New technologies with standardized, cost-effective and space-saving components must be developed in order to design Ethernet technology from the sensor to the connector to the cloud. In this context, the addition of transparent communication solutions to existing fieldbus systems at process level must also be taken into account in Ethernet.

Current Ethernet technology is too complex and oversized for many applications in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). For example, connectors such as the current RJ45 plugs and Ethernet cables are hardly suitable for connecting simple sensor components at field level. Encapsulating the network up to the sensor is difficult, expensive and often not feasible for reasons of space alone. Added to this is the need for two or four-pair cabling and the restriction of a maximum cable length of 100 meters. This is not enough, especially for future applications in conveyor technology or warehouse logistics. A simplified Ethernet standard, which deliberately does not achieve the high data transmission rates of the IT world, but combines long cable lengths with a compact design and simple, robust cabling, provides a remedy: Single Pair Ethernet (SPE).

Accordingly, Single Pair Ethernet is one of the top themes at HANNOVER MESSE 2024, as both start-ups and established companies will be presenting innovative solutions based on this new Ethernet standard. And the community for this technology is growing steadily; many companies are already members of the Single Pair Ethernet System Alliance, which will once again have its own stand (D28) in Hall 9 this year.

The Single Pair Ethernet System Alliance is a strong and rapidly growing association with more than 70 member companies that inspire and support each other. Accordingly, the stand is staffed with top-class experts from various industries. Some of the leading companies in the segment have even moved their trade fair presence entirely to the cross-company and cross-industry stand of the Single Pair Ethernet System Alliance, such as Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik from Fridolfing in Upper Bavaria.

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