What is Single Pair Ethernet? Simply explained and answered!

With the growing number of connected devices comes the need for a more efficient and reliable infrastructure in the field level. Traditional bus systems are not able to satisfy the needs of todays industrial automation and industrial internet of things (IIoT), and 4 pair Ethernet is an expensive alternative.

Single pair Ethernet can replace both, offering a slimmer, more efficient and powerful solution to enable digitalization to the sensor level.

SPE enables the transmission of data by Ethernet using only two wires and the simultaneous power supply for terminals via PoDL (Power over Data Line).

Benifites:
IP-based addressing to the sensor (seamless integration into the network)
Power over Data line (PoDL)
Standard products
Replaces field bus systems
Smaller and inexpensive cables
Saves space
Easier to install
Higher connection density than 4p Ethernet
Transmission rates up to 1Gbit/s
Range up to 1000m

IEE Standards:
Ethernet Standard Standard Bandwidth Max. distance Status
IEEE 802.3bw 100Base-T1 100 Mbit/s 15m released 2015
IEEE 802.3bp 1000Base-T1 1 Gbit/s 15m released 2016
IEEE 802.3cg 10Base-T1 10 Mbit/s 1000m released 2019
IEEE 802.3ch 2.5GBase-T1 2.5 Gbit/s 15m under development
IEEE 802.3ch 5GBase-T1 5 Gbit/s 15m under development
IEEE 802.3ch 10GBase-T1 10 Gbit/s 15m under development

IEC Standards:
IEC 63171-1: Connector, LC style (ISO/IEC variant-1)
IEC 63171-2: Connector, MSP-type (ISO/IEC variant-3, variant-4)
IEC 63171-3: Connector, TERA-type (ISO/IEC variant-5)
IEC 63171-4: Connector, MMC-type (ISO/IEC variant-1)
IEC 63171-5: Connector, 4XMSP-M12-type (ISO/IEC variant-3)
IEC 63171-6: Connector, Industrial style (ISO/IEC variant-2)

MICE (mechanical, ingress, climatic, electromagnetic) describes environmental conditions for installations. There are 3 levels defined as below:
M1I1C1E1 describes a worst case office environmental
M2I2C2E2 describes a worst case light industrial environment
M3I3C3E3 describes a worst case industrial environment

[matthiasfritsche]

Very good explained. Thanks a lot for your work.