Single Pair Ethernet promises significantly simplified cabling: a single pair of wires is sufficient for data transmission and power supply. This makes SPE ideal for compact devices, space-saving installations and flexible network topologies. A major obstacle to the broad market launch of SPE to date has been the variety of competing connector faces. The IEC 63171 series of standards describes different variants that are not compatible with each other. This fragmentation has considerably slowed down the development of infrastructure and end devices in recent years.
However, decisive progress has now been made. “SPE has regained momentum in recent months,” says a delighted Ralf Moebus, Head of Product Management Industrial Communication at LAPP. The reason: “Together with its member companies, the PROFINET user organisation (PI) has finally agreed on a standardised connector for SPE.” The basis is the IEC 63171-7 mating face – a robust M12 hybrid connector that was developed for IP67 applications and whose SPE data container is now also to be used for the IP20 environment. This standard is currently being integrated into the planning guidelines for PROFINET and is expected to be included in IEC standardisation in the course of 2025. This agreement on a common connector creates the necessary investment security for component manufacturers and users for the first time. The first end devices and comprehensive infrastructure are expected shortly after standardisation is completed. SPE is therefore on the verge of a broad market breakthrough in industrial automation. LAPP, the global market leader for integrated connectivity solutions in the field of cable and connection technology, is actively supporting this process: as a member of the relevant standardisation committees and with the development of a complete SPE product portfolio, from cables and connectors to Industrial Ethernet switches. The common goal: to drive forward the market penetration of SPE.
LAPP has been a member of the SPE Industrial Partner Network since 2019
The network brings together leading companies from the fields of automation technology, cable and connection technology. The aim is to establish Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) as a universal infrastructure technology in the industry and to actively promote standardisation and market launch.
Through its involvement in the SPE Industrial Partner Network, LAPP plays a key role in shaping the development of technical guidelines, standards and application profiles. This commitment ensures that LAPP solutions are adapted to new market requirements at an early stage and offer users maximum investment security.
Ethernet-APL: advantages in the greenfield, challenges in the brownfield
Parallel to SPE, Ethernet-APL is developing as a solution for the special requirements of the process industry. Based on Single Pair Ethernet, APL extends the technology with intrinsic safety (in accordance with IEC TS 60079-47) and enables data transmission at up to 10 Mbit/s over distances of up to 1000 metres. At the same time, power is supplied to the field devices via the same cable. In greenfield projects – i.e. new systems – Ethernet APL is already being successfully planned. Here, tested and approved APL components can be used right from the start. Despite slightly higher acquisition costs compared to classic systems such as 4-20 mA/HART, Ethernet APL offers clear advantages: faster amortisation thanks to better remote maintenance options and simplified planning. The use of 2-WISE-compliant field devices and passive components completely eliminates the time-consuming calculation of intrinsic safety parameters.
The situation is different in the brownfield: existing cabling infrastructures often do not meet the strict requirements of Ethernet APL in terms of capacitance, inductance and shielding. Careful qualification of the existing cables with special measuring equipment is required. If the parameters are outside the tolerance, reduced transmission lengths or even completely new cabling is necessary.
Despite these challenges, it is clear that Ethernet-APL offers a future-proof solution for the process industry that enables end-to-end IP communication in hazardous areas in the long term. “In our experience, the bigger issue for our customers is currently the refurbishment of existing cabling and not the installation of new cabling, as there are many existing buildings that are being retrofitted,” explains Christian Illenseer, Product Manager Industrial Communication and Ethernet APL expert at LAPP. “Testing them requires highly complex devices to ensure successful APL communication.”
Solutions from LAPP for SPE and Ethernet-APL
LAPP supports companies in the implementation of these new technologies with a comprehensive portfolio:
- ETHERLINE® T1: Single pair Ethernet cables for fixed and flexible applications and long distances.
- ETHERLINE® T1L: Specially developed cables for Ethernet APL, certified to international standards and designed for high mechanical strength and easy handling (Fast Connect).
In addition, LAPP offers training, planning support and customised advice to optimally implement the integration of SPE and Ethernet APL in existing and new systems. “For example, in our new LAPP Exploration Centre at our Stuttgart site,” says Ralf Moebus. Here we have the opportunity to invite customers and users to our site and train them for a whole day on the topics of SPE and APL, for example, and exchange ideas at a technical level.”
The right time to act
With the agreement on a standardised mating face for SPE and the increasing use of Ethernet-APL in the process industry, the foundations have been laid for a comprehensive market launch. Companies that now rely on the new technologies create the basis for scalable, efficient and future-proof communication networks – and thus secure a competitive advantage in an increasingly networked industrial world. Ralf Moebus and his team expect the big breakthrough in 2026, when even larger quantities of devices and infrastructure will be available. “We are noticing that users are currently gathering information,” summarises Ralf Moebus. “Machine builders want to know exactly where and how SPE will be used, and LAPP is naturally on hand with comprehensive expertise. Our customers can implement the technology immediately.”