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Single Pair Ethernet – the central nervous system of Industry 4.0

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is supporting Industry 4.0 Innovations, by connecting machines, devices and systems in manufacturing and other sectors.

Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) plays a decisive role in this context, enabling both the transmission of data and the power supply (PoDL) via a single pair of wires. Significantly reducing the complexity of network architecture and making integration simpler and clearer.

This simplicity is particularly important in industrial environments where hundreds or even thousands of sensors and actuators need to communicate seamlessly and reliably.

The technology is convincing when compared to conventional data rates for the operation of mobile applications such as those deployed in the automotive or agricultural industries.

Single Pair Ethernet offers advantages:

  • Lean and clear network architecture
  • High flexibility and scalability
  • Better responsiveness through high convergence of IT with operational technology
  • Weight savings for more efficient mobility
  • Higher range & data transmission rate

ODU connectors for SPE meet the MultiGigabitBase-T1L standard to IEEE 802.3ch, delivering a reliable transmission rate of 10 GBit/s over a maximum 15m of shielded cable.

If the cable length is increased up to 40m, then the ODU connection solution provides a transmission rate of up to 1 Gbit/s (1000Base-T1), meeting requirements of IEEE 802.3bp ODU high-quality cable assemblies inc connectors are in accordance with IEC 63171-2. If needed, lower transmission rates such as 100Base-T1 or 10Base-T1L for the handling of simpler protocols over longer distances are also possible. 

Strong armour for the nervous system

In applications that are subject to regular maintenance or require high-frequency tool replacement, conventional connection interfaces quickly reach their limit as they are only suitable for a few mating cycles. ODU MINI-SNAP® SPE connectors can be deployed in tough environments and thereby withstand up to 5,000 mating cycles while offering an extremely small sized footprint.

Modular connectors from the ODU-MAC® series, on the other hand, not only offer an extremely long service life with at least 10,000 mating cycles, but also the option of integrating SPE in a modular connector as a hybrid solution.

ODU also offers SPE connection solutions that are particularly resistant – they withstand extreme temperatures, shocks & vibrations and contamination from moisture & dust.

Customers benefit from many advantages:

  • No qualification costs, as cable assemblies are already tested and qualified.
  • Final product can be developed without samples using simulation results, which can be provided to customers, so as to plan & check the overall system in advance.
  • Changes can be implemented cost-effectively and without great loss of time.
  • Within channel limits, the cable assemblies can be purchased in any total length.
  • Standard assemblies at short delivery times, due to factory component stocks, resulting in shorter deliveries and low development costs.

Thanks to their connector technology, SPE cable assemblies from ODU deliver the best signal integrity even in adverse environments and impress with their excellent service life.

www.odu.connectors.com/uk