How SPE is driving the digital transformation
Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) has the potential to transform industrial communication by enabling efficient, cost‑effective data transmission over long distances using just one wire pair. As its importance grows, the technology is advancing quickly, supported by progress in standardization, expanded connection technology options, and a unified pin connector pattern for factory automation.
The current status of standardization
Single Pair Ethernet transmits data over a single copper wire pair, reducing both cost and space. It supports multiple communication standards, delivering speeds from 10 Mbps over 1,000 m to 25 Gbps over 11 m.
This makes SPE highly versatile and ideal for factory automation and other industrial applications. Its physical properties are defined by IEEE standards.
Standardization for SPE starts with IEEE 802.3, with various working groups defining its communication standards. Current standards cover multiple applications and speeds, while two upcoming ones—10BASE‑T1M (DA group) and 100BASE‑T1L (DG group)—are expected in 2026 and will be key for future industrial communication.
The 10BASE‑T1M standard extends the existing 10BASE‑T1S multidrop standard, increasing range, node count, and enabling shared line transmission (MPoE). The new 100BASE‑T1L point‑to‑point standard will boost 100 Mbps SPE transmission distance from 40 m to 500 m, allowing SPE to cover the classic 100 m Fast Ethernet range in the future.
Challenges during implementation
Implementing SPE in industrial applications presents challenges that market players must address.
Standardization and interoperability: Although standardization has advanced, additional standards still need to be developed and adopted to ensure full interoperability across manufacturers and devices. Different interpretations of existing standards can still cause compatibility issues.
Infrastructure and cabling: Switching to SPE requires adapting existing infrastructure, which can involve significant cost and effort, especially in large or complex systems. While existing cabling can potentially be reused, its suitability for SPE must be assessed individually.
Reliability and robustness: SPE components must operate reliably in harsh industrial environments, requiring high mechanical stability and resistance to vibrations, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. Developing and testing such robust components is both time‑consuming and costly.
Security: Security is crucial for SPE. It must maintain data integrity and confidentiality, requiring appropriate security protocols and mechanisms. Ethernet already provides the necessary security foundation and offers clear advantages over outdated bus systems.
Training and knowledge transfer: Technicians and engineers must be trained in the new technology to implement and maintain it effectively, requiring investment in training and knowledge transfer. However, many outdated fieldbuses can be replaced by SPE, eliminating the need to train new staff on legacy systems.
Market acceptance: Market acceptance of SPE remains a challenge. Companies must be convinced of its benefits, and it may take time before SPE becomes an industry‑wide standard.
Costs: Although SPE can deliver long‑term savings, it requires an initial investment in new components and infrastructure. Companies must weigh costs against benefits and consider the value SPE offers now and in the future.
Despite these challenges, SPE offers significant advantages for industrial communication. With ongoing progress in standardization, robust component development, and workforce training, these obstacles can be overcome and the full benefits of SPE realized.
The new face of SPE
A standardized pin connector pattern is crucial for SPE in factory automation, enabling simple and flexible device connections. Phoenix Contact plays a leading role in developing and promoting this standard through close cooperation with industry partners, user organizations, and standardization bodies. Significant progress has already been made, and broad agreement on a unified pin connector pattern is now within reach. The IEC 63171‑7 standard—currently in its second edition with Phoenix Contact heavily involved—defines the mechanical requirements for SPE connectors and forms the basis for this standardization. It ensures high mechanical stability, reliability, and easy handling. Many manufacturers have already announced plans to certify their first devices soon.
Added value of SPE based on specific use cases
SPE will play a key role in networking machines, sensors, and actuators in smart factories. Its long‑distance, highly reliable data transmission makes it ideal for factory automation. Beyond factory and automotive applications, SPE also offers benefits for many other industries.
Building automation
Networked buildings increase efficiency, security, and convenience. With a standardized end‑to‑end IP protocol, devices such as sensors, switches, and thermostats can connect seamlessly to building management systems via the local network and the cloud. SPE enables flexible, energy‑efficient lighting control, precise HVAC monitoring, and reliable, fast data transmission for security systems like surveillance cameras, access control, and alarms.
SPE integrates various building control systems into the building management system, enabling centralized monitoring and control of all building technologies. It also supports efficient energy and load management by monitoring and optimizing energy use. Another example is the networking and control of elevator systems to improve maintenance and operational safety.
The broad range of SPE standards enables support for many existing building‑technology use cases and paves the way for modernized communication systems.
Renewable energies
SPE also elevates networking and control in renewable energy systems. In wind turbines, it links sensors and control units for performance monitoring and optimized maintenance. In solar installations, it enables efficient data transmission between panels and inverters for precise system monitoring. With its extended range, SPE again offers an alternative to fiber‑optic cabling.
In battery storage systems, SPE monitors charge and discharge states to maximize efficiency. In smart grids, it supports the integration of renewable energy sources and improves energy control and distribution. SPE is also used in EV charging stations, hydroelectric plants, and biogas facilities to network and control processes efficiently, always aiming to save energy and reduce costs.
Agricultural technology
More intelligent sensors and communication components are increasingly used in agricultural technology, where extreme conditions are common. With robust components, SPE networks sensors and devices that monitor soil moisture, nutrient levels, and weather to maximize yields. It also supports efficient water use in smart irrigation systems. In machine control, SPE connects and controls equipment such as tractors, harvesters, and planters, boosting automation and efficiency.
SPE already forms the basis of the new high‑speed ISOBUS for communication between agricultural machines. Additional applications include animal monitoring, storage and silo management, as well as supporting drones and agricultural robots in data collection and automated tasks like sowing, fertilizing, and harvesting.
Process automation
As in factory automation, Single Pair Ethernet also offers major benefits for process automation, from sensors and measurement systems to control technology and field devices like valves, pumps, and motors. It enables continuous condition monitoring and early maintenance detection, improving operational efficiency. SPE also supports remote monitoring and control, which is especially valuable for hard‑to‑access systems. Together with Ethernet‑APL, it is already the successor to outdated 4–20 mA, HART, and Profibus PA systems. Based on the 10BASE‑T1L standard (10 Mbps, 1,000 m range), it also meets intrinsic‑safety requirements for potentially explosive process‑industry environments.
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