Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) - now also for e-chains with 36-month 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 clearer, for example, when you look 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 change now: Single Pair Ethernet (SPE), an Ethernet bus and transmission protocol, is currently finding its way into the industrial landscape, which is not only beneficial due to its small dimensions, but also due to its excellent transmission properties. This is true both in stationary 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 simultaneous reduction of the diameter will also allow  the cost-effective connection of sensors with high data volumes in the future. The user doesn't have to forego quality in the process. The oil-resistant and flame-retardant CFBUS.PUR.042 has been extensively tested in the 3,800m2 igus test laboratory . As with all chainflex cable ranges, for the Single Pair Ethernet cables, the customer will also receive a guarantee of 10 million double strokes or 36 months.
 
SPE is therefore a real alternative to other bus systems in applications with small bend radii and small installation spaces, such as industrial camera applications or position or monitoring sensors.  Such camera vision systems primarily serve as detection and positioning systems.  Until now, such sensors had to be connected in the field via bus interfaces with 4 or 8-core Ethernet cable. With SPE, each sensor can be directly integrated into the superordinate control level.