Transform Your Network: Why the Industry is Adopting Single-Pair Ethernet

Introduction of Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE)

Since its inception in the 1970s, Ethernet technology has continually evolved, offering increased bandwidth and speed. In 2019, a new form of Ethernet was officially introduced: Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE). Unlike standard Ethernet protocols, which use two or four twisted pairs, SPE operates with a single twisted pair delivering data rates up to 1 Gbps. This innovation offers several benefits to designers, including reduced cabling requirements, a smaller physical footprint and simplified installation. By implementing SPE, you can streamline your network design and lower overall costs.

SPE Standards

SPE currently supports four main transmission protocols as defined under the IEEE 802.3 standard.

SPE Standards at a Glance

10BASE-T1S and 10BASE-T1L both support data rates up to 10 Mbps. The “S” in 10BASE-T1S denotes “short” range (up to twenty-five meters) and the “L” in its counterpart stands for “long” range (up to 1,000 meters). These different distance capabilities tend to lend each standard to a different application set. 10BASE-T1S is gaining popularity in automotive applications, as they rarely require over twenty-five meters of cable length, whereas 10BASE-T1L can be utilized in larger scale settings such as long-distance sensor networks in industrial warehouses due to its increased distance capabilities.

For higher data rates, 100BASE-T1 enables up to 100 Mbps, and 1000BASE-T1 supports Gigabit Ethernet speeds. Both standards are designed to reduce weight and cost while maintaining strong throughput and can also be implemented in a variety of industries, including automotive, industrial and aerospace and defense.

SPE Offers Advantages to Designers

SPE enables an “All-Ethernet” architecture, eliminating the need for additional networking protocols. By standardizing your network with Ethernet, you can achieve cost savings and decreased time to market by reducing the overall complexity of your design, all while maintaining maximum flexibility. While SPE is popular in automotive applications such as In-Vehicle Networking (IVN), its benefits extend to industrial automation, building management, data centers and more, where simplified wiring and reliable connectivity are essential.

In factory control and automation, an SPE system removes the need for gateways and utilizes the multidrop topology of 10BASE-T1S to enable single wiring to multiple sensors/actuators. This resolves mixed protocol issues while maintaining the high bandwidth and reliability necessary to support these communications. With the increased flexibility of a SPE system, designers can optimize their systems to meet requirements in a more cost-effective manner. In addition to seamless integration into all-Ethernet systems, SPE is also compatible with other widely used industrial protocols, including EtherCAT, PROFINET and Ethernet/IP, making it easy to incorporate into existing systems.

SPE also provides benefits to data centers by enabling efficient HVAC control and rack monitoring. Additionally, it supports the modernization of building automation systems, including heat pumps, through simplified system design and enhanced connectivity. In automotive or industrial contexts, zonal network architectures group devices by physical location rather than by function, reducing wiring and improving efficiency. By utilizing a zonal network with SPE, you can upgrade your building automation systems while also providing access to hard-to-reach areas due to SPE’s smaller and lighter physical profile compared to traditional Ethernet.

Beyond data center and automation functions, SPE also has proven use cases within aerospace and defense, robotics and other spaces. For example, in commercial aircrafts 10BASE-T1S can be implemented for wiring seat electronics across passenger rows. In robotics, usage of SPE to create zonal architecture creates modularity and reduces maintenance complexity.

We offer a comprehensive portfolio of SPE devices for all your Ethernet designs including PHYs, switches, bridges and endpoints, supporting 10BASE-T1S, 100BASE-T1 and 1000BASE-T1 speeds. In addition to our hardware offerings, our SPE solutions include complete documentation, companion products, reference designs, evaluation boards and software platforms.

Looking Ahead

With a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 11%, over the current projection period starting in 2025, the SPE market is projected to grow at a steady pace as it sees increasing adoption in areas such as IVN, building automation, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) and commercial applications such as HVAC and heat pumps. The future of SPE is bright, and as it continues to evolve, it is poised to revolutionize numerous industries by providing cost-effective and space-saving networking solutions. SPE products from Microchip certify that your systems are equipped for the future of networking.

Ready to simplify your network design? Contact your local Microchip sales representative to request further information on our SPE offerings.

Want to learn more about 10BASE-T1S specifically? Register for the 10BASE-T1S Single Pair Ethernet System Integration class.