Single Pair Ethernet

Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) is considered the technology of the future in industrial communication. Compared to previous Ethernet versions such as PROFIBUS or PROFINET, SPE promises data transmission at gigabit speeds - and with only one pair of wires. Even power supply can be integrated into the cable thanks to "Power over Data Line" (PODL). It is a smart, flexible, space- and cost-saving solution that enables real-time communication down to the field level.

Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) is a technology for data transmission within wired networks. Data cables with Single Pair Ethernet technology differ from previous solutions in that they only have one pair of copper wires. In contrast, previous PROFINET cabling requires two pairs of wires, and Gigabit Ethernet even requires four. In addition, SPE offers the possibility of simultaneous power supply using the same pair of wires. This is called "Power over Data Line" (PODL). This makes the cables slimmer and lighter, which has numerous advantages and allows for new application possibilities.

SPE technology originally comes from the vehicle construction industry, where space and weight savings are reoccurring topics. By now, however, other industrial sectors also want to benefit from the advantages of Single Pair Ethernet - especially where high data transmission is required. Thanks to the minimal installation effort and space required, for the first time, Single Pair Ethernet enables continuous automation at the field level - i.e., the integration of sensors, actuators and other devices. These are traditionally connected to the higher control level through fieldbus systems that are not part of the Ethernet network. Single Pair Ethernet closes this gap and is considered a key technology for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industry 4.0 thanks to real-time communication all the way down to the field level.