Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) - now also for the e-chain with a 4-year guarantee

Single Pair Ethernet: what is Single Pair Ethernet and how does it work?

The key to industrial automation, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

The Smart Factory concept stands for a multitude of challenges that companies are facing today. The greatest challenges of the fourth industrial revolution are almost always described by topics such as standardisation, reliability of complex (IT) systems and mastering increasing complexity. This becomes clear, e. g. when looking at the established automation pyramid. Communication and data exchange are limited - existing Ethernet bus cables suitable for use right to the end field devices are rarely used. The installation space at the sensors or control gear is too small. The environmental parameters that both moving and static Ethernet cables have to meet during continuous use in the field are too demanding.All that can now change: an Ethernet bus and transmission protocol known as Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) is currently making its way into the industrial landscape, which is not only convincing due to its small dimensions, but also due to its excellent transmission properties. And this is true both at rest and in highly dynamic applications such as in an energy chain.

Single Pair Ethernet technically describes the transmission of Ethernet (1000Base-T1) via only two pair of copper wires and enables both data transmission via Ethernet and simultaneous power supply (PoDL). This technological leap leads to a reduction of the diameter by approx. 25% compared to an ordinary Ethernet cable. This white paper gives an overview of the current state of development of SPE and shows the opportunities the new transmission technology opens up for the industry by significantly reducing the installation space as well as the associated weight reduction:
 

Who is driving the new SPE technology?

The SPE Industrial Partner Network

Single Pair Ethernet is the infrastructure foundation that makes IIoT and Industry 4.0 possible. In order to promote Single Pair Ethernet technology for the rapidly growing IIoT market, igus is participating in the SPE Industrial Partner Networks with other strong partners such as HARTING or TE Connectivity.  
 
For the reliable establishment of the entire future SPE ecosystem, standards for transmission protocols, cabling and device components are also jointly developed and adopted and published in IEEE 802.3 and IEC SC46C.  
 
In this way, the new cable could also be constructed in partnership for the T1 connector interface. As a result, the durable shield has reliable transference to the connector, ensuring optimal high electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). The combination of chainflex cable and SPE connector is extremely robust: igus uses a highly abrasion-resistant and notch-resistant PUR jacket, and the connector has tough metal latches with a PCB socket.
 

How can SPE be used now?

Long service life guaranteed by extensive testing

The significantly increased transmission rate with a simultaneous reduction in diameter will enable the cost-effective connection of sensors with high data volumes in the future. The user does not have to compromise on quality. The oil-resistant and flame-retardant CFBUS.PUR.042 was extensively tested in the 3,800 square metre igus test laboratory. As with the entire chainflex cable range, the customer also receives a 4-year guarantee on the Single Pair Ethernet cable.

SPE is therefore a real alternative to other bus systems in applications with small bending radii and small installation spaces, such as industrial camera applications or position and position sensors. Surveillance sensors. Such camera vision systems are primarily used as detection and positioning systems. Until now, such sensors had to be connected in the field via bus interfaces with 4- or 8-wire Ethernet cables. With SPE, every sensor can be integrated directly into the higher-level control system.