Single Pair Ethernet

The potential of Single Pair Ethernet is huge and experts consider it to be the next generation of communication architecture in automation. Originally developed for automotive applications, it promises nothing less than a continuous connection from the sensor to the cloud. And this is the case in practically every application, whether in industry, logistics, buildings or wherever data is generated. The concept behind it is essentially an extension of the Ethernet to the sensor, that is wherever "tracks" (in the literal sense) rather than data highways are needed in every inch of space within the plant – it is compact, flexible and offers extensive reach.

The increasing level of digitalisation of industrial plants calls for the further development of existing Ethernet cabling. For sensors and local, modular control units in particular, conventional cabling concepts are no longer able to meet the new demands with regard to space requirements and installation effort.

Weidmüller and partners from the field of electrical connectivity all rely on the innovative Single Pair Ethernet technology when developing new industry standards. Single Pair Ethernet enables the end-to-end connection of a large number of devices in the Industrial IoT, from the sensor to the cloud.

When developing new standards, the most important task is to establish a uniform and application-independent plug-in-connector face. Together with other manufacturers Weidmüller supports the currently submitted standardization variants according to IEC 63171-2 for IP20 and IEC 63171-5 for IP67.