Mr. Schmidt, let’s look back: How did the industry come to have two different connector solutions – one from the SPE Industrial Partner Network and one from the SPE System Alliance?

Xaver Schmidt: In our experience, the introduction of new foundational technologies often brings different solution approaches. Each of these variants tries to offer specific advantages through its particular features. We see this not only in this case, but also with many other technological developments.

The critical question is when the point is reached at which one undertakes the often-challenging path of standardization for a specific market and application. We are convinced that establishing a unified connector standard for SPE is essential to achieve broad acceptance and establishment in this market.

For years, device manufacturers and users have been complaining abou this situation. Many are hoping for ODVA and PNO, as »the powers in the industry«, to take decisive action or make a decision.

The PNO is not putting its foot down, but rather the users and device manufacturers. Users in particular see a blockade point in non-compatible offers. I literally had to listen to this more than once: "Until this is solved, we don't need to talk any further!" - A reaction that is understandable and describes a situation that slows down or, in the worst case, even stops the implementation of innovations.

The core task and mission of a standardization organization is to find a compatible and technically excellent solution - and of course it should also be easy to implement in applications. And we are aware of this task and are now also implementing it with regard to SPE.

What does this mean specifically?

We have actively advanced this topic in our committees and working groups; we have drawn up a concrete plan and are tackling the solution together with many experts because we need a consistent solution! The »nicest« connector is of little use if the upper communication layers are not aligned. The keyword here is »continuity«. This also needs to be resolved technically, and we are tackling it in parallel!

What is the current status quo?

The experts in our working groups, on behalf of the advisory board and the board, have developed a concept based on an already standardized mating face used in the hybrid connector (Variant 63171-7), to also deploy it for IP20 and IP65 (M8 and M12). After extensive discussions and clarifications, both mechanical and electrical, we have achieved a result that is consistent and provides excellent technical characteristics and user-friendliness. The next step is to expand the -7 standard, which we will reference in our guidelines. 

The next step is now the corresponding extension of the -7 standard, which we will reference in our guidelines.

So, you are now presenting a new, third connector. Who is working on this expansion of the standard?

All major providers are represented in our working groups and are constructively contributing to our plans. It’s about creating value for everyone—and I am convinced that this approach will prevail.

ODVA has also been struggling for years to find a solution to this connector dilemma. Should we perhaps expect a fourth connector now?

Of course, I can’t speak for ODVA, but I know that we share the same goal regarding SPE. And that certainly doesn’t mean, »We want four different SPE connectors!«

What’s next?

It will probably take another year until the standardization is complete and ready-to-use connectors are available on the market. But our work doesn’t stop there. We are also active on other levels. For example, we have developed necessary extensions in the power class definition and are bringing these into the relevant IEC standards. This gives manufacturers and users a clear path to implement SPE concepts in devices and systems.

Additionally, we are aware that further steps are necessary, such as certification, guidelines for users, and training—the usual tasks to successfully introduce and establish a technology in the market. But this is nothing new to us; we have extensive experience in this, now spanning 35 years.