Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE) is one of the most discussed new connector solutions for industrial sensor and actuator applications. That is why TTI, a specialty distributor of electronic components, has published a White Paper on “The Rise of Single-Pair Ethernet in IIoT”.
This white paper investigates the technology of SPE, its advantages and benefits, and how it enables cloud-to-sensor connectivity using a single protocol stack.
According to the author, Markus Lorenz, Director, Industry Marketing, Industrial Europe, TTI, industrial network architectures of the past were varied and vendor-specific, making interoperability with other implementations a significant issue.
The arrival of Industrial Ethernet with time-sensitive networking (TSN) is standardising real-time connectivity across the industry but not down to the field level as the cables and connectors are simply too big.
“Compared to a four-pair CAT 6 cable, which uses AWG 23 conductors, a single-pair cable is up to 60% lighter in weight,” explains Markus Lorenz. “Fewer conductors also make the cables thinner, permitting a tighter bending radius during installation and a higher cable density in the rack, thereby connecting all the production assets.”
The White Paper takes a deep look at SPE and how the standards are currently evolving. With reference to the standard 4 -pair Ethernet specification, it investigates why SPE offers significant connectivity advantages right down to the field level, with its reduced cable size, bending radius, and power delivery.
It also considers how deploying Ethernet into the sometimes hazardous and environmentally challenging industrial domain requires special attention, particularly to the interconnect.
The White Paper concludes with a discussion about how the sector is investing in the role of the industrial consortia in promoting SPE technology – the Single Pair Ethernet System Alliance and the Single Pair Ethernet Industrial Partner Network.
