Single Pair Ethernet
Consistent device communication from the sensor to the cloud
Digital and distributed device networking and modularity are becoming established features in industrial production, thus enabling maximum flexibility in production. However, when navigating the final stage of automation, networking encounters structural barriers. Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) closes this gap – it is revolutionary for the market. This is because SPE reduces Ethernet connections to just one wire pair, where two or four wire pairs were previously required. This enables consistent, standardized communication between many devices – over distances of up to 1,000 meters. Benefit from this key technology for Industry 4.0 and the Industrial IoT.
Consistent Ethernet-based communication from the sensor to the cloud
Cross-application use with ranges of up to 1,000 m, data rates of up to 1 Gbps, and power ratings of up to 50 W
Reduced cabling effort by downsizing to just one wire pair
Standardized SPE interfaces for secure data transmission in accordance with IEEE standards
Easy integration into existing device systems
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SPE Evaluation Kit now available
Realize Ethernet-based multidrop applications in accordance with the IEEE 802.3cg standard. The test board is equipped with one USB and two SPE interfaces. It supports the bus topology defined in the 10BASE-T1S standard. Communication takes place at data transmission rates of up to 10 Mbps and with up to 50 devices – at a minimum length of 25 m. We will be happy to advise you on this.
The technology for the network infrastructure of the IIoT
The key to meeting the challenges of industrial production in the future lies in fast access to data and seamless communication from the sensor to the cloud. Network your devices via Single Pair Ethernet. There is no other future-proof network technology that offers comparable performance and benefits.
Single Pair Ethernet is revolutionizing the market: In the long run, SPE will replace classic serial bus systems. Single pair data cabling is innovative and efficient. With its seamless communication, SPE is empowering the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industry 4.0.
Consistent transmission of data and power via a double wire
Ethernet is the leading communication protocol for local data networks (LAN) at the corporate and operational level. SPE is the parallel, high-performance transmission of data and power via Ethernet over a single wire pair from the sensor to the cloud – supported by Power over Data Line (PoDL), Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), and OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA). It therefore enables consistent IP communication between the server and the cloud while simultaneously supplying power to complex IIoT solutions.
SPE is based on the standardized IEEE 802.3 protocol. What is new compared to classic Ethernet connections is that with Single Pair Ethernet this established protocol can now also be used for the field level. It can be installed as a physical layer in any Ethernet application – making this application future-proof.
SPE therefore represents the basic technology of the IIoT. Standardized pin connector patterns form the basis for the barrier-free networking of different components. Here, Phoenix Contact is driving progress decisively with the development of a standard – for example, with connectors for protection classes IP20 through to IP6x.
SPE pin connector pattern for building cabling
The M1 I1 C1 E1 pin connector pattern has been developed for building automation in accordance with IEC 63171-2. This pin connector pattern makes it possible to connect up to four times as many devices as you can with an existing passive infrastructure. This standard is often used in office buildings.
SPE pin connector pattern for industrial applications and field use
The M2/3 I2/3 C2/3 E2/3 pin connector pattern in accordance with IEC 63171-5 has proven itself in industrial applications, even in harsh field environments. The pin connector pattern can be integrated into all conventional and standardized connector versions.
MICE is an abbreviation that describes the external conditions of an Ethernet interface.
M = Mechanical robustness I = IP properties C = Chemical and climatic resistance E = Electromagnetic stability
Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) is one of the megatrends in industrial data transmission. The purpose of SPE is not to define new higher transmission speeds or distances; but rather to form the framework for standardizing reduced amounts of cabling for applications.
Torsten Janwlecke, President Business Area Device Connectors at Phoenix Contact
SPE connection technology for Industry 4.0MovingImage
Single Pair Ethernet: the connection technology for Industry 4.0
SPE is the new generation of Ethernet technology and one of the key arteries in industrial digitalization. The video provides a clear and simple illustration of the advantages.
SPE as the key technology for the IIoTMovingImage
The key technology for the Industrial Internet of Things
Single Pair Ethernet is the key technology for the Industrial Internet of Things. Twisted pair cabling is opening up new applications in building automation and industrial automation.
Video tutorial with detailed analysis of Single Pair EthernetMovingImage
Analysis of ONEPAIR series connectors
Find out more about the advantages of Single Pair Ethernet in this video tutorial.
Ideally suited for a wide range of applications
Single Pair Ethernet forms the basis for all Ethernet-based communication. It opens up new fields of application and enables smart device communication. Due to its excellent transmission properties, even across longer distances, SPE optimally supports future-proof network communication. Following the trend of resource-conserving, miniaturized devices, SPE offers more space for your electronics thanks to space-saving cables.
Compact device and cable connectors from the ONEPAIR series for Single Pair Ethernet are ideal for efficient data transmission in factory and process automation. The application-specific, reduced cabling is therefore the basis for future-proof Ethernet communication from the field to the cloud.
What our consulting team for Single Pair Ethernet offers
Phoenix Contact has the cross-industry knowledge and the corresponding product portfolio to use Single Pair Ethernet for a wide range of fields. Find out how SPE experts Verena Neuhaus, Guadalupe Chalas, and Tim Kindermann will work with you to develop individual solutions for Single Pair Ethernet, the key technology of digitalization.
The Ethernet technology already available today provides transmission speeds of up to 10 Gbps over just one wire pair for your application.
With SPE infrastructure, you can reduce data cabling and avoid media breakdowns from the field to the cloud as well as device failures. You can establish networks with a consistent Ethernet-based structure so that gateways are no longer needed. Moreover, cabling with SPE is easier and more time saving, because only two wires have to be connected. The 10Base-T1L standard enables Ethernet cabling with ranges of up to 1,000 m.
SPE standards are defined in IEEE 802.3. Currently, there are five different standards with different transmission speeds and distances that have already been exceeded. Further standards are in discussion.
Phoenix Contact provides standardized connectors and cables for Single Pair Ethernet. The IP20 male connectors in accordance with IEC 63171-2 are the most compact of the standardized series – ideally suited for control cabinet and building cabling. With the pin connector pattern in accordance with IEC 63171-5, Phoenix Contact provides the same pin connector pattern for robust and industrial-grade M8 to M12 cabling – ideal for field use in harsh environments that require IP67 degree of protection.
Yes, a power of up to 50 W can be transmitted via the PoDL standard (Power over Data Line). The various performance classes are described in the IEEE 802.3 bu standard.
It is conceivable that you could use existing cable infrastructures for SPE if they meet the requirements. SPE cables are defined in standard IEC 61156-1x.
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 joined up with other leading technology companies in the SPE System Alliance. The partner companies are bundling their Single Pair Ethernet expertise and entering into target-oriented exchanges, pursuing the common goal of promoting SPE technology for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and all other areas of application.
