In comparison to current solutions with two or four twisted pairs of wires, Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) relies on only one twisted pair. This will result in a comparatively weight-saving infrastructure solution for IIoT and Industrie 4.0 applications in the future. SPE enables the simultaneous transmission of data and power up to the sensor level. Where previously it was necessary to switch to BUS protocols with the corresponding software and hardware, SPE now connects every sensor directly to higher-level Ethernet networks, closing the previous "Ethernet gap" above the field level. If required, in real time and with a noticeably increased range of functions. Complex parameterization of different systems is no longer necessary with the future-oriented Single Pair Ethernet technology.
As a completely new physical layer, SPE needs its own ecosystem of cables, connectors, semiconductors, passive components and active devices. ESCHA has also recognized this trend and developed overmoulded M8 and M12 connectors based on the T1 industrial interface specified in 2018 in accordance to IEC 63171-6, which meet the usual market sealing requirements (IP67) and are therefore particularly suitable for use in harsh industrial environments. This new product portfolio, which in the first step consists single and double ended cordsets (male-version), will be available at the beginning of 2024.