SPE - a connector for all applications

Single Pair Ethernet SPE - a connector for all applications

2024-04-23 From Fabian Peper* | Translated by AI 5 min Reading Time

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Single Pair Ethernet is gaining ground in industrial communication. The transmission of Ethernet signals over just one pair of wires provides a cost-efficient and space-saving way of connecting sensors and complements the performance profile of classic Ethernet.

Single Pair Ethernet: SPE connectors form the backbone for the automation of tomorrow.(Image: Phoenix Contact) — Single Pair Ethernet: SPE connectors form the backbone for the automation of tomorrow.
(Image: Phoenix Contact)

Fabian Peper is active in the product marketing Industrial Field Connectivity at Phoenix Contact in Blomberg.

More and more communication participants, faster and seamless networking: All this goes hand in hand with digitalization. Ethernet has proven its worth for a long time in the intelligent networking of devices in various fields of application. In the future, Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) will not only complement serial fieldbus communication protocols, but will completely replace them. It enables IP-based communication all the way down to the field level.

In addition to data transmission, the technology also supports the simultaneous power supply to end devices via "Power over Data Line" (PoDL). This makes SPE suitable for use in IoT devices, sensors, controllers and other applications where efficiency, cost and easy use are paramount.

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Image 2: The M12-SPE-Hybrid connector face opens up new areas of application in automation.(Image: Phoenix Contact)

Image: Phoenix Contact offers a wide range of SPE connectors and wiring.(Image: Phoenix Contact)

Already today, an average factory produces about one terabyte of data per day - and this is increasing. Continuous communication is essential for the effective evaluation of data. Here, SPE can provide consistent networking from the sensor to the cloud. Especially in view of the increasing number of sensors and intelligent end devices in industrial applications, SPE offers advantages in cabling - simple, secure, compact and cost-effective. When setting up infrastructures, SPE solutions will be much cheaper in the future than the combinations of bus and Ethernet components currently used.

SPE continuity from IP20 to M12

For environments with IP20 and IEC 63171-5 for M8 and M12 versions in IP67, Phoenix Contact has developed connectors for SPE in accordance with the IEC 63171-2 standard. The range is constantly expanding and focuses on cross-sections in the range of AWG 26 to AWG 22. These connectors are designed to be user-friendly and are available both as patch cables and as freely configurable variants. (Image 2)

The connectors meet all requirements for impedance, voltage resistance, return loss and coupling attenuation that are demanded in industrial environments. Thanks to their RF performance, the socket can be used regardless of the application - whether it's at the workplace, in data centers in industrial cabling, or all the way to the cloud.

Design-in with a uniform interface

The connectors with a degree of protection of IP20 and IP65/67 according to the IEC 63171-2 and -5 standards have a uniform face. An IP20 patch cable according to IEC 63171-2 fits into an M8 or M12 port as described in IEC 63171-5 without an adapter. This simplifies handling for users and facilitates both service and installation work. The robust field-assembly IP20 connectors allow for easy assembly, even directly in the field, thanks to the IDC connection.

Leading congress on trends and the use of modern connectors

The Connectors User Congress highlights practical technical aspects of designing and using modern connectors. In practical workshops, high-caliber experts impart electrotechnical basics, specific know-how and help with the selection of the right connector. The congress is a unique event in Europe, dedicated to the topics of connector design, design-in, materials, qualification and use of connectors.

Link to program

Thanks to standardized M8 and M12 housing screw connections, existing housings can continue to be used, which significantly simplifies the design-in process. This facilitates the transition from previous Ethernet or bus systems to the current standard. The connectors are suitable for data transfer rates up to the gigabit range and also meet the requirements of future SPE standards. As a result, strong impetus is being provided for the use of SPE in Industry 4.0 environments and many other application areas in Blomberg.

The shielding of the future.

The increasing requirements for field cabling require continuous developments in connectors, especially in the area of shielding connection. The "Advanced Shielding Technology" is a novel shielding connection that replaces the traditional zinc die casting for crimp sleeves.

A pre-mold of polyamide (PA) protects the individual wires, ensures a secure hold of the contact carrier and seals the connector against penetrating moisture. The subsequent metal injection with special tin encloses the PA pre-molding, thus providing a material bond of the braided shield with the head of the M8/M12 connector. As a result, a 360° shielding connection is possible.

Advanced Shielding Technology contributes to further improving M8/M12 connectors by providing robustness, availability, longevity, and resilience under overload. This lays the foundation for the cabling of the future, which meets the requirements of Industry 4.0 and the IoT. This technology is characterized by optimized EMC and transmission characteristics. This makes it future-proof and supports the increasing miniaturization in field and device cabling.

M12 Hybrid - the complement to PoDL

A major advantage of Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) is the ability to both power the connected devices and transmit data over the same line. Power over Data Line (PoDL) provides power up to 52 W at the Power Device (PD). This is particularly useful for powering sensors under tight conditions with energy and a data interface, without needing a separate supply line.

The 52-W limit is not the end of the line: The Phoenix Contact Group and TE Connectivity have jointly further developed SPE-M12 hybrid connectors according to IEC 63171-7. The standard, published in May 2023, specifies hybrid interfaces with SPE and power contacts in the M12 format, which is supported by all market participants. It includes seven codings for different applications with power classes from 8 to 16 A and from 50 to 600 V. The focus is initially on coding 2 (2 x 8 A / 63 V DC).

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Single Pair Ethernet: The possibilities

SPE opens up entirely new possibilities for machine-to-machine communication, as it can optimally network intelligent machines. It enables cost-effective visualization and optimization of processes across the entire system, without gateways or various types of communication. SPE particularly shows its advantages in robotics, as it combines flexible and space-saving wiring with fast response times. SPE-M12 hybrid interfaces seamlessly integrate into existing Ethernet infrastructures and offer easy plug-and-play connections. Separate pins for data and power transmission contribute to higher performance (Picture 2).

The Profibus User Organization (PNO) supports the SPE connector face of the IEC 63171-7 for hybrid applications: The PNO guideline "PROFINET Cabling and Interconnection Technology - Guideline for PROFINET Version 5.3" has set the hybrid M12 Single Pair Ethernet according to the IEC 63171-7 as a new connector face for hybrid applications. This is the first time a user organization has chosen a SPE connector face. The published guideline provides PROFINET users with a reliable basis for industrial cabling.

Conclusion: Comprehensive provider for Single Pair Ethernet

Phoenix Contact offers a comprehensive range of cabling solutions for Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) according to IEC 63171-2/5/7 standards. This portfolio ranges from IP20 to IP65/67. The uniform plug face simplifies integration. The introduction of the new M12 hybrid plug face also opens up a new field of application in robotics.

A wide range of connectors provides access to Single Pair Ethernet and paves the way for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) in automation technology. (kr)