Since 2019, Lapp has joined forces with numerous companies from the electrical connection technology sector, such as cable and connector manufacturers, in the SPE Industrial Partner Network to promote Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) technology. SPE is now internationally standardized. Several proposals for industrial connectors have been incorporated into the IEC 63171 standard, with Lapp favoring the mating face according to IEC 63171-6. "For us, Single Pair Ethernet technology is a real game changer in industrial automation. It was therefore also our aim to offer our customers SPE connection solutions from a single source as quickly as possible," says Steffen Schneider, Product Manager at Lapp. With the 'Etherline T1' product family, a portfolio for SPE cables for industrial machines and systems has already been available for some time. Now the portfolio is being rounded off further:

New is the flexible, shielded SPE data cable 'Etherline T1 Flex' with PVC outer sheath and single-pair cable construction with UL approval. There is also the highly flexible 'Etherline T1' SPE data cable with a PUR outer sheath and UL approval. Thanks to its double shielding and PUR outer sheath, the drag chain-compatible cable is well protected against external influences. Both variants enable complete interoperability of field devices and systems from different manufacturers through seamless connection to the Industrial Ethernet network and are suitable for transmitting analog and digital signals in the frequency range up to 600 MHz and up to 40 m away. In addition, the Power-over-Data-Line (PoDL)-capable cables in accordance with IEEE 802.3bu allow the simultaneous power and data supply of SPE end devices with low energy requirements (up to 50 W). Double shielding made of aluminum-laminated foil and copper shielding braid with a high degree of coverage (SF/UTP) guarantees protection against electromagnetic interference.

Use in the process industry

The 'Etherline T1L FC Y' enables data transmission via Ethernet up to field level in potentially explosive environments in the process industry.

© Lapp

In process automation, SPE helps to bridge long distances in large plants, such as in the chemical industry. For distances of up to 1000 m, additional properties for the process industry have been defined for SPE under the term Ethernet APL (Advanced Physical Layer) based on 10BASE-T1L in accordance with IEEE 802.3cg. Lapp has developed Ethernet Advanced Physical Layer (Ethernet APL), which is partly based on SPE, especially for applications in the process industry: The shielded Ethernet APL data cable 'Etherline TL' and the flexible shielded Ethernet APL data cable 'Etherline TL Flex' for occasional movement enable data transmission via Ethernet up to the field level in hazardous environments in the process industry and are UL/CSA certified for the North American region.

Compatible SPE connectors

The SPE portfolio now also includes the compatible SPE connector 'Epic Data SPE-6 FA M CS1' with crimp connection for AWG26 cables, which creates a vibration-proof connection and is suitable for creating a removable SPE connection. The mating face complies with the DIN EN IEC 63171-6 standard. The connector is Power-over-Data-Line (PoDL)-capable and can be used for the simultaneous power and data supply of SPE end devices with low power requirements (up to 50 W).

The matching SPE PCB socket 'Epic Data SPE-6 PCB F' for connecting SPE connectors to a PCB within active devices and a mating face in accordance with DIN EN IEC 63171-6 is also available. In addition to the data supply, the socket also enables a power supply for end devices of up to 50 W thanks to Power-over-Data-Line.

Last but not least, Lapp presents the shielded SPE patch cable assembled at both ends to create a detachable SPE connection. Overmolded connectors ensure a secure hold.

Hall 2, Stand 310