Connectivity Single Pair Ethernet: Key to Digitalization

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PHOENIX CONTACT Deutschland GmbH

FAULHABER Drive Systems

Wuxi InfiMotion Technology Co., Ltd.

The properties of Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) provide real added value for modern communication infrastructures. Phoenix Contact contributes technical solutions and cross-industry expertise with a comprehensive product portfolio in the area of SPE.

Unlike traditional Ethernet solutions, which traditionally require two or even four wire pairs, SPE operates with just one wire pair—enabling it to transmit both data and power.

The transmission rates of this technology—10 megabits per second at a maximum transmission length of 0.62 miles up to 1 gigabit per second at a maximum transmission length of 130 feet—are sufficient even for the most demanding tasks, such as intensive use of connected sensors with smart measurement devices or camera systems. This makes Single Pair Ethernet suitable for many areas that were previously affected by limitations in data rates, ranges, and seamless communication.

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Connections of up to 0.62 Miles

A key limitation of conventional standard Ethernet solutions is the maximum length of 330 feet for a point-to-point connection. To cover greater distances in industrial facilities, such as conveyor and assembly lines, additional repeaters or switches had to be installed so far—interference-prone interfaces that entail additional maintenance effort. SPE technology, on the other hand, enables devices to connect at a transmission speed of 10 megabits per second over a distance of up to 0.62 miles using a single cable and optionally utilize Power over Data Line (PoDL) technology. This allows specific fieldbus technologies to be replaced by SPE solutions with data rates of up to 10 megabits per second in the future.

SPE is also suitable for implementing complex network topologies. The high transmission speeds enable various applications to be realized with SPE. Currently, SPE standards with extended performance frameworks are being discussed within the IEEE 802.3 consortia. This could allow for higher data rates of over 10 gigabits for short distances of less than 50 feet as well as 100 megabits per second over a length of up to 0.31 miles. Such new SPE standards could open up entirely new application areas.

Seamless And Secure Data Communication

Traditional industrial facilities have often relied on an Ethernet network alongside a larger number of fieldbus systems at the field level. The emergence of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), with the need to replace fieldbuses with more efficient communication systems, is rendering these established setups obsolete. A similar shift can be observed in any application area that requires seamless communication between sensors and/or networks. For such use cases, a seamless, secure data connection is crucial.

Already today, an average factory generates about one terabyte of data per day—and the trend is rising. Continuous communication is essential for the effective analysis of this data. Here, SPE can ensure seamless networking from the sensor to the cloud. With the increasing number of sensors and smart devices in industrial applications, SPE offers the ideal cabling solution—simple, secure, compact, and cost-efficient. When building infrastructures, SPE solutions will also be significantly more cost-effective in the future than the currently common combinations of bus and Ethernet components.

SPE And Robots: Space-Saving And Powerful

The use of autonomous and collaborative robots offers many advantages with SPE. Thanks to its higher data transmission rate compared to conventional fieldbus systems, communication between the robot and control unit operates with increased sampling rates and higher data volumes. Additionally, simplified cabling with data and power in a single line is achieved. For power requirements beyond the defined PoDL standards, hybrid SPE solutions with data and power contacts in one connector will be available in the future. A reduced number of cables and connections contributes to fewer fatigue failures, faster troubleshooting, and easier maintenance. Due to the smaller bending radius, SPE can also significantly optimize the design of robot handling.

Standardized Connector Interface for industrial applications

In the field of Single Pair Ethernet, a significant decision has now been made regarding a standardized connector interface. This decision brings clarity and certainty to a long-awaited issue. Particularly in the area of factory automation, where Profinet plays a vital role, this is seen as an important milestone. With the help of a uniform connector interface for applications in control cabinets, in the field, and for hybrid installations, a unifying element is created, paving the way for a universal SPE standard.

The "universal SPE standard" refers to the extension of the already known IEC-63171-7 specification initiated by the PNO, which is based on the SPE hybrid connector interface. Currently, the SPE connector system is being submitted for international standardization. This new generation represents another step into the future for the industry.

SPE Via Connector or Terminal

Thanks to its versatile functionalities, SPE can demonstrate its capabilities both in industrial applications and across many other sectors. When developing smart devices, such as sensors, device manufacturers also need to consider connection technology. The choice of connection technology often depends on the application. For field devices, IP protection is frequently required. Alongside the option of integrating an IP-protected connector into such field devices, there is also the possibility of achieving the desired IP protection using a cable gland. Inside the devices, PCB terminals tested and suitable for SPE data transmission can now be used.

This offers many advantages. On one hand, the device manufacturer has the flexibility to position the small SPE terminals on the circuit board in a way that suits them. On the other hand, on-site installers also benefit from the familiar screw or push-in connection technology. Depending on where such devices are installed, technicians face different challenges. Thanks to the clear color coding, the white and blue cores of the SPE cable can be clearly and intuitively assigned, even in hard-to-reach environments or those with suboptimal lighting conditions, thereby avoiding installation errors.

Space-Saving Connection Technology Also in Building Technology

In addition to the installation of IP-protected field devices, SPE PCB terminals can also demonstrate their strengths in IP20 environments, such as in building technology, where a connector is only partially suitable due to space constraints. Application cases could include distribution boxes or flush-mounted junction boxes. This is where the terminals provide an extremely space-saving alternative. Flush-mounted or DIN rail devices can be directly connected via an SPE installation cable and integrated into the network.

There are many other areas where IP-based networks with Single Pair Ethernet can represent meaningful additions or new design solutions—essentially all applications that require seamless and IP-based communication with long range and limited space availability.

Phoenix Contact recognized the great potential of Single Pair Ethernet early on and provides support for its integration. The possibilities of this key technology are enormous. In the expansive field of digitalization, the experts offer extensive knowledge, suitable tools, and tailored services to implement and utilize Single Pair Ethernet for future challenges in various areas.

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