Single Pair Ethernet (SPE)

now also for the e-chain with a 4-year guarantee

What is Single Pair Ethernet?

Single Pair Ethernet technically describes the transmission of Ethernet (1000Base-T1) via only two pair of copper wires and enables both data transmission via Ethernet and simultaneous power supply (PoDL). This technological leap leads to a reduction of the diameter by approx. 25% compared to an ordinary Ethernet cable.

Single Pair Ethernet technology (SPE) is the key to smart industrial automation, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). For the first time, this enables uniform, space and cost-efficient Ethernet communication, including the "last metre" from the cloud via the switch cabinet to the machine.

Would you like more information about SPE cables then please download the whitepaper.

Download the whitepaper

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How can SPE be used now?

The significantly increased transmission rate with simultaneous reduction of the diameter will also allow the cost-effective connection of sensors with high data volumes in the future. The user doesn't have to forego quality in the process. The oil-resistant and flame-retardant CFBUS.PUR.042 has been extensively tested in the 3,800m2 igus test laboratory . As with all chainflex cable ranges, for the Single Pair Ethernet cables, the customer will also receive a guarantee of 10 million double strokes or 48 months.

SPE is therefore a real alternative to other bus systems in applications with small bend radii and small installation spaces, such as industrial camera applications or position or monitoring sensors. Such camera vision systems primarily serve as detection and positioning systems. Until now, such sensors had to be connected in the field via bus interfaces with 4 or 8-core Ethernet cable. With SPE, each sensor can be directly integrated into the superordinate control level.

Who is driving the new SPE technology?

The SPE Industrial Partner Network
Single Pair Ethernet is the infrastructure foundation that makes IIoT and Industry 4.0 possible. In order to promote Single Pair Ethernet technology for the rapidly growing IIoT market, igus is participating in the SPE Industrial Partner Networks with other strong partners such as HARTING or TE Connectivity.

For the reliable establishment of the entire future SPE ecosystem, standards for transmission protocols, cabling and device components are also jointly developed and adopted and published in IEEE 802.3 and IEC SC46C.

In this way, the new cable could also be constructed in partnership for the T1 connector interface. As a result, the durable shield has reliable transference to the connector, ensuring optimal high electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). The combination of chainflex cable and SPE connector is extremely robust: igus uses a highly abrasion-resistant and notch-resistant PUR jacket, and the connector has tough metal latches with a PCB socket.

Further information on the partner network

Where does the demand for this new Ethernet technology come from?

The Need for Single Pair Ethernet in Industrial Automation

While Ethernet is widely used across buildings, control systems, and machinery, deeper integration at the sensor and actuator level remains limited. These components often rely on simple cables or field buses, preventing seamless data exchange and limiting intelligent system design.

Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) bridges this gap—combining the universality of Ethernet with the compact size of I/O cabling. By reducing interfaces and coupling systems, SPE enables more efficient data evaluation and supports the growing demands of smart manufacturing.

For further insights, read the technical interview with IEE.

Traditional Ethernet uses four wire pairs, but Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) achieves secure, high-speed data transmission using just two copper wires—ideal for compact industrial environments. SPE integrates seamlessly with existing bus systems, offering a future-proof solution for smart factories.

Key benefits include:

Reduced cable diameter (~25% smaller)
Faster data transfer and improved access times
Lower costs through simplified connectors and cabling
Long-term compatibility with standardised interfaces

Technical specifications:

Characteristic impedance: 100Ω
Bandwidth: 600 MHz
Defined parameters: attenuation, return loss, crosstalk attenuation
Full shielding for EMC protection
Compact two-pole connectors (IP20 and IP65/67)

Single pair ethernet cable applications

Sensor technology

"Our compact cameras are geared to the central customer advantage of easy installation in practice. We pay attention to the highest quality. Starting from a length of 5m, we only specify the industry-compatible bus cables from igus® for perfect data transmission. Conventional cables could not withstand the mechanical and electrical stresses in the long term but then we came across the chainflex® cables."

Thomas Schmidgall, Marketing Manager
IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH, Obersulm (Germany)

Plant construction

"At Fujitsu Siemens Computers, for example, we currently achieve a real placement rate of 1.71 seconds per component. Plant availability is a very important issue for us. We are an ISO-certified company, and as such we have to check our suppliers closely for quality and reliability. At some point we then purchased our cables from igus® - and that solved most of the problems." "

Klaus Bonath, Sales Manager
IPTE Germany GmbH, Heroldsberg

Robotics

"Our special cleaning process with the Robot Sword Brush, which is the heart of our technical centre, is used without interruption by many well-known manufacturers in the automotive industry. Originally, all robot cables had been protected against mechanical damage at the factory. But that didn't work. That's why we were looking for a technical solution that would reliably and permanently protect the various cables." "

Martin Weber
Wandres GmbH micro-cleaning, Buchenbach-Wagensteig

Single Pair Ethernet: Unlocking the Potential of IIoT

The rise of smart factories brings new challenges—standardisation, system reliability, and managing complexity. Traditional Ethernet solutions often fall short in industrial environments due to limited communication reach and demanding physical conditions.

Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) is transforming industrial automation. By transmitting Ethernet (1000Base-T1) over just two copper wires, SPE enables both data and power (PoDL) in a compact format—reducing cable diameter by around 25% compared to conventional Ethernet.

Its small footprint and robust performance make SPE ideal for space-constrained sensors, actuators, and dynamic applications like energy chains. This breakthrough supports seamless connectivity from field devices to enterprise systems, paving the way for scalable, efficient IIoT integration.

Download the whitepaper

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