SPEs will play a vital role in many areas of communication architecture. Therefore, Weidmüller is developing a series of connectors with the same mating surfaces for IP20 and IP67 versions. Weidmüller's new connectors are ideal tools for IoT and Industry 4.0 applications.
Why is a new communication architecture needed?
Clearly, conventional Ethernet bus systems can only meet the future needs of industrial environments to a limited extent. SPE supports continuously scalable and deterministic networks from sensors to the cloud.
Are there universal standards for the new mating surfaces?
The general electrical requirements for a single Ethernet connector are based on the IEC 63171 standard. IEC 63171 series of subsidiary standards -1 to -6 describe the design of the mating surfaces and the mechanical requirements of the connector.
What connectors did Weidmüller develop?
Weidmüller developed the IEC 63171-2 version connector for IP20 environments and the IEC 63171-5 version connector for IP67 environments.
Can the sensor be powered using a data cable?
SPE allows power to be supplied to connected peripheral devices via PoDL (Power over Data Line).
New communication architecture for future Ethernet
Clearly, conventional Ethernet bus systems can only meet the future needs of industrial environments to a limited extent. Therefore, a new cabling standard is urgently needed. Experts believe that Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) will become the next-generation communication architecture in automated environments. SPE supports continuous, scalable, and deterministic networks from sensors to the cloud. It is suitable for virtually any data-generating environment, such as industrial, logistics, and construction. SPE technology requires only one pair of cables (instead of two or four pairs) and plays a vital role in many communication architecture areas. Leading experts from the connector, automation, and cable industries have collaborated to develop an international standard for SPE technology. Companies such as Phoenix Contact, Weidmüller, Remermax, Belden, and Fluke have established partnerships to create a unified standard for this new technology. Each partner is an expert in their respective field, thus bringing together capabilities from various areas including cable manufacturing, automation technology, and connector expertise. Thanks to this technology partnership, users also gain long-term investment security and access to a common standard. These companies are developing and supporting mating surfaces that conform to IEC 63171-2 and IEC 63171-5 standards, which have been incorporated into a unified standard.
Standardization is key to success – standardized interfaces improve transparency.
Weidmüller, together with its technology partners, provides support for mating surfaces compliant with IEC 63171-2 and IEC 63171-5 standards. The IEC 63171-X series of standards defines connectors for single-pair Ethernet connections. The IEC 63171 standard defines the general electrical requirements for the interface. IEC 63171-1 to -6 standards define the design of the mating surfaces and the mechanical requirements of the connectors; different connectors have different mating surfaces, dimensions, and mechanical requirements. In addition to the different mechanical requirements, there are also different electrical requirements. Compared to other solutions, IEC 63171-2 and IEC 63171-5 connectors are very compact, offer optimal RF performance, and even have dielectric strengths up to 2.25 kV DC. Therefore, users can choose the appropriate connector for their application.
Weidmüller's SPE Development: Connectors are the First Step
Weidmüller has developed IEC 63171-2 connectors for IP20 environments and IEC 63171-5 connectors for IP67 environments. Focusing on AWG 26 – AWG 22 cross-sections, Weidmüller is developing user-friendly connectors that can be used as patch cords or are freely configurable. The M8 connector's mating surfaces can be designed as both male and female. This allows for flexible connector connections, eliminating the need for extension cables with only plugs or sockets at both ends. Because the mating surfaces are identical, they can be freely combined. This reduces the number of required components without compromising the application, thus alleviating storage pressure. Furthermore, due to its excellent high-frequency performance, this mating surface can be used independently in a variety of applications, from workstations to data centers, from industrial cabling to the cloud.
Weidmüller ensures unrestricted industrial applicability with a robust locking mechanism and a pull-out force of at least 50N. The new connector, with a 7.62mm pitch, is remarkably compact, half the size of an RJ45 connector. This means two “single-pair Ethernet” ports can be installed in the space occupied by an RJ45 PCB connector, effectively doubling port density. Another advantage of Weidmüller's solution is its significantly improved high-frequency performance compared to competing products, meaning the cable can meet even higher performance requirements in the future. Key technical specifications include: AWG 26 – AWG 22 cable wiring, 2.25 kV DC industrial dielectric strength, and PCB permissible contamination level 2.
Powered by data cable
Another major advantage of SPE is its ability to power connected peripherals via PoDL (Power over Data Line). PoDL can provide up to 60 W of power to PSE (Power Supply Equipment). Therefore, even under extremely constrained conditions, sensors can be powered and data transmission supported without the need for an additional separate power supply cable. IEEE has defined different voltage levels for this purpose. Since levels 1–9 have been assigned to PoE, PoDL voltage levels start from 10. PoDL also makes SPE suitable for a wider range of applications, including not only building infrastructure but also particularly demanding applications in potentially explosive environments. SPE is driving a revolution in process technology. In fact, the SPE standard provides new power for all applications: whether in IT, production, or extreme conditions. Thanks to miniature connectors and single-pair cables, the single-pair Ethernet communication architecture is easy to install.
Weidmüller has developed a user-friendly series of connectors with the same mating surfaces for both IP20 and IP67 models.
With the new SPE connector, Weidmüller has developed an ideal tool for IoT and Industry 4.0 applications.
