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Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE)

Industrial SPE Connectors and Cable Assemblies afford the standard T1 industrial interface and single-twisted-pair cabling to make Ethernet connectivity easy and affordable, support miniaturization and enable the transmission of data from the cloud to devices and sensors.

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Product Highlights

Circuits:Current Density:
24.0A

 

Faster Data Speeds

Single-pair Ethernet setups enable data transmission by Ethernet using only two wires and simultaneous power supply for terminals via PoDL up to 50W. Being able to integrate Ethernet interfaces with simple sensors, cameras, reading/ID devices or similar equipment makes implementation of integrated industry and IIoT possible.

End-to-End TCP/IP-Based Communication

Standardized T1 SPE connectivity enables smart technology at the field level and simplifies parameter setting, initialization and programming. As a result, the set-up, operation and maintenance of equipment becomes more efficient and more cost-effective.

Preassembled cable assemblies available:
Reduces implementation time with plug-and-play connectivity. Eliminates the need to source cable assembly or invest in tooling. Avoids the need for cable testing.

Cable assemblies use only 1 twisted-pair with a gauge as small as 26 AWG and 22 AWG:
Facilitates miniaturization so that the customer has an easier time routing the small, flexible cable assemblies. They also weigh and cost less.

Through-hole jack with two contacts plus shielding:
Enables easy-to-implement wire-to-board connectivity. Shielding ensures superior signal integrity performance.

Halogen-free, oil-resistant, flame-retardant off-the-shelf cable assemblies:
Withstands harsh industrial environments.

End-to-End TCP/IP-Based Communication:
Permits a barrier-free connection of equipment, and sensor/actuator technology.

Cable assemblies enable the transmission of data using only two wires and the simultaneous power supply for terminals via PoDL up to 50W:
Provides faster data speeds.

Plug, jack and cable assembly with IP20:
Provides protection from objects up to 12.00mm and is touchproof.

Overview

Until now, two twin wires for fast Ethernet (100 MB) or 4 twin wires for Gigabit of Ethernet were necessary to achieve high-speed data-rate transmission. Molex’s T1 SPE Connector System and Cable Assemblies enable the transmission of data by Ethernet using only two wires and the simultaneous power supply for terminals via power over data line (PoDL) up to 50W.

Manufacturers are increasingly reliant on the internet of things (IoT) and the industrial internet of things (IIoT) to run their production facilities. To optimize the benefits of IIoT, a cost-effective and reliable method for integrating sensors/actuators from the field to the cloud is crucial. Therefore, a continuous and future-proof network philosophy is needed. Molex’s T1 SPE Connector System and Cable Assemblies permit a barrier-free connection of equipment, sensor/actuator technology and much more via end-to-end IP-based communications.

As the sizes of sensors and other devices needed for IIoT shrink to accommodate the increased use of smart equipment on factory floors, cabling and interfaces must shrink too. Also, the proliferation of smart devices and sensors in industrial setting means that cable management is becoming more difficult. Molex’s T1 SPE cable assemblies use only 1 twisted pair with a gauge as small as 26 AWG (T1 SPE IP20) and 22 AWG (M12 T1 SPE IP65/67).

Applications by Industry

Actuators
Control panels
Drives
Factory automation
Machine-to-machine communication
Process automation & control
Robotics
Smart sensors
Valves

This is not a definitive list of applications for this product. It represents some of the more common uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Industry 4.0 need single-pair Ethernet (SPE) technology?
The digitization of industrial plants has led to an increased need for Ethernet cabling. In fact, while transmission rates are fine in most instances, Industry 4.0 and the IIoT present new requirements for longer cable runs and miniaturization. Consequently, SPE technology is being embraced by standardization committees and has become a fixture in the next generation of communication architecture.

For the very first time, SPE ensures the cost-effective use of Ethernet in every aspect of industrial automation. The technology uses 1 pair of wires to transmit data at speeds from 10 Mbps up to 1 Gbps and can work well in a cable run up to 1,000m making SPE ideal.

What are the advantages of SPE over conventional Ethernet?
Conventional Ethernet requires two or four pairs of wires; SPE requires only 1 pair. This newer arrangement reduces cabling costs and weight. Slim cables and connectors allow comprehensive connection of the most sophisticated sensors at field level, including PoDL with an output of up to 50W which means the sensors can be supplied with a both power and data interface even in extremely cramped conditions.

What data rate can be transmitted over SPE?
The single-pair Ethernet technology based on IEEE 802.3bp 1000BASE-T1, a standard for industrial sensors, delivers 1 Gbps transmission speed over only 1 pair of copper wires. IEEE professionals are currently working on a standard for even higher data rates of up to 10 Gbps (IEEE 802.3ch), which is required for high-resolution sensors and video transmissions.

In addition, a standard for 10 Mbps (IEEE 802.3cg) is being developed. This standard enables transmission distances of up to 1,000m and can therefore replace almost all fieldbus types.

Resources

Miniaturization SPE vs MPE

Molex’s T1 SPE cable assemblies use only 1 twisted-pair with a gauge as small as 26 AWG (T1 SPE IP20) and 22 AWG (M12 T1 SPE IP65/67). Customers will have an easier time routing these small, and flexible T1 SPE cable assemblies from Molex, which also weigh less and cost less due to the fact that they require less copper.