White Paper: Single Pair Ethernet for Device Manufacturers

As automation advances, an increasing number of sensors and actuators are being deployed across all areas of manufacturing. Connecting IIoT devices to the cloud requires a consistent, scalable, and low-latency network built on reliable components. SPE enables Ethernet connectivity across all automation levels, down to individual sensors and actuators.

SPE is particularly useful in environments where smart devices communicate, measure, or monitor. Typical applications include barcode readers, cameras, user terminals, and various detection sensors. In industrial automation, long distances of up to 1,000 meters must be bridged at high transmission speeds—without the need for additional gateways. The many sensors, actuators, and field devices in factories also require a power supply. Thanks to PoDL (Power over Data Line), both power and data can be transmitted simultaneously over the same pair of wires, eliminating the need for separate power lines.

Single Pair Ethernet offers significant advancements in the miniaturization of communication infrastructure and enables the development of sophisticated end-of-arm tools for robots. Unlike traditional protocols, SPE provides greater bandwidth, allowing communication between a robotic arm and its controller to support larger data frames.
SPE supports high-resolution 2D and 3D systems by enabling data transmission at speeds of up to 1 Gbps over distances of up to 40 meters. Additionally, SPE cables have a smaller bending radius compared to traditional automation cables, which can help reduce the overall dimensions of the robot body and arm. This compact design is particularly beneficial in robotics. 

In the process industry, Ethernet-compatible interfaces are increasingly required to access field-level data via IIoT. The challenge lies in retrieving information from sensors and devices located at significant distances, while also integrating various IIoT devices into the network infrastructure.

Single Pair Ethernet for the process industry is known as Ethernet-APL, a specialized version of the 10BASE-T1L standard enhanced with functional safety features. It enables qualified components to transmit data at 10 Mbit/s while simultaneously supplying power over twisted-pair cables up to 1,000 meters in length.

Ethernet-APL (Advanced Physical Layer) technology allows direct access to field and device levels through an internationally standardized two-wire solution. This requires high-performance IIoT devices built with quality components. The result is increased plant availability and improved data generation: device data can be collected, utilized, and analyzed directly in the field to optimize operations and implement innovative solutions.

The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) into building automation has become a key element of digital transformation and is expected to grow in importance. The introduction of the IP protocol simplifies building automation and increases its efficiency, as sensors, controllers, and other building technologies can be seamlessly connected to building systems—even over long distances. This approach replaces conventional proprietary fieldbus systems with standardized Ethernet cabling, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming programming. With Single Pair Ethernet (SPE), additional gateways are no longer required.

In the design and development of smart buildings, there is a clear trend toward minimizing the energy consumption of all connected devices. SPE plays a crucial role in this context by enabling the simultaneous transmission of high-performance data and power over a single pair of wires using Power over Data Line (PoDL). Additionally, SPE components—including connectors and cables—are designed to be both durable and efficient. SPE allows for the seamless integration of building systems such as lighting and HVAC.

It also ensures security within a unified network that is easy to install and maintain. The ability to support various transmission distances and data rates, combined with high packing density, makes this interconnect technology highly adaptable to nearly any system. SPE is transformative for IoT device connectivity, which is essential for applications such as smart grids, smart cities, and building automation.

Thanks to its ability to transmit data over longer distances than traditional Ethernet—such as 10BASE-T1L, which supports 10 Mbps over up to 1,000 meters—Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) is also well-suited for large infrastructure projects like tunnels and level crossings, where long range and reliable data rates are essential. It can be used for signal control, power supply, sensing, connectivity, and drive control. For large-scale installations such as trackside systems along railway lines and traffic control networks, SPE simplifies complex cabling requirements.

By delivering both power and data through a single pair of wires, SPE streamlines the installation and maintenance of equipment such as sensors and cameras in traffic control and monitoring systems. Its compatibility with existing Ethernet-based systems ensures seamless integration and enables real-time data exchange and monitoring. Additionally, SPE’s scalability makes it ideal for expanding existing infrastructure projects. It can easily accommodate growing data demands and the integration of new devices—without requiring major changes to the existing setup.

Single Pair Ethernet also offers numerous advantages for the energy sector. Its ability to support high-speed data communication over long distances makes it ideal for monitoring and controlling remote energy assets such as wind turbines, solar farms, and substations. With Power over Data Line (PoDL), SPE simplifies the deployment of smart grid devices, sensors, and actuators, and facilitates the integration of IoT technologies. In addition, real-time data exchange and monitoring enabled by SPE are crucial for efficient energy management, predictive maintenance, and ensuring the stability and reliability of the power grid.