Revolutionizing Industry Connectivity: The Power of Single Pair Ethernet in Automation Systems

Bringing together industry and automation in a innovative manner is crucial in today's era of Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). The advancements in production facilities and automation systems are evolving quickly, and to take advantage of this, the use of Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) technology is necessary. This advancement holds significant importance for procurement specialists and electrical engineers as it has the potential to redefine connectivity standards.

Innovative Connections for the Future

In the past, Ethernet setups typically needed two or four wire pairs. However, Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) changes this by allowing data and power to be transmitted through just one wire pair. This not only saves space and money but also expands the possibilities for new applications. The Single Pair Ethernet System Alliance, with members like Phoenix Contact, is a worldwide organization advocating for the adoption of this technology in IIoT and various other areas.

SPE technology allows data to be transmitted at speeds ranging from 10Mbps to 1Gbps, depending on the distance. This enables a variety of applications, from sensor technology to imaging systems, to operate effectively over different ranges. These advancements in bandwidth have expanded the possibilities for various industries that were previously limited by data rate, range, and communication issues.

In real-world situations, this implies that connections spanning up to 1,000m can be handled without the need for repeaters or switches. This is especially beneficial in industrial environments with manufacturing lines and conveyor belts. The increased speeds, along with advancements like Power over Data Line (PoDL), result in significant cost savings. For instance, specialized fieldbus technologies can be substituted with SPE solutions.

Specialized in Industrial Automation and Robotics, SPE is not only useful for long-distance communication. With transmission speeds that range from 10Mbps to 10Gbps, SPE is ideal for intricate network setups that involve gateways to connect various systems seamlessly.

Efficient and reliable data transmission is crucial for the advancement of industrial automation. With the rise of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), traditional systems using Ethernet and fieldbus networks must adapt to keep up. Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) technology allows for seamless and dependable data connections in this sector.

In today's automated factories, a large amount of data is being produced. This data is crucial for the industry and seamless communication from the sensor to the cloud is necessary for utilizing this data efficiently. Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) enables reliable networking from sensors to the cloud, leading to significant cost savings compared to traditional bus and Ethernet setups.

SPE is well-suited for robotics applications as it allows for faster data transfer rates compared to traditional fieldbus systems. This results in more accurate communication between robots and control units. Additionally, the streamlined cabling of both data and power in a single cable helps to lower costs, enhance performance, and simplify maintenance processes.

Phoenix Contact provides a wide range of products to cater to various applications, which includes solutions for Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) systems like M12 hybrid connectors, IP20 connectors, patch cables, M8 and M12 connectors, and PCB terminal blocks.

Potential Impact

Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) has the potential to revolutionize industrial automation by providing space-saving solutions and enabling the reevaluation and implementation of network structures due to its long-range capabilities.

Verena Neuhaus works as a Product Marketing Manager in the Data Connectors department at Phoenix Contact. Tim Kindermann holds the position of Product Manager in the Single Pair Ethernet division at Phoenix Contact.

Siemens and PE Energy have come together to speed up the development of industrial automation and innovation in Nigeria. Avantra is showcasing its leadership in AI and automation at SAP Sapphire. Saab UK is using innovative technology for deep-sea exploration to reduce risks to divers and the environment. The future of wholesales is being transformed by automation. L-com has introduced new Arduino PLCs and power supplies. The element14 Community has launched a "Shift It! – Warehouse Automation Challenge." STMicroelectronics is driving innovation in microcontrollers and ultra-low power MCUs. They are committed to empowering edge AI innovation and advancing power electronics for aircraft electrification. Sony India has introduced a new series of high-powered speakers called ULT POWER SOUND. Pickering Electronics is showcasing new high-power reed relays.