INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Cabling
R&M and partners launch SPE
Alliance to drive development
for Industrial IoT
To drive development of Single
Pair Ethernet for Industrial
Internet of Things (IIoT)
applications, R&M has joined
forces with Fluke Networks,
Phoenix Contact, Weidmller
and Telegartner, to establish
the SPE Alliance.
R&M, the global Swiss developer and
provider of connectivity systems
for high-quality, high-performance
network infrastructures, has co-founded a
Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) Alliance together
with Fluke Networks, Phoenix Contact,
Weidmller and Telegartner.
The main objective of the alliance is to drive
development of SPE for Industrial Internet
of Things (IIoT) and collaborate on related
technological challenges. The companies
aim to accelerate development of their SPE
technology expertise, ensuring this can be
implemented in their products faster and
more reliably.
SPE and its main application areas:
SPE, based on xBASE-T1, uses a single
twisted pair for data transmission with
miniaturised connectors. A key benefit
is that it offers uniform manufacturerindependent
connectivity instead of
introducing specialised connectivity for
each application. Ranges of up to 1000m
and transmission speeds of up to 1 Gbps
make this technology suitable for use across
applications and the flexibility to reuse and
extend existing cable installations.
Passive industrial cabling. SPE provides
consistent IP communication from sensor
to cloud, revolutionising industrial data
THE MAIN
OBJECTIVE OF
THE ALLIANCE
IS TO DRIVE
DEVELOPMENT
OF SPE FOR
INDUSTRIAL
INTERNET OF
THINGS (IIOT).
transmission. Standardised pin connector
patterns form the basis for the barrier-free
networking of a wide range of components
and devices, providing an alternative to
today’s fieldbus systems.
Building automation. Smart buildings and
factories can be cost-effectively realised
by connecting devices to the building
management system via LAN networks
and the cloud. Application-specific fieldbus
systems are no longer required, making
gateways, complex interfaces and different
protocols obsolete.
SPE is an ideal solution for connecting
numerous small sensors and actuators in
Digital Ceiling ‘zones’. Sensors, controls,
WLAN access points and other distributed
services are simply plugged in and instantly
powered and connected to the network.
Sensor technology. Sensors and
actuators are increasingly supplying data
to IIoT applications. SPE’s miniaturised,
standardised connection technology makes
it possible to quickly and easily connect
smaller sensors to Ethernet networks and
power these.
The SPE System Alliance is an open platform
for advancing SPE technology in the market.
Following its initial establishment, Datwyler,
Kyland, Microchip Technology, Rosenberger,
SICK, O-Ring, Draka/Prysmian Group and
University4Industry have also joined the
alliance. The breadth of this lineup means
the group covers a wide range of industries,
applications and application areas. •
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