Discover how Single Pair Ethernet can be key when building the infrastructure for digital manufacturing

The 4th industrial revolution with Single Pair Ethernet (SPE)

The classic RJ45 ethernet connector is synonymous with industrial ethernet connections. It has been packaged in many different designs, which have become internationally standardised. Currently, the data transmission occurs via two or four twisted pairs of wires.

The HARTING T1 Industrial supplies ethernet over a single twisted pair of wires. This interface also supplies power over data line. The Single Pair Ethernet cable follows the IEC 63171-6 standard whilst delivering 1GBit/s for short distances and 10Mbit/s for long distances and with IP20 to IP65/67 rating.  

HARTIN T1 Industrial

Features & Benefits of Single Pair Ethernet connectors:

Space Saving

The compact T1 can be easily incorporated into smaller devices and it also allows a significantly higher packing density. In addition, it combines both data transmission and power supply into a single interface, further reducing the area taken up by connectors.

Weight Reduction

Weight reduction is an important focus for manufacturers, especially in the transportation sector. By reducing the amount of copper wiring required, the T1 can deliver weight savings of 1.6 kg for every 100 metres of cable used, delivering both cost and weight savings.

THR Shield Contact & EMC Immunity

As it’s designed for use in multiple areas, the T1 has been specially manufactured to ensure it can cope with the demands of industrial environments. The socket contains four robust THR shield contacts, which provide a strong connection and prevent the conductor tracks from being damaged. In addition, the T1 takes care to safeguard data transmissions; thanks to its continuous 360° shielding shells, it guarantees a high immunity to interference, even in EMC-critical applications.

Robust locking system & 5,000 mating cycles

When it comes to connections, HARTING have devised an extremely robust locking system which delivers high shock and vibration resistance and a long service life that boasts up to 5,000 mating cycles.

Up until now, industrial ethernet has only been able to reach the control level before it needs to switch to BUS systems via gateways. Single Pair Ethernet via the T1, allows equipment to connect via end-to-end IP-based communications right up into the field level. This means industrial ethernet interfaces can be integrated on to industrial machine sensors, industrial cameras, reading / ID devices or similar equipment. This development offers users a new level of consistency and brings ethernet from the industrial iot cloud to every industrial machine sensor, thus, enabling the smart factory system.

With Power over Data Line (PoDL), devices can be supplied with up to 50 W via the same single twisted pair.

In addition, the T1 mating face can be integrated into standard housing forms as required. There will be interfaces in M8 and M12 housings, as well as other designs. HARTING not only has connectors and other components in mind, but a complete Single Pair Ethernet ecosystem which will deliver higher bandwidth and bigger loads, right down to the printed circuit board.

Perhaps the most innovative aspects of the T1 Industrial are the space saving and weight reduction benefits attained by the move to a single pair of wires. Devices and equipment such as sensors, cameras, automation equipment, displays and screens are rapidly decreasing in size, which means connectors must do the same to ensure they don’t take up too much of the limited installation space available on new, miniaturised equipment.

There is immense potential in this new technology. As sensors, actuators, and network nodes can be networked and supplied with power via the T1, there are numerous applications in automation technology, robotics, machinery and plant manufacturing, as well as in building automation and transportation markets. Other potential uses being explored include traffic control, intelligent lighting, smart farming and mobile machinery.

Perhaps most excitingly, experts have suggested that Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) will be one of the key technologies that significantly shapes the success of the IIoT. The digital factory of the future will require high data streams and the industrial sector needs connectivity which adapts itself to increasingly growing demands. This is best achieved via standards that are developed and advanced through partnerships in an open eco-system. The T1 Industrial brings Ethernet from the industrial iot cloud to every industrial machine sensors, which is a key feature of digital manufacturing, therefore, enabling smart manufacturing.

HARTING has recognised the requirements of the digital factory of the future, driven the development of Ethernet connectivity for tomorrow's networks and presented intelligent connectivity with solution packages for the industrial iot cloud, Edge and IIoT. As an enabler of IIoT, HARTING is moving a technology trend on to a real application and customer solution.

Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) - explained easily: The Enabler for IIoT

The 4th Industrial revolution & Single Pair Ethernet

From a manufacturing perspective. the importance of the fourth industrial revolution is encapsulated by the many benefits such an approach can bring to businesses. Predictive maintenance, energy monitoring, flexible production and real-time information from the shop floor are helping manufacturers to revolutionise their facilities, making them more adaptable and potentially opening up new markets and ventures.

To make these benefits a reality, much of the 4IR technology is focused on accessing 'Big Data' from connected devices. The Smart Factory system relies on industrial internet and the industrial iot cloud to connect the real and virtual worlds, creating a digital factory which allows the whole production process to be monitored. The ability to gather and analyse data and transfer it to an intelligent management system is vital for the smart factory architecture. Not only is access to production data from your machines hugely valuable, the use of cloud computing in manufacturing enables the manufacturer to monitor production and manage connections from anywhere in the world.

The importance of Single Pair Ethernet cables can be demonstrated by their potential use across the manufacturing and intralogistics environment, from the receiving of goods through to shipping. Used in conjunction with IIoT technologies, it will be possible to implement thorough stock control, locate orders and track goods as they are shipped. By optimising the flow of materials and automating processes in this way, organisations can become more agile, cost effective and productive.

Single Pair Ethernet Explanation - John DeSouza

Advancements in industrial connector technology, particularly miniaturisation which can be seen through Single Pair Ethernet are being fuelled by the fourth industrial revolution. Devices such as tablets, industrial machine sensors and cameras are getting smaller, so connecting interfaces such as industrial ethernet cables must follow suit. Whilst these components are reducing in size, they are simultaneously becoming more powerful to meet the demands of customers.

Those advancements are significant because they are not just delivering new innovations to the industrial sector, but also to general consumers in their day to day lives. In addition, as the technology becomes more commonplace, it's no longer the sole preserve of manufacturers with huge budgets, meaning SMEs can start to see the benefits of improved business performance.

Get in touch
Kevin Canham
Product and Applications Manager

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