Single-pair Ethernet (SPE) and power over data lines (PoDL) enable data transmission and power over a single pair of wires. SPE was developed to bring the benefits of Ethernet connectivity to the factory floor for sensors, actuators, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices, and other industrial applications. PoDL is intended for use in automotive and similar environments, while the newer single pair power over Ethernet (SPoE) standard is for use in IIoT and Industry 4.0 applications.
Connectors are an important consideration for efficiently deploying SPE, PoDL, and SPoE. This FAQ looks at the numerous standards for SPE connectors, reviews some of the connector options available to designers for deploying SPE, PoDL, and SPoE, including M.I.C.E. classifications, and closes by looking at recent developments for increased power delivery.
The IEC 63171 series of standards defines various SPE connectors. IEC 63171-1 and IEC 63171-6 are complete standard documents with all necessary specifications and test requirements. Other standards in the IEC 63171 series only include the different mechanical designs. The IEC 63171 series currently includes:
- IEC 63171 – Basic standard with all specifications and test sequences
- IEC 63171-1 – CommScope SPE connector based on LC interlock for M1I1C1E1 applications
- IEC 63171-2 – SPE connectors from Reichle & De-Massari for M1I1C1E1 applications
- IEC 63171-3 – SPE connector from Siemon for M1I1C1E1 applications (withdrawn)
- IEC 63171-4 – SPE connectors from BKS for M1I1C1E1 applications
- IEC 63171-5 – SPE connectors from Phoenix Contact based on IEC 63171-2 mating face for M2I2C2E2 and M3I3C3E3 applications
- IEC 63171-6 – SPE connectors from HARTING and TE Connectivity for M1I1C1E1, M2I2C2E2, and M3I3C3E3 applications
- IEC 63171-7 – M12 hybrid connector from TE Connectivity with separate connections for power and data is designed to support higher power loads
IEC 63171-6 defines one mating face and six SPE connector housing options (Figure 1). Some basic performance requirements include:
- Electrical
- Rated voltage of 60 Vdc
- Rated current of 4 A at 60 °C and 1.5 A at 85 °C
- Isolation voltage of 1,000 Vdc pin-to-pin and 2,250 Vdc pin-to-shield
- Mechanical
- Two contact points per contact
- Minimum 1,000 mating cycles for the IP20 versions and >5090 mating cycles for the M8 and M12 versions
- MICE3 performance
- Temperature range -40 to +85 °C
- IP degrees from IP20 to IP65/67
- EMC resistant according to E3
- Shock and vibration resistance and tested according to railway standards
Figure 1. SPE connectors are defined in IEC 63171-6 (Image: Harting).
About M.I.C.E.
TIA-1005-A M.I.C.E is a system for rating operating environments based on mechanical, ingress, climatic/chemical, and electromagnetic attributes. M.I.C.E. ratings are based on three levels of performance: 1 = low (office), 2 = medium (light industrial), and 3 = high (industrial). There are three common MICE classifications: M1I1C1E1, M2I2C2E2, and M3I3C3E3. Typical M.I.C.E. classifications for SPE and PoDL connectors are M2I2C2E2 and M3I3C3E3.
More power
The SPE-M12 hybrid interfaces in IEC 63171-7 were developed to support higher power levels for applications like robotics, high-power servos, and three-phase drives (Figure 2). It’s designed for use in IP65 and IP67 environments. Previous implementations of PoDL are limited to 50 W, and IEC 63171-7 connectors can support up to 11 kW. It includes power classes from 8 to 16 A and 50 to 600 V.
In addition, the IEC 63171-7 standard offers greater flexibility in network-based power distribution. Other PoDL standards support point-to-point connections, and IEC 63171-7 supports power distribution to several cascaded devices.
Figure 2. SPE hybrid interface showing the two data connections (top or left image) and four power connections (bottom of left image) (Image: TE Connectivity).
Summary
SPE and PoDL are important technologies for IIoT devices in Industry 4.0. They can deliver high-speed Ethernet connectivity and, in the case of PoDL, power over simple and rugged interfaces. They’re based on the IEC 63171 series of standards.
The latest iteration, IEC 63171-7, was developed to support power levels up to 11 kW for applications like robotics, high-power servos, and three-phase drives.
References
- Guidance for Selecting Cables for EtherNet/IP Networks, Rockwell Automation
- MICE Classifications Deciphered: What You Need to Know, Belden
- Single Pair Ethernet, Phoenix Contact
- Single Pair Ethernet Standardization Landscape, SPE Industrial Partner Network
- Single-pair Ethernet M8 hybrid board receptacle IP67, TE Connectivity
- SPE Overview, Harting
You may also like:
Filed Under: Connectors, FAQs, Featured