Ethernet has come a long way. First developed in the 1980s, Ethernet has progressed so much over the past years. Modern day industrial Ethernet has become one of the main communication technologies in Automation. Being able to be transferred via copper cabling, fiber optics and even without any cable (Wireless), Ethernet protocol provides a strong foundation for customization, opening endless possibilities for new applications.

While the requirements for Ethernet continue to increase, governed by the ever-higher performance categories (Cat7, even Cat8), new standards for lower data transmission rate also emerge – Single Pair Ethernet.

Initially used in automotive industry, the Reduced Twisted Pair Ethernet helped streamline and reduce cabling cost and effort. It also reduces the weight of the vehicle which in turn improves its fuel consumption.

Besides reducing cabling cost and effort, this opens up the possibility of data transmission via copper cabling over a much longer distance, for example 1,000 m. This makes many applications that were previously unachievable with Industrial Ethernet, attainable with Single Pair Ethernet. Besides an additional data rate of 1 Gpbs over a longer distance, SPE allows Power-over-Ethernet of up to 60 Watts. Of course, that alone is not enough. Data connectors to be used with Single Pair Ethernet have to comply with high requirements such as high shock and vibration resistance for the industries such as Process Automation.

Stay tuned for more updates on Single Pair Ethernet, or get in touch with us at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg to find out more!