New standard will significantly expand SPE technology in industrial applications

Spearheading the push for standardisation and wider adoption of this innovative technology is TE Connectivity (TE), a world leader in connectors and sensors. Through active involvement in the SPE Industrial Partner Network, TE has played a crucial role in the development of the new IEC 63171-7 international electrotechnical standard, paving the way for faster acceptance of SPE and helping more companies embrace the principles of Industry 4.0.

The IEC 63171-7 standard, adopted in May 2023, marks a significant milestone in the advancement of SPE technology. Under this standard, TE plans to launch SPE-M12 hybrid interfaces later this year, informing about a range of benefits for industrial applications. These hybrid interfaces bring together the reliability, durability, and safety required in demanding industrial environments, via a connector format that is widely used throughout the industry.

A key advantage of the SPE-M12 hybrid interface is its ability to transmit higher power levels in production plants. This capability makes the SPE-M12 hybrid an appealing choice for applications involving robotic systems, servo drives, and three-phase drives. Plus, by supporting powerful devices up to 11 kW and 16 A, these connectors offer a remarkable improvement over previous concepts, which were limited to 50 W with power over data line (PoDL) technology.

The hybrid configuration also brings flexibility to network-based power distribution. Unlike traditional point-to-point connections like PoDL, the SPE-M12 hybrid connectors allow higher current levels to be distributed to several cascaded power devices. This advancement offers greater efficiency and enables new possibilities for power distribution in industrial setups.

TE's active involvement in the SPE Industrial Partner Network, a global organisation comprising more than 50 companies that share a common vision of advancing SPE technology, has been instrumental in garnering widespread acceptance of the IEC 63171-7 standard. The network has united various stakeholders from different industries to drive its implementation.

The adoption of the IEC 63171-7 standard is a significant milestone for the entire industrial sector. As trade associations and companies worldwide implement the new standard, industrial applications are expected to witness a transformation, with increased efficiency, reduced downtime, and enhanced safety becoming the new norm. Moreover, the standard applies to shielded, free, and fixed circular connectors, ensuring almost seamless integration into existing Ethernet infrastructures and enabling simple plug-and-play connections.

By providing a powerful and reliable solution for high-speed communication in challenging environments, these connectors will help enable businesses to leverage the full potential of industrial automation.

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