Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE)

Ethernet is wired networking technology of choice but the RJ-45 connectors with multiple wires leaves a bit to be desired when working in commercial, industrial and rugged environments like automotive. The point-to-point (P2P) connections typically used two twisted pairs, one pair for transmitting and one pair for receiving. Additional pairs are often used for faster transmission or providing power. 

Single pair Ethernet (SPE) puts everything on a single twisted pair cable including optional Power over DataLine (PoDL) support. There are tradeoffs that need to be accepted to allow a single pair to be used but the flexibility provided by reducing the number of wires is significant in many applications. It can also simplify overall design and provide improved reliability because of simpler connections. 

This TechXchange brings together articles, vidoes and podcasts related to SPE. We will be adding new content as it becomes available so you can find our the latest 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 DataLine (PoDL) is covered by other standards. 

SPE Standards

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Single Pair Ethernet Organizations

There are a number of organizations that support or work with SPE standards. We have include 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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