SPE – seamless and sustainable end-to-end connectivity

Cost-effective and resource-saving device connectivity via only one pair of wires is a pioneering trend in industrial cabling. According to the specifications of IEC standards 63171-5 and 63171-6 for single-pair Ethernet, Binder develops his compact M8 solution for data and power transmission in factory and process automation environments.

Binder, a leading supplier of industrial circular connectors, develops robust and economical connectivity solutions for use in Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE). The 808 series miniaturized industrial connectors are equipped with screw locks. They support the transmission of data and power in future-proof automation solutions according to the SPE standard. Thanks to the established compact M8 design, the connector can be advantageously integrated into standard sensor technology housings.

Ethernet in factory and process automation
Industrial automation technology is moving from a layered architecture to a distributed architecture that provides greater productivity and security for manufacturing companies’ networks. Decentralization is increasing the number of devices connected in the field, increasing the need for interfaces. Decentralized automation components, i.e. sensors, actuators, controllers, gateways and embedded or edge computers, are subject to stringent requirements in terms of miniaturization, and energy efficiency is currently of particular importance. As for electrical connection technology, this is reflected in design criteria such as compact construction, mechanical robustness, reliability and signal integrity.

Another feature of future manufacturing solutions is end-to-end communication. With the advancement of Industry 4.0, Industrial Ethernet is penetrating traditional automation levels, ensuring seamless end-to-end data transmission from field level sensors through control and operation levels. Cloud. This continuity gives users access to real-time device data in addition to process data, which can be used for production planning, process control and data analysis.

SPE: focus on cost and resources
On the one hand, digitization, decentralization and seamless end-to-end data transmission are increasing the demand for connectors in the automation market. On the other hand, the requirements regarding product functions and characteristics become clearer. The cost-effectiveness of connectivity solutions, measured both in terms of materials and energy required and in terms of installation labor, is receiving more attention than ever before. Single Pair Ethernet enables high-performance and particularly cost-effective wiring of field components using only one twin wire. This technology therefore represents a cost-effective and sustainable form of networking.

Wiring methods already established in automotive engineering may also meet the requirements of many applications in industrial automation. Depending on the distance, he can integrate devices with gigabit transmission speed into an Ethernet network via a single pair of wires. Power over Data Line (PoDL) can be used to power the instrument over the same pair of wires. In addition to sensors and actuators, the former power range of Power over Ethernet (PoE), camera-based systems for test and measurement can also be connected and supplied via PoDL, for example.

Dieter Sandura, Product Manager at Binder, commented: This type of data transmission can lead to more sustainable systems that make automation more cost-effective. Furthermore, reduced resource consumption in manufacturing and processing ultimately yields environmentally sustainable benefits. ”

Product design conforming to IEC standards
Binder is currently developing products that meet IEC Standards 63171-5 and 63171-6 for Single Pair Ethernet. This standard defines physical dimensions as well as mechanical, electrical and transmission properties. Also included are environmental requirements, test specifications, and mating surfaces for SPE data transmission. These cover both shielded and unshielded connectors and should be designed to be interoperable and compatible in terms of internal transmission performance.

Current product development at Binder is based on two basic technologies. One is PoDL power delivery and the other is a hybrid concept that separates data and power transmission. The new SPE products in the 808 series are therefore 2-pin and 4-pin M8 connectors and their respective mating device connectors according to IEC 63171-5 and IEC 63171-6 respectively. Field-wireable connectors are intended for flexible termination directly in the field and will be available from 2023.