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The increasing level of digitalisation of industrial plants calls for the further development of existing Ethernet cabling. For sensors and local, modular control units in particular, conventional cabling concepts are no longer able to meet the new demands with regard to space requirements and installation effort.
One solution is Single Pair Ethernet (SPE), an Ethernet standard for data transmission via a single wire pair (2-wire Ethernet). Single Pair Ethernet is developed to simplify and improve data transmission in industrial applications by providing a simple and cost-effective way to build Ethernet networks over existing cables.
Together with partner companies from the connectivity sector, Weidmüller is relying on innovative Single Pair Ethernet technology to develop new industry standards. Single Pair Ethernet technology enables a consistent and economical connection of a large number of end devices in the industrial IoT, from sensors in the field to the cloud.
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A standardised SPE mating face in accordance with IEC 63171-7 (Ed. 2, CD)
The harmonised mating face for IP20, M8, M12 and M12‑Hybrid unlocks all the advantages of Single Pair Ethernet – interoperable, cross-manufacturer and future-proof. It reduces planning risks, simplifies integration and speeds up roll-out. Start planning now – with Weidmüller as your strong partner at your side.
Standard for PROFINET over SPE – and supported across the industry:
For PROFINET over SPE, the mating face is already defined as standard in the guidelines in accordance with IEC 63171. This provides clear guidance for equipment and system manufacturers. At the same time, PI, ODVA, OPC Foundation and FieldComm Group are working together in a joint working group to promote consistent SPE standardisation – including PoDL performance classes and suitable plug-in connectors – in order to ensure interoperable, manufacturer-independent solutions from the field level to IT.
Universally connectable – entry into the IEC 61158 series
The integration of SPE into the IEC 61158 series is underway. This means that the mating face will be universally incorporated into future fieldbus specifications and will become centrally relevant for all user organisations – PROFINET International, ODVA, OPC Foundation and FieldComm Group. In short: the future mating face that is recognised by all relevant user organisations.
We are adapting our SPE portfolio to the new standard IEC 63171-7. The expanded portfolio includes field-attachable plug-in connectors, patch cables, switches and PCB plug-in connectors.
Reduces space requirements by 33% compared to RJ45 – for significantly more ports on the same PCB.
Familiar haptics and interface ensure intuitive installation and maintenance – just like RJ45.
A uniform interface for IP20, IP67 and hybrid applications
The automation community PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI), in which the electrical and connection technology company Weidmüller is one of over 1,800 members, has developed a uniform mating face for Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) based on essential application requirements and submitted it for international standardisation.
With its core technologies such as PROFIBUS and PROFINET, PI has responsibility for developing its market-leading, open standards for all areas of industrial production. With the agreement on a standardised mating face for Single Pair Ethernet, the industry is now taking a decisive step towards the future.
The new SPE connector system is defined in IEC 63171-7 Ed. 2 and offers a uniform mating face for applications in control cabinets, in the field, and for hybrid installations.
As a key driver of this technology, Weidmüller will expand its product family to include solutions featuring the new mating face. The new IEC 63171-7 standard introduces a harmonised mating face that can be used universally for different applications – from IP20 to IP67 and hybrid solutions. This makes design, planning and maintenance considerably easier.
Our expanded portfolio includes:
All products are designed to meet the new standard IEC 63171-7.
IEC 63171-2: Older standard, not universal, primarily for fixed cabling in the IP20 range.
IEC 63171-7: New harmonised mating face, universally applicable (IP20/IP67/hybrid), future-proof and optimised for the next generation of SPE products.
Yes. The old standard will remain in place as an IEC standard, but is likely to become less relevant and will be replaced in the medium term to ensure the advantages of the new, harmonised mating face and compatibility for future SPE applications.
The market launch is planned for 2026.
Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) is a technology that meets the essential requirements for IIoT and Industry 4.0 applications and was developed to enable end-to-end intelligent networking across all layers with Industrial Ethernet.
Single Pair Ethernet solutions are scalable, deterministic and fully compatible with protocol layers above Physical Layer 1, enabling all components in industrial applications to communicate with each other.
New technologies must be developed to make Ethernet technology universal from the sensor to the cloud and to complement existing fieldbus systems at the process level.
Current Ethernet technology is too complex and oversized for many use cases in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and is often unsuitable for connecting the lowest field level. SPE (2-wire Ethernet) provides a solution by combining long cable lengths with compact design and simple, robust cabling, which is especially advantageous for future use cases in many areas of industry.
Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) is an Ethernet standard that enables data transmission via a single wire pair (2-wire Ethernet). This technology was developed to simplify and optimise industrial applications. SPE transmits both data and power (Power over Data Line) via a single pair of wires, which reduces cabling costs and simplifies installation.
SPE uses a symmetric transmission technology in which data is transmitted in both directions simultaneously via a single pair of wires. This technology enables stable and reliable connections even over long distances and under difficult industrial conditions. With transmission rates of 10 Mbit/s at transmission lengths of up to 1000 meters and up to 1 Gbit/s at transmission lengths of up to 40 meters, SPE is ideal for use in the industrial IoT, from sensors to control units.
Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) is the perfect solution for the challenges of Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). The transfer of information from remote sensors and devices is no longer a problem thanks to SPE. With standardised interfaces and a direct connection via a two-wire solution, data and energy can be transmitted via just one line. Best of all, SPE can bridge distances of up to 1,000 m, resulting in increased system availability with more production data. The reduction to only one pair of wires significantly reduces the cabling effort.
In addition, Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) enables data as well as power transmission via Power over Data Line (PoDL) with transmission speeds of up to 1 GBit/s. A uniform Ethernet-based communication system is thus ensured from sensors to the cloud. Get ready for the future – with Single Pair Ethernet as the key technology for industrial communication and network infrastructure!
Do you want to access data from the field in the process industry? Then Ethernet APL is the solution for you! Ethernet APL is part of Single Pair Ethernet and was developed especially for the process industry.
Weidmüller offers qualified components for both application areas. For Single Pair Ethernet in industrial and building automation, Weidmüller offers miniaturised connectors, patch cables, plugs for tool-free assembly in IP20 and IP67 environments. For Ethernet APL in the process industry, Weidmüller offers a wide range of components that are qualified for Ethernet APL, such as conventional terminals with screw or tension clamp connection, OMNIMATE® PCB terminals and PCB plug-in connectors, built-in and field-attachable plugs (M12).
Use Ethernet APL to access data from the field in a demanding industrial environment and benefit from reliable data transmission and simultaneous power supply over twisted-pair cables of up to 1,000 m while addressing intrinsic safety.
Single Pair Ethernet (2-wire Ethernet) describes various Ethernet standards based on IEEE 802.3 and enables transmission rates that are sufficient even for complex sensor components. At a cable transmission length of up to 1,000 m, 10 Mbit/s are possible, while according to the standard, a data rate of 100 Mbit/s to 1 Gbit/s can be achieved with a cable transmission length of 40 m.
However, it is also apparent that the standardised minimum transmission length of 40 m for 100 Mbit and Gigabit can be significantly increased by using suitable infrastructure components.
Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) now makes powering peripherals even easier and more flexible. Thanks to Power over Data Line (PoDL) technology, power can be supplied to connected devices via the data cable without the need for a separate power supply line. PoDL offers different voltage levels from 24 V to 48 V and can provide power classes up to 52 W at the Power Source Equipment (PSE). This makes the use of Single Pair Ethernet even more efficient and saves space as well as costs.
Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) is a breakthrough innovation that supports forward-looking application areas in an efficient and cost-saving way. Compared to traditional Ethernet, SPE enables smarter, end-to-end networking that is scalable, deterministic and fully interoperable.
In contrast to bus systems, SPE (2-wire Ethernet) allows seamless connection of field devices such as sensors, enabling real-time data transmission from the field level to the cloud using end-to-end TCP/IP communication. This is done without additional gateways or duplicate infrastructure for control and IT, which offers a decisive advantage over other systems.
The IEC standard IEC 63171 deals with the standardisation of Single Pair Ethernet connectivity. The standard defines basic information, testing techniques and requirements for SPE connectors. The standards cover electrical and transmission characteristics as well as different mating faces. In addition, the standard incorporates the MICE concept (Mechanical, Ingress, Climatic and Electromagnetic), which addresses environmental conditions and areas of use.
IEC 63171: Basic standard
The Single Pair Ethernet System Alliance (SPESA) is an association of leading companies that has set itself the goal of optimally exploiting the enormous potential of the new SPE technology for the future. The Single Pair Ethernet System Alliance promotes the exchange between experts from various technology areas with the aim of establishing SPE technology in as many markets and applications as possible and creating a common market standard.
For the fast implementation of Single Pair Ethernet, SPESA is also pursuing the goal of building up know-how about the technology and at the same time removing technological hurdles to implementation.
Do you need more information about Single Pair Ethernet technology and SPE products from Weidmüller? We have compiled further information for you, which is available for download. Feel free to download our brochure or whitepaper to get exactly the information you need for your application fields. Use these resources to find the right Single Pair Ethernet solution for your individual needs.
Do you have questions about our products and solutions or would you like an individual offer? Simply fill out contact form. Our employees will contact you as soon as possible.
