Draka future-proofs data traffic with complete series of SPE cables

Data traffic in buildings and industrial environments is becoming increasingly intensive. More and more (small) field devices are also being connected, from cameras to monitors, intercoms, control panels, sensors and actuators. These developments place additional demands on infrastructure and cabling, both in terms of protocols and range, bandwidth and speed. The classic Ethernet connections with Cat cables are increasingly falling short of this. Connection, management and maintenance become easier, faster and more cost-efficient with Single Pair Ethernet technology. That is why Prysmian Group has developed a complete range of SPE cables: S1INGLE.

Single Pair Ethernet is promising. It will replace the classic serial bus systems in the long term . This is because the rise of the Internet of Things for buildings (BIoT) and industry (IIoT) is unstoppable. Buildings and factories are becoming increasingly 'smarter'. They contain more and more devices and components that process digital data and are electronically interconnected (IoT). At the same time, data traffic is becoming increasingly intensive. This creates a need for more bandwidth, speed and integration and therefore for high-quality, fast cables that function reliably and are easy to process. Current communication technology, infrastructure and cabling fall short of this.

Complex and costly

Today's IoT networks often work with multiple suppliers and bus protocols side by side. As a result, the mutual communication of the connected field devices is not optimal. Gateways need to translate the protocols to allow devices to speak to each other, components are not compatible with each other, and troubleshooting requires more diverse knowledge and personnel. Partly because of this, the costs and complexity of these environments are higher in terms of management and maintenance.

Outdated technology and infrastructure

The current technologies work for current applications, but the protocols do not have enough bandwidth for the new generation of sensors and actuators. In addition, the common Ethernet with the 4 pair Cat cables (Cat cables have 8 wires twisted in pairs) is not cost-effective for small peripherals. These cables are often oversizing while having a limited range. Depending on the application, they should not exceed 100 meters in length. As a result, they are often applied to the last meters (lower automation level) to connect field devices. In short, the existing networks have reached their limits in terms of technology and infrastructure.

Single Pair Ethernet for unified communication

The solution is to integrate all levels of automation into one IP-based network from cloud to peripherals (end-to-end) in which all devices and components speak the same language (according to one protocol). In short, one unified, wired Ethernet infrastructure that is easier, and therefore cheaper, to manage and maintain. SPE technology works with a uniform protocol that, unlike classic Ethernet connections, can also be used on the last meters of automation, to field level. Application-specific fieldbus systems are no longer needed, as are gateways, complex interfaces, and multiple protocols. Thanks to SPE, you can achieve maximum performance with less (thick) cabling.

Efficient and cost-effective

Automation based on SPE technology is more efficient in terms of commissioning, maintenance, fault analysis and spare parts. SPE cabling provides a unified connection of all field devices for optimal Ethernet performance and reliable data transmission without barriers. SPE also allows you to deploy larger numbers of field devices more cost-effectively. In short, with SPE, every IoT infrastructure becomes future-proof.

Economical and easy

SPE is standardized by the IEEE (IEEE 802.3) and uses a single cable with one twisted pair to send data at 10, 100, or 1000 Mbps to field applications. By using only one pair, SPE cables and connectors are slimmer. This saves space, weight and materials (CO2 reduction) and makes them easy and cheap to install, implement, adapt and maintain. There is also less chance of connection errors. Designers can also assign more functionality (electronics) to a small space with this slim cable solution.

S1NGLE portfolio

The Multimedia Solutions (MMS) BU of Prysmian Group, as a partner of the Single Pair Ethernet System Alliance, has developed the Draka S1NGLE cable series. This portfolio consists of high-quality products for various applications:

- Draka S1INGLE 15 for 10 Mbps to 1Gbps and 20 MHz to 600 MHz bandwidth (maximum link length 15 meters),

- Draka S1NGLE 400 for 10 Mbps and 20 MHz bandwidth (maximum link length 400 meters),

- Draka S1NGLE 1000 for 10 Mbps and 20 MHz bandwidth (maximum link length 1000 meters),

- Draka S1NGLE PLUS for 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps and 600 Mhz bandwidth (maximum link length 40 meters).

Choice in jacket and fire class

Draka's S1NGLE cables meet very specific requirements regarding the mechanical, chemical, thermal, fire and electromagnetic resistance of SPE cables. All four designs are optionally available with a halogen-free outer jacket (for BIoT) and a PVC or PUR outer jacket (for IIoT). The constructions are also available in different CPR fire classes. Furthermore, all Draka SPE cables support PoDL (Power over Data Line). Data and currents therefore run over the same pair of wires so that many devices and components no longer need an external power supply or battery. The S1NGLE models are backward compatible with older bus cabling technologies and forward compatible with future SPE components and devices. The S1NGLE portfolio will be available from summer 2023.

Single Pair Ethernet System Alliance

Integration is the power of automation, also for BIoT and IIoT. To optimize that integration, Draka is co-founder of the Single Pair Ethernet System Alliance. In this platform, leading manufacturers in the field of cables, connectors, electronics, sensors and automation meet monthly in various working groups. Together they continuously explore the limits and possibilities of SPE technology to promote application-oriented development and integration.