Single Pair Ethernet reduces data transmission to a single twisted pair of cables and enables speeds of up to 1 Gbit/s over distances of up to 1,000 meters. It supports multidrop networks, simultaneous power delivery (Power over Data Line, PoDL), and hybrid installations over a single cable, significantly reducing cabling costs. Depending on the application, existing infrastructure can continue to be used.
SPE enables standardized Ethernet-based communication from the sensor to the cloud and is a key technology for Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
“In the automotive industry, SPE has proven to be a reliable technology for interconnecting vehicle components such as sensors, control units, and cameras, forming the basis for advanced developments like autonomous driving. SPE also opens up new possibilities for IoT applications in industrial environments. The technology shows its full potential in applications requiring compact designs, high transmission speeds, and long distances,” says Thomas Keller, Product Manager Industries at Rosenberger.
Focus on Industrial Requirements:
Industrial applications present specific challenges for connectivity solutions, such as longer transmission distances, high electromagnetic interference, and extreme environmental conditions. Therefore, Rosenberger is continuously developing its SPE portfolio with high-performance, robust, and standards-compliant solutions for industrial applications, from installation in control cabinets to the interconnection of sensors and actuators in the field.
The focus is on SPE Industrial, a new connectivity interface developed in collaboration with leading manufacturers and based on proven Single Pair Ethernet connections in the automotive industry.
Standardization for Future Applications:
A decisive step towards the standardization of SPEs in industrial environments is the further development of the IEC 63171-7 standard to Edition 2 (ED2). This extension, driven by the PROFIBUS User Organisation (PNO), defines a uniform mating interface for SPE connections in control cabinets and field applications. The goal is to achieve interoperability between manufacturers, significantly facilitating integration and scalability in industrial automation.
The development and standardization of SPEs enable the creation of reliable, compact, and powerful network architectures. The transfer of proven concepts from the automotive industry to industrial applications opens up numerous opportunities for digitalization and automation in the Industrial Internet of Things.
