The little giant Tw1ster from HARTING brings data and power on one pair of wires to previously unattainable locations, thus challenging existing bus systems. HARTING relies on an alliance of research, industry and standardisation for single pair Ethernet. As part of this alliance, international standardisation committees have completed a multi-stage selection process in favour of the HARTING Technology Group’s SPE mating face. This also ensures planning security for the designers of new devices or sensor/actuator technology, permitting them to actively commence the implementation of SPE in the respective device technology.
SPE is now enabling the transmission of data by Ethernet using only two wires and the simultaneous power supply for terminals via PoDL (Power over Data Line). Until now, two twin wires for Fast Ethernet (100 MB) or four twin wires for Gigabit of Ethernet were necessary to achieve this. It would also be nice to use these advantages in industrial automation. SPE permits the barrier-free connection of equipment, sensors/actuator technology and much more via end-to-end IP-based communications up into the field level. By being able to integrate Ethernet interfaces onto simple sensors, cameras, reading/ID devices or similar equipment, it becomes possible to implement Integrated Industry and IIoT.
The SPE delivers a decisive advantage compared with bus systems or analogue current/voltage interfaces, as can still be found in the field level today. This makes the field level smart and simplifies the parameter setting, initialisation and programming. The set-up, operation and maintenance of equipment becomes more efficient and more cost-effective. SPE in machines, robots and in rail technology also help to save weight and space. The complete wiring is simpler and also considerably faster to install.
Tw1ster doesn’t just feature single-pair Ethernet transmission, it also has an industry standard IEC 61076-3-125 (formerly IEC 61076-3-125) to its name. After a multi-stage selection process, the international body of standards, the IEC, has elected the HARTING T1 Industrial as the future of single-pair Ethernet mating face for industrial applications.
