- As a premium member of the SPE Industry Partner Network, forges new paths in the development and adoption of consistent SPE technology as the new Ethernet standard for industrial applications
- SPE technology enables barrier-free connection of equipment, sensor/actuator technology and more via end-to-end IP communications
- Cabling and Connections Products on Display at Smart Production Solutions 2022 Exhibition
Molex has announced Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) technology as a new offering in its future product portfolio. Molex will do a pre-launch of the product at the Smart Production Solutions (SPS) 2022 exhibition in Nuremberg, Germany, from November 8-10.
The single-pair connection solution extends well beyond conventional Ethernet capabilities to expand IP connectivity in automated manufacturing environments. SPE's higher data rates over long cable lengths eliminate transmission bottlenecks in field-level network operations and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) infrastructure.
Today's IIoT networks are often incomplete, containing “islands” of devices connected only indirectly through custom, analog or proprietary gateways. SPE provides power and Internet connectivity directly to essential devices, eliminating the need for fieldbus configurations. The open IP protocol through SPE enables industrial operations to bridge the gap between cloud and remote systems.
Certified for high speed over long cable lengths
SPE provides Ethernet transmission over a single pair of copper wires. In addition to data transmission, it also simultaneously supplies power for terminal devices via Power over Data Line (PoDL)—similar to Ethernet-over-Line (EoL)—with output up to 50W.
This latest evolution of Ethernet technology is transforming data accessibility and device control into intelligent industrial applications. Certified SPE solutions include connectivity with IP20 and IP67 protection levels.
Future product releases will comply with Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standards for cable lengths up to 1 kilometer. SPE can achieve 10 Mbps per IEEE 802.3cg, 1 Gbps per IEEE 802.3bw. Molex plans to achieve 10 Gbps for a newly developed IEEE 802.3ch standard. It is expected that the use of SPE in these categories will be able to replace almost all existing types of fieldbus.
SPE offers industries faster, easier, and less costly I/O installation to reduce new installation costs, and a seamless path for migration from legacy networks. Devices, sensors and actuators can be easily integrated into the existing Ethernet environment without additional interfaces.
A smaller, lightweight design for Industry 4.0
“Molex's new SPE has passed the verification and certification stages. This means it will soon be ready for implementation, and to mark a key milestone in the evolution of the Industrial Internet of Things,” said Mark Schuerman, Senior Business Development Manager Global Market Segments at Molex. "The purpose of this product is to close the connectivity and control gaps in industrial networks, which makes it essential in the implementation of IIoT strategies, and has led Molex to commit to SPE as the new model of Ethernet."
Unlike conventional Ethernet, which requires two or four pairs of wires, SPE requires only one pair of wires, reducing cost, bulk, and weight. Product design features thinner cables and compact connectors to fit wiring in limited spaces, and rugged exteriors for long-term durability in factory conditions.
Forging SPE Technology and Adoption
The new standardized Ethernet platform has received support and investment from a wide range of industry leaders through the SPE Industry Partner Network, a consortium of more than 50 networking companies. As a premium member of the ecosystem, Molex has helped develop SPE for widespread adoption.
All members have committed to following interoperable standards, including the use of a standardized coupling under IEC 63171-6/-7. Thanks to the combination of excellent performance and standardization, SPE is expected to be able to replace almost all types of fieldbus, making it the ideal technology to help set a path for Industry 4.0 migration.
Smart Production Solutions 2022
- Molex will join other industrial automation leaders at SPS 2022 in Nuremberg, Germany, November 8-10, Room 10.0, #110.
- Visit Molex for a showcase of SPE technology components and to learn how the company is optimizing data transmission with the latest Ethernet capabilities.
