Connector design sets new standard for single pair Ethernet tech

HARTING is driving the development of the standardization of the new Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) technology forward. Now, in a multi-stage selection process, international standardization committees have decided in favor of HARTING Technology Group’s SPE mating face. “We’re pleased with this decision. This also ensures planning security for the developers of new devices or sensor/actuator technology,” said Ralf Klein, Managing Director of HARTING Electronics.

Single Pair Ethernet is a new Ethernet technology that requires only one pair of wires (instead of four pairs) to transfer data and power. This technology, which is driven by the automotive industry, is also gaining increasing importance in automation technology, where its development is advancing in a targeted manner. Thanks to its simplicity and an associated reduction in weight, space requirements and installation effort, a great future is seen for the technology within the industrial sector, automation technology and the rail industry, among others.

SPE now makes it also possible to implement digitization down to the field level, i.e. end-to-end IP-based communication. Equipping simple sensors or cameras, reader and identification devices, etc. with Ethernet interfaces supports the implementation of Integrated Industry and IIoT.

The end-to-end compatibility of devices, cables and connectors is a prerequisite for the widespread use and consequently the successful marketing of SPE technology. This is ensured by international standardization (ISO/IEC and IEEE). Since the beginning of the year, there has been an internationally drafted selection process for the cabling and selection of standard SPE mating faces via ISO/IEC involving more than 20 national expert committees. As a result of this selection, two mating faces have prevailed:

• For building wiring, the mating face according to IEC 63171-1: this mating face is based on the proposal from CommScope
• For industrial and industry-related applications, the mating face according to IEC 61076-3-125: this mating face is based on the HARTING proposal

Based on this mating face, HARTING is preparing a comprehensive product portfolio for the industrial sector. The technology had been driven forward in the past two years in close cooperation with customers. SPE connector concepts from HARTING were initially presented at SPS 2016 in Nuremberg.

HARTING
www.harting.com