SPE offers barrier-free connection in industrial applications
Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) technology delivers internet connectivity and power directly to essential devices, eliminating the need for fieldbus configurations. Molex has a range of SPE products to bridge the gap between the cloud and remote systems in factory settings. The company is committed to SPE as the new Ethernet model, to close connectivity and control gaps in industrial networks and making it essential in the implementation of IIoT strategies.
In contrast to conventional Ethernet, which requires two or four pairs of wires, SPE only requires one pair, which reduces cost, bulk and weight. The product design features slimmer cables and compact connectors to fit cabling into tight spaces and rugged exteriors for long-term survivability in factory conditions.
SPE also offers higher data rates on long cable runs to eliminate transmission bottlenecks in field-level network operations and the industrial IoT (IIoT) infrastructure. Current IIoT networks are often incomplete, containing “islands” of devices connected only indirectly through bespoke, analogue or proprietary gateways, said Molex.
SPE delivers Ethernet transmission via a single copper-cable pair. In addition to data transmission, it also supports the simultaneous power supply of the end devices through Power over Data Line (PoDL) — similar to Ethernet-over-Line (EoL) — with an output of up to 50 W.
“The new SPE from Molex has passed the verification and certification stages. This means it will soon be ready for deployment, marking a key milestone in the evolution of industrial IoT,” said Mark Schuerman, senior manager of business development in global market segments, Molex.
The new standardised Ethernet platform has received support and investment from a wide range of industry leaders via the SPE Industrial Partner Network, a consortium of over 50 networking companies. As a premium member of the ecosystem, Molex has helped develop SPE for widespread adoption.
According to Molex, SPE is transforming data accessibility and device control for intelligent industrial applications. SPE offers industries faster, easier and less expensive input and output (I/O) installation to reduce new build costs and a clear path of migration from legacy networks. Devices, sensors and actuators can be easily integrated into the existing Ethernet environment without additional interfaces.
Future product releases will meet IEEE standards for up to 1km of cable length. SPE can achieve 10Mbits per second per IEEE 802.3cg, 1Gbit per second per IEEE 802.3bw. Molex plans to reach 10Gbit per second for a newly developed standard IEEE 802.3ch. It is expected that SPE use in these categories can replace almost all existing fieldbus types, said the company.
