products in the field that have been working reliably for 30 years—and we still generate considerable sales with them annually. This shows how durable our technology is and the long service life of our customers' plants.

Michael KesslerIn the past, the main focus was on explosion protection. Today, it's also about efficiency, compact design, and sustainability. We are developing devices that are increasingly universal, meaning they can cover multiple functions. At the same time, we are reducing power loss, making these devices smaller and more energy-efficient.

Michael KesslerYes, but in a very natural way. Greater efficiency automatically leads to greater sustainability. When we make a device more compact, we have to design it to be more efficient, otherwise heat dissipation in the control cabinet becomes a challenge. This lowers energy consumption and CO₂ emissions while also reducing operating costs for the customer. For us, sustainability and economic efficiency go hand in hand.

Michael KesslerA good example is our PS1000 power supply series. In a recent project, calculations by our product specialists showed that a customer could save around 100,000 euros over a ten-year operating period in their plant with our solution compared to a similar device, due to its very high efficiency. That is sustainability that pays off, and it made the customer's decision for our devices easy.

Michael KesslerIt means that a single device can now solve multiple applications. Our KCD2-SCS-Ex2 smart transmitter power supply, for example, transmits analog signals in both directions—previously, you needed two devices for that. This saves space, costs, and significantly simplifies spare parts inventory.

Michael KesslerNot so fast. Of course, in a fully digitized plant, Ethernet-APL replaces classic interface technology because the signals are already transmitted digitally there. But the reality is different: most plants are brownfield plants. In these, digitalization can be easily retrofitted, for example, with HART communication via our HART Multiplexer. This allows customers to capture additional condition data from the plant without having to renew their entire infrastructure.

Michael KesslerAbsolutely. Interface technology is the backbone of many process plants, and it will remain so for a long time. We are continuously investing in this portfolio, optimizing existing devices, and developing new ones. Our customers can be sure: Interface products from Pepperl+Fuchs will still be around in twenty years—just more efficient, more compact, and more sustainable.

Michael KesslerI am fascinated by the fact that we develop products that last for generations and are sometimes in operation for 30 years! We are proud that our technology works reliably in the background—day after day, year after year. And yet, we continue to drive innovation, in the pioneering spirit of our founders. This is how we continue writing the story of interface technology—with the same passion for progress that has defined Pepperl+Fuchs from the start.