Partner Network Drives SPE Forward

“Single-pair Ethernet (SPE) is the technology of the future. However, there is still a lack of consistency when it comes to connector standards.“ - Ralf Moebus, Head of Product Management for Industrial Communication at LAPP.

In the SPE Industrial Partner Network, cable and connector manufacturers have joined forces to advance existing technologies, which look to replace today’s prevailing fieldbus systems to power intelligent sensors & actuators in the smart factory ecosystem.

Beyond the smart factory, SPE exhibits tremendous potential in process automation, such as the bridging of long distances in large chemical plants, where analogue cables or fieldbuses with data transmission rates of just 31.25 kbit/s are still used. In public transport, SPE is suitable for networking information systems used in surveillance or automatic counting, as well as infotainment and WiFi. SPE also offers a more compact design with lower bending radii and greater flexibility in battery-electric vehicles, which are also used in networking sensors for building automation needs such as fire alarm systems, light or temperature sensors.

LAPP is ready with any SPE connection technology

Recognising its potential early on, LAPP had a headstart in developing industrial SPE cables, and has ETHERLINE^® T1 product family ready for use. It is committed to standardisation in conjunction with other manufacturers of connection technology. In the search for a standard for industrial connectors, LAPP favours the connector face in accordance with IEC 63171-6, which it is actively disseminating by collaborating with the SPE Industrial Partner Network.

To plan and check an SPE network, application-specific planning and installation guidelines need to be in place. User organisations such as PI for PROFINET^® or ODVA for ETHERNET/IP are already at work, with LAPP’s involvement.

Get on Board: Shifting Gears with SPE

Beyond reduction to just two cores, SPE has made completely new network structures possible: think trunk capability, power over dataline (PoDL) or longer cable lengths. To stay abreast of the new possibilities and deploy them in your application to leverage on evolving new trends, it is vital to identify fields of application and discuss your system design requirements with manufacturers such as LAPP.