SPE Forum 2025

Single Pair Ethernet auf dem Sprung in die Praxis

The Single Pair Ethernet Forum 2025 in Ludwigsburg made it clear: Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) is on its way to fundamentally transforming industrial communication. As a partner of the event, the Single Pair Ethernet System Alliance, together with the SPE Industrial Partner Network, was actively involved.

In a compelling mix of twelve practical expert presentations and a workshop, the forum showcased the many ways in which SPE is already being applied today. Topics such as Power over Data Line (PoDL), Multidrop, connector standardization, and the upgrade from RS485 to SPE demonstrated that the technology is ready for widespread deployment.
SPE stands for efficiency, cost savings, and security. With seamless IP-based communication from sensor to cloud, it eliminates complex fieldbus systems and enables scalable, real-time-capable networks across industries such as manufacturing, building automation, and mobility.

Cybersecurity was also a major focus: SPE infrastructures allow for a much more consistent implementation of security mechanisms – an important step in view of the upcoming Cyber Resilience Act (CRA).

A highlight of the forum was the discussion on the new hybrid connector standard IEC 63171-7, which defines uniform interfaces for future SPE applications. The ongoing work on IEC 63171-7 ED2 – including IP65 Hybrid, M12, M8, and IP20 variants – is expected to be completed by May 2026, giving the technology additional momentum.

The SPE Forum 2025 clearly demonstrated the growing dynamics in the market. We are pleased about the increasing interest and open exchange with manufacturers, users, and partners. Now is the right time to take the next step – from concept to implementation.