Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE) promises to significantly simplify cabling: a single cable can transmit both data and power. This makes SPE ideal for compact devices, space-saving installations, and flexible network topologies. To date, the main obstacle to the widespread availability of SPE has been the wide variety of competing connector interfaces. The IEC 63171 series of standards describes different, incompatible versions. This fragmentation has significantly slowed the development of infrastructure and end-device applications in recent years.
However, decisive progress has now been made. “SPE has regained momentum in recent months,” says Ralf Moebus, Head of Industrial Communications Product Management at LAPP. This is because “the PROFINET User Group (PI) and its member companies have finally reached an agreement on a standardized connector for SPE.” The standard is based on the IEC 63171-7 mating face—a robust M12 hybrid connector developed for IP67 applications, whose SPE data container is now also available for IP20 environments. This standard is currently being incorporated into PROFINET’s planning guidelines and is expected to be included in IEC standardization by 2025. This agreement on universal connectors creates, for the first time, the necessary investment protection for component manufacturers and users. Once standardized, the first end devices and comprehensive infrastructure are expected to be available soon. Therefore, SPE is poised for a broad market breakthrough in industrial automation. As a global market leader in integrated connectivity solutions in the cable and connection technology field, LAPP actively supports this process: as a member of the relevant standardization committee, LAPP is committed to developing a complete SPE product portfolio, from cables and connectors to industrial Ethernet switches. The common goal is to drive market penetration of SPE.
Ethernet APL: Advantages of building new projects, challenges of upgrading existing projects
Alongside Single Pair Ethernet (SPE), Ethernet APL is increasingly becoming a solution for meeting the specific needs of the process industry. Based on SPE technology, APL extends it with intrinsic safety (compliant with IEC TS 60079-47) and can achieve data transmission speeds of up to 10 Mbit/s over distances of up to 1000 meters. Simultaneously, the power required by field devices is supplied through the same cable. Ethernet APL has been successfully planned for new projects (i.e., entirely new systems). In such projects, tested and certified APL components are available from the outset. While its acquisition cost is slightly higher compared to traditional systems such as 4-20 mA/HART, Ethernet APL offers significant advantages: faster return on investment thanks to better remote maintenance options and simplified planning. Using 2-WISE compliant field devices and passive components completely eliminates the tedious and time-consuming calculation of intrinsic safety parameters.
Upgrade projects face a different challenge: existing cable infrastructure often fails to meet the stringent requirements of Ethernet APL in terms of capacitance, inductance, and shielding performance. A rigorous evaluation of existing cables using specialized measuring equipment is necessary. If parameters exceed tolerances, the transmission distance must be shortened or the entire cable system replaced.
Despite these challenges, Ethernet APL clearly offers a future-proof solution for the process industries, enabling long-term end-to-end IP communication in hazardous areas. "In our experience, our customers' biggest pain point right now is the refurbishment of existing cabling systems, rather than the installation of new cabling," explains Christian Illenseer, Industrial Communications Product Manager and Ethernet APL Specialist at LAPP. "Many existing building facilities are undergoing upgrades. Ensuring successful APL communication requires highly sophisticated specialized equipment to inspect these cables."
It's time to take action.
With the standardization of SPE interface and the increasing adoption of Ethernet-APL in the process industries, the foundation for full market availability has been laid. Today, companies relying on new technologies will build scalable, efficient, and future-proof communication networks, gaining a competitive edge in an increasingly networked industrial world. Ralf Moebus and his team anticipate a major breakthrough in 2026, with more equipment and infrastructure coming online. “We’ve noticed that users are currently gathering information,” Ralf Moebus concludes. “Machine manufacturers want to know exactly what SPE is for and how it will be used, and with its comprehensive expertise, CableP naturally provides a complete solution. Our customers can implement this technology immediately.”
