Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE)

Ethernet is the wired networking technology of choice, but the RJ45 connectors with multiple wires leaves a bit to be desired when working in commercial, industrial, and rugged environments like automotive. Point-to-point (P2P) connections typically used two twisted pairs, one pair for transmitting and one pair for receiving. Additional pairs are often employed for faster transmission or providing power. 

Single-pair Ethernet (SPE) puts everything on a single twisted-pair cable, including optional Power over Data Line (PoDL) support. Tradeoffs need to be accepted to allow a single pair to be used, but the flexibility achieved by reducing the number of wires is significant in many applications. It can also simplify overall design and improve reliability because of simpler connections. 

This TechXchange brings together articles, videos, and podcasts related to SPE. We will be adding new content as it becomes available, so you can always find our the latest content about SPE. 

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Single-Pair Ethernet Details

There are a number of standards that relate to single-pair Ethernet (SPE) including support for multidrop and providing power. 

The SPE standards build on the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standards. Most implement point-to-point (P2P) connectivity but multidrop capabilities.  Power over Data Line (PoDL) is covered by other standards. 

SPE Standards

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Single-Pair Ethernet Organizations

A number of organizations support or work with SPE standards. We've listed some of the more notable ones here. Let us know if we missed any. 

• IEEE Standards
• Single Pair Ethernet System Alliance
• Ethenet-APL - Advanced Physical Llayer
• CC-Link Partner Association - industrial networks

Other Ethernet-related organizations include: 

• IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Working Group
• Ethernet Alliance
• EtherCAT Technology Group

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We have product pages for some companies, but here are more SPE chips vendors you should know about: 

• Lattice Semiconductor
• onsemi
• Huawei
• Murata

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