SPE "Gain A Competitive Edge With SPE"

Related Vendors

Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik GmbH & Co. KG

FAULHABER Drive Systems

Wuxi InfiMotion Technology Co., Ltd.

Single Pair Ethernet stands for high data volumes, high reliability, and low space requirements. Thomas Keller, Product Manager Industries at Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik, discusses the advantages that SPE offers for mechanical and plant engineering—and the new industrial standard IEC 63171-7 ED2 for connectors.

Mr. Keller, Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) is primarily known from the automotive industry. Why is the technology now so interesting for the industrial sector as well?

Thomas Keller: SPE has established itself in the automotive industry as the ideal solution for space-saving, high-performance data and power transmission, such as for driver assistance systems, sensors, and battery management. We are increasingly finding these exact requirements in industrial networking as well: large data volumes, high reliability, and minimal space requirements. Applications in areas such as Industry 4.0, digital twins, virtual commissioning, or the digital product passport require seamless data availability, covering the entire product lifecycle. With SPE, this can be implemented efficiently and cost-effectively.

Where do you see specific applications of SPE in mechanical and plant engineering?

Especially in automation and robotics, where space-saving and flexible cabling is required, SPE showcases its strengths. The significantly thinner and more bendable cables offer greater freedom of movement, which is a clear advantage, particularly in dynamic applications. But we also see great potential in machine networking, such as in CNC systems: Here, in collaboration with TU Munich (Germany) on a project, we were able to save up to 25% in development costs by standardizing communication structures and eliminating gateways. Electromobility and agricultural technology, where data on soil conditions or weather becomes central, are also increasingly benefiting from SPE.

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How Does SPE Change the Planning And Design of Machines And Systems?

With SPE, developers can approach cabling in a completely different way. Instead of complex, multi-layered protocol landscapes with elaborate gateway solutions, a continuous Ethernet infrastructure can be utilized directly. This not only simplifies electrical planning but also mechanical integration, for example through smaller bending radii and more compact cable channels. For designers, this means greater freedom and shorter development times.

What Role Does SPE Play in Increasing Efficiency And Reducing Costs?

Currently, the industry uses over 80 different communication protocols, each with its own requirements, interfaces, and necessary expertise. This diversity not only makes integration laborious but also expensive. Gateways and specialized knowledge significantly drive up development costs. If an entire system instead operates on a unified Ethernet protocol, it reduces both complexity and costs. Additionally, material savings are achieved through smaller cable cross-sections and fewer connectors, while simultaneously enabling data and power transmission. This can be crucial in IoT environments, where many small devices need to be supplied with energy and data cost-effectively.

And How Do You Assess the Long-Term Cost Development of SPE Components?

Currently, the unit costs of SPE components are still higher than those of traditional Ethernet solutions, which is normal for new technologies. However, as market penetration increases, economies of scale will come into play. We expect prices to drop significantly in the coming years, similar to what has been seen in the automotive industry. Even now, as previously mentioned, substantial overall cost advantages can be realized by eliminating additional components such as gateways and power supplies.

Many Companies are Cautious When it Comes to New Technologies. What is the Reason for this With SPE?

A key reason was the uncertainty surrounding connectors. There was a variety of different, partly non-standardized connector interfaces, which unsettled the market. The lack of interoperability slowed companies down. This makes the step now taken by the Profibus User Organization all the more important: with the specification of the connector according to IEC 63171-7 (ED2) as an industrial standard, it establishes a unified foundation. This makes SPE significantly easier to plan and deploy.

What Exactly is Behind This New Standard?

The IEC 63171-7 ED2 includes all relevant connectors in one standard. In addition to the previous hybrid connectors (SPE + additional power pins for higher power transmission), it now also describes pure SPE connectors. This extension of the standard covers areas for protected applications (IP20) and unprotected areas (IP67 in M8 and M12). The design is heavily based on our experiences from the automotive industry: Rosenberger has been using a fully shielded high-speed modular connector there since 2016, which is now produced millions of times. This expertise has been directly integrated into the standardization work. The similarity is no coincidence: the connector interface is optimized for high data rates, miniaturized, and highly automated in production.

In Which Areas will IEC 63171-7 Be Particularly Relevant in the Future?

Essentially everywhere standardization and miniaturization need to come together: mechanical engineering, robotics, building automation, charging infrastructure, energy systems, or agricultural vehicles. The new connector interface covers a very wide range: from just a few centimeters in robotic arms to hundreds of meters in greenhouses or chemical plants. And it matches the typical transmission speeds in the industry: 10 to 100 Mbit/s are entirely sufficient for around 80 percent of use cases. The new standard thus not only provides technical clarity but also ensures economic planning reliability.

Is There A Right Time to Address SPE Within Your Own Company?

Definitely now! The high level of interest from customers shows that many companies are already in the starting blocks. Especially in the current economic climate, where many budgets are being scrutinized, there is an opportunity to explore new, cost-saving technologies. Those who evaluate today the specific advantages SPE can bring to future products or systems gain a competitive edge. It is particularly important for manufacturers to consider SPE in new developments now, whether in mechanical engineering, the food industry, or building technology.

What is Needed for SPE to Establish Itself As An Industry Standard?

In addition to standardization on the connector side, education is especially needed, as many companies do not yet know SPE well enough. Consulting is required to select the optimal physical layer and the appropriate protocol for each specific application. If this succeeds, SPE can establish itself as quickly as it has in the automotive sector.

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