In the era of Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), the possibilities of production facilities and automation systems are rapidly changing. To leverage this potential, Single Pair Ethernet (SPE)—a technology that could redefine the rules of connectivity—is essential. This development is particularly important for purchasing professionals and electrical engineers.
Efficient Connections for the Future
Previous Ethernet solutions usually required two or even four wire pairs. SPE breaks with this convention by enabling data transmission and power supply via a single wire pair. This can not only save space but also reduce costs and open new applications. The Single Pair Ethernet System Alliance, which includes Phoenix Contact, is a global interest group promoting the use of this technology in IIoT and many other applications.
SPE enables transmission rates from a robust 10Mbps over distances of up to 1,000m to a rapid 1Gbps over distances of 40m. These bandwidths meet demanding requirements—from highly integrated sensor technology to complex imaging systems—opening a wide range of possible applications that were previously restricted by limitations in data rate, range, and seamless communication.
In practice, this means that even long-distance connections of up to 1,000m can be managed without repeaters or switches. This is particularly valuable in industrial settings with production lines and conveyor belts. These faster speeds, combined with technologies like Power over Data Line (PoDL), offer considerable cost savings. For example, specialized fieldbus technologies can be replaced by SPE solutions.
SPE in Industrial Automation, Robotics, and More
SPE is designed for more than just long distances. Because it can achieve transmission speeds ranging from 10Mbps to 10Gbps, SPE is suitable for complex network topologies with gateways that seamlessly connect different systems.
Smooth and secure data communication is the key to the future of industrial automation. Traditional systems that have so far relied on an Ethernet network architecture and separate fieldbus systems need to be reinvented in light of the IIoT. SPE enables seamless and reliable data connections in this field.
Modern factory automation generates ever-increasing volumes of data. Data is effectively the currency of the industry, and end-to-end communication from the sensor to the cloud is essential to using the data stream effectively. SPE ensures reliable networking from sensors to the cloud. Accordingly, costs can be greatly reduced compared with conventional combinations of bus and Ethernet components.
SPE is also ideal for use in robotics. The higher data transfer rate compared with conventional fieldbus systems enables more precise communication between robots and control units. The simplified cabling of data and power in a single cable not only reduces costs but also contributes to improved performance and ease of maintenance.
To meet the needs of these applications, Phoenix Contact offers a broad product portfolio, including solutions for SPE systems such as M12 hybrid connectors, IP20 connectors and patch cables, M8 and M12 connectors, and PCB terminal blocks.
Outlook
SPE could fundamentally change industrial automation. The space savings and long range make it possible to rethink and implement network topologies.
Authors
Verena Neuhaus is Product Marketing Manager in the Data Connectors division at Phoenix Contact.
Tim Kindermann is Product Manager in the Single Pair Ethernet division at Phoenix Contact.
