Industrial Ethernet (SPE) – Developing more ideal tools for IoT and Industry 4.0 applications

       A new communication architecture for the future of Ethernet

　　Obviously, conventional Ethernet bus systems can only meet future needs in industrial environments to a limited extent. Therefore, a new cabling standard is urgently needed. Experts believe that Single Pair Ethernet will become the next generation of communication architecture in automated environments. SPE enables a continuous, scalable, and deterministic network from sensors to the cloud. Suitable for virtually any environment where data is generated, such as industry, logistics, construction, etc. Single pair Ethernet technology requires only one pair (not two or four pairs) of cables and plays an important role in many areas of communication architecture.

　Renowned experts from the connector industry, automation technology and the cable industry have worked together to set international standards for single pair Ethernet technology. Companies such as Phoenix, Weidmüller, Ruimai, Belden, and Fluke have established partnerships for Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) technology to create a unified standard for this new technology. Each partner is an expert in their field, bringing together capabilities from various areas such as cable production, automation technology and connector expertise. Thanks to this technology partnership, users also gain long-term investment in security and the adoption of common standards. These companies are developing and supporting joint surfaces that comply with IEC 63171-2 and IEC 63171-5, which have been incorporated into the Unified Standard.

　　Standardization is key to success – standardized joints increase transparency

　　Industrial Ethernet vendors work with technology partners to support joint surfaces in accordance with IEC 63171-2 and IEC 63171-5. The IEC 63171-X series of standards defines connectors for single-pair Ethernet. The IEC 63171 standard defines the general electrical requirements for interfaces. The IEC 63171-1 to -6 standard defines the design of the joint surface as well as the mechanical requirements of the connector, which has different joint surfaces, sizes, and mechanical requirements. In addition to different mechanical requirements, there are also different electrical requirements. Compared to other solutions, the IEC 63171-2 and IEC 63171-5 connectors are very compact and offer excellent RF performance, even with a dielectric strength of up to 2.25 kV DC. Therefore, users can choose the appropriate connector for their application.

　　SPE development: connectors are the first step

　　IEC 63171-2 connectors have been developed for IP20 environments and IEC 63171-5 connectors have been developed for IP67 environments. With an eye on the AWG 26 - AWG 22 section, a user-friendly connector is being developed that can be used both as a jumper and freely configured. The mating surface of the M8 connector can be designed as male and female. As a result, free connector connections are possible. This eliminates the need to use extension cables with only plugs or sockets on both ends. Since the joint surfaces are the same, the two can be freely combined. This reduces the number of parts required without reducing the application, thereby reducing storage pressure. In addition, due to its good high-frequency performance, the joint surface can be used independently of a wide range of applications, from workstations to data centers, from industrial cabling to the cloud.

       This user-friendly coupler series has the same joint surfaces for IP20 and IP67 models.

　　Unlimited industrial suitability is ensured by a robust locking device with a pull-out force of at least 50 N. The new connector pitch is 7.62 mm and very compact, only half the size of the RJ45 connector. This means that two "single pair Ethernet" ports can be installed in the space occupied by the RJ45 PCB connectors, doubling the port density. Another advantage of Weidmüller solutions is the significantly improved high-frequency performance compared to competitors, which means that the cables can also meet higher performance requirements in the future. Key technical data includes: AWG 26 - AWG 22 cable routing, 2.25 kV DC industrial dielectric strength, and printed circuit board permissible contamination level 2.

　　Data cable power

　　Another major advantage of SPE is that it can power connected peripherals via PoDL (Power over Data Line). PoDL can provide up to 60 W of power to PSEs (powered equipment). This allows the sensor to be powered and data transmission supported even under extremely constrained conditions without the need for additional separate power lines. The IEEE defines different voltage levels for this. Since levels 1-9 have been assigned to POE, the voltage level of PoDL starts at 10. PoDL also makes SPE suitable for more applications. In addition to building infrastructure, it also includes particularly demanding applications in potentially explosive atmospheres. SPE is leading the way in process technology. In fact, the SPE standard provides new impetus for all applications: whether in IT, production or under extreme conditions. Thanks to the miniature connectors and single pair cables, the single pair Ethernet communication architecture is easy to install.

*部分信息来自于：控制工程网。