Single Pair Ethernet Consistent device communication from the sensor to the cloud
Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) enables the transmission of Ethernet via a single wire pair, ensuring a cost-effective and space-saving connection of sensors. Consistent IP-based communication down to the field level becomes possible. In addition to data transmission, Single Pair Ethernet technology also allows the simultaneous power supply of end devices via PoDL - Power over Data Line.
Single Pair Ethernet meets the requirements on a uniform network infrastructure, which is the basis for Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
What exactly is Single Pair Ethernet?
The classic Ethernet, which already connects all upper levels in the automation pyramid, is often unsuitable for connecting the lowest field level. The installation is often too complex or the maximum distances are not sufficient. SPE technology decisively extends the performance profile of the classic Ethernet at this point.
Single Pair Ethernet is another form of the physical layer. Where previously two double wires were required for the transmission of Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) or four double wires for Gigabit Ethernet, Single Pair Ethernet allows data transmission with just a single wire pair (single pair). This opens up new opportunities for connecting compact devices, sensors, and actuators directly from the field level. Additional subsystems or gateways are no longer required to realize this. SPE is therefore the lightweight and material-saving Ethernet enhancement for many current and future applications.
Future-proof network infrastructure with Ethernet-based communication
When directly compared to existing solutions, Ethernet with TCP/IP and Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) allow real-time capable data transmission with significantly higher data transfer rates. With Single Pair Ethernet, this is also possible with data from the field level. The state-of-the-art transmission technology ensures space- and cost-efficient Ethernet communication from the sensor to the cloud. Large-scale SPE use in a wide range of applications is made possible with the universal compatibility through defined standards for transmission protocols, cabling and device components.
Data transmission via a single double wire allows continued use of existing two-wire cable infrastructures (cable sharing). In particular, this saves greatly on the use of material, while reducing the amount of cabling required, and ensures easy integration. The technology can be used across applications with ranges of up to 1000 meters, high data rates of up to 10 Gbps, and powers of up to 50 W. An SPE network can be set up with a star or line topology. The technology meets the requirements on future-proof network infrastructure.
Single Pair Ethernet technology features
Single Pair Ethernet standards
Different standards and norms regulate everything around SPE technology, from Ethernet interfaces, through cabling, to data transmission. The SPE standards are defined in IEEE 802.3. This standard describes the technical framework for Ethernet-based data transmission via one wire pair. The differences are in transmission rates and distances. IEC 63171 describes the compatible connectors for these SPE standards.
Phoenix Contact provides IP20 connectors in accordance with IEC 63171-2 as well as IP67 connectors in an M8 and M12 design in accordance with IEC 63171-5. In addition, SPE M12 hybrid connectors in accordance with IEC 63171-7 are currently being developed. The SPE cables are defined in standard IEC 61156-1x. It is also possible for existing cable infrastructures to be used if they meet the requirements.
Transmission paths
Single Pair Ethernet originates from the automotive industry. The goal is to realize an efficient and uniform infrastructure that can deliver high performance with as little cabling as possible. Similar requirements apply to applications in other industries. However, in numerous applications, the 100 meters as the maximum connection length for classic Ethernet are simply not sufficient. The SPE standard 10BASE-T1L in accordance with IEEE 802.3cg provides for a significantly longer transmission distance. This standard defines data cabling with a single wire pair and a transmission distance of up to 1000 meters.
With a transmission length of 1000 meters, the transmission rates reach up to 10 Mbps or 1 Gbps with a transmission length of 40 meters. These transmission rates are sufficient even for the most sophisticated sensor components from the field level. This means that SPE interfaces can be used universally for industrial applications.
PoDL – Power over Data Line
In addition to data transmission via Ethernet, SPE technology also enables the simultaneous power supply of end devices. With Power over Data Line (PoDL), an effective output of up to 50 W can be transmitted.
The various performance classes are described in the IEEE 802.3bu and IEEE 802.3cg standards. With this technology, it is possible to supply power to a sensor or actuator up to 1,000 meters away with the cable used for data transmission. This minimizes the installation effort and space required for field cabling.
PoDL performance classes
Our products
SPE connectors
Compact device and cable connectors from the ONEPAIR series for Single Pair Ethernet are ideal for efficient data transmission in factory and process automation as well as building cabling.
The pin connector patterns in accordance with IEC 63171-5 with an M8 and M12 design have become established for industrial applications, even in harsh field environments. The IP20 pin connector pattern in accordance with IEC 63171-2 is leading the way in building cabling. This pin connector pattern is the most compact of the entire series of standards and enables a doubling of the packing density compared to the conventional RJ45 interface. The reduced cabling is the basis for future-proof Ethernet communication.
SPE PCB terminal blocks
Single Pair Ethernet represents a powerful technology for Industry 4.0 and IIoT applications. This is where the PCB terminal blocks in the COMBICON range come into their own, due to their clear color coding and intuitive handling.
Managed SPE switches
The managed SPE switches enable modern sensors and field devices with an SPE interface to be connected directly to the Ethernet network for the first time. They thus provide the basis for an intelligent SPE solution in which sensor data from the field level is integrated into the cloud and the Internet.
With the 10BASE-T1L SPE standard, the managed switch even supports distances of up to 1,000 meters. The sensors are also optimally supplied with power by means of Power over Data Line (PoDL).
What our consulting team for Single Pair Ethernet offers
Phoenix Contact has the expertise and the product portfolio to use Single Pair Ethernet in different industries and areas. Find out how SPE experts Verena Neuhaus, Guadalupe Chalas, and Tim Kindermann will work with you to develop customized solutions for Single Pair Ethernet, the key technology of digitalization.
Your key partner for smart networking
Phoenix Contact is your key partner for the integration of Single Pair Ethernet. From the device interface, the cabling, and active network components; from sensors in the field to the PC in your office. As the pioneer in the field of digitalization, Phoenix Contact is developing a comprehensive product portfolio.
The Single Pair Ethernet System Alliance
Phoenix Contact has come together with other leading technology companies to form the SPE System Alliance. The partner companies are bundling their Single Pair Ethernet expertise and ensuring the target-oriented exchange of this knowledge, and thus pursuing the common goal of promoting SPE technology for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and all other areas of application.
Other new communication technologies Consistent communication through to the field
New communication standards such as OPC UA, TSN, SPE, and 5G are currently being created by various committees and in standardization projects. However, these new technologies should not be considered independent of each other – rather, they will form the communication of the future together.
As a technology leader with more than 30 years of experience in industrial communication technology, Phoenix Contact is actively involved in all of the key standardization committees. In these committees, we are helping to shape the new, cross-manufacturer communication standard for automation.
Find out more about the new standards on our webpages.