SINGLE PAIR ETHERNET (SPE)
SPE cables and wires for highly flexible and harsh use in industrial environments
The digital revolution is not only resounding throughout the land but hasalready found its way into many companies. In connection with Industry 4.0 the demands on data transmission in real time are growing considerably as well as the rapidly increasing degree of networking in production.
The increasing networking and communication of machine components requires the treatment of larger data volumes that have to be transmitted reliably even under difficult conditions.
In which areas are Single Pair Ethernet cables used?
Ethernet cables are often exposed to high mechanical stress and high temperatures in industrial applications. Furthermore, they are often in contact with different chemical products, oils and cleaning agents. These requirements and the demand of industrial users for continuous Ethernet (IIoT) to the tiniest production level for example to sensor and actuator has been quickly recognized by SAB Bröckskes and as a consequence the company created robust and economic solutions.
The new cable type CATLine SPE created by SAB Bröckskes offers new solutions for various application fields.
Which types of SPE cables have already been tested and approved?
The focus is on two Single-Pair-Ethernet cables that have been especially developed for the increasing data transmission ratio in automation. Besides the CATLine C-Track, a Single-Pair- Ethernet cable for cable chains, SAB Bröckskes has designed an UL-approved SPE-Cable for robots – CATLine SPE Robot.
Within a band width of 1-600MHz these SPE cables that are appropriate for cable chains and robots, guarantee a safe and reliable data transmission. The cables CATLine SPE Robot and C-Track are uncritical related to paint-wetting impairment substances (PWIS). Additionally they are oil resistant, UL-approved and RoHS-compliant.
Our contribution as a member of the SPE network is to establish the SPE technology on the international market and to initiate new fields of application in the different industries. For this purpose SAB Bröckskes has developed a complete product range for various applications:
CATLine SPE C-Track | - Single-Pair-Ethernet cable, suitable for cable tracks |
- CATLine SPE C-Track | Single-Pair-Ethernet Cable with UL approval for cable track application: The CATLine SPE C-Track is appropriate for cable chains under rough conditions in automation industry.
- CATLine SPE Robot | Single-Pair-Ethernet Cable with UL approval for robots: The CATLine SPE Robot is appropriate for the application under rough industrial conditions on robots.
- CATLine SPE HT | High temperature resistant Single-Pair-Ethernet Cable with UL approval: The temperature resistant cable CATLine SPE HT can be used under rough industrial conditions with temperatures upto + 180°C.
- CATLine SPE Rugged | The SPE Rugged cable is a robust single pair Ethernet cable for indoor and outdoor use
How are Single Pair Ethernet cables constructed? How does this compare to classic Industrial Ethernet technology?
Due to the high mechanical and transmission requirements of single pair Ethernet cables, the demands on the design and production are also significantly higher compared to multi-pair stranded Ethernet cables. The exact manufacturing specifications must be met 100 %.
All Single Pair Ethernet Cables are designed as single pair cables (2 x AWG 26/7) and can also be designed as hybrid cables depending on the application. SAB expects a lot of application-related special solutions, e.g. with power supply for motors and sensors. Especially in this area SAB sees itself well positioned and would like to offer individual solutions.
Depending on the application, there are different requirements for the design. For drag chain applications, a permanently flexible design with a specially adapted stranding technique was chosen for the CATLine SPE C-Track cable. For use in robot applications, the design was adapted so that flexible use for a torsional application of +/- 180° can be guaranteed.
Benefits of SPE cables
Compared to a classic 4-pair Ethernet cable, there are space savings up to 30% and weight advantages up to 35%. The potential savings in euros are therefore enormous if you extrapolate the amount of cable laid in km. In the course of a life cycle, e.g. for a railway, this quickly amounts to 6-digit euro sums.
Special solutions for special applications
The production possibilities of SAB do not only include standard types and dimensions but also special cables that are manufactured acc. to the respective requirements of the customer. SAB is able to realize productions already for small batches that are of interest for small or pilot series.