Recap of the Amphenol Webinar on Next-Gen Industrial Ethernet Solutions
In an era defined by smart factories, robotics, and data-driven manufacturing, Industrial Ethernet has emerged as the essential communication backbone. During a recent webinar by Industrial Ethernet Product Manager, Dwayne Williams, Amphenol presented the latest cutting-edge innovations designed to elevate industrial connectivity—spotlighting the powerful capabilities of ix Industrial
and Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) interfaces.
Let’s explore the key takeaways, product highlights, and how these solutions are engineered to meet modern industrial design and application needs.
Why Industrial Ethernet?
Industrial markets are rapidly evolving through the adoption of Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). The modern factory demands:
- Higher data rates and system scalability
- Unified communication protocols
- Rugged, miniaturized form factors
- High port density with PoE++ or PoDL capability
- Integration of legacy systems with new automation
Ethernet is the technology best positioned to unify and support these evolving needs, delivering performance, compatibility, and standardization.
ix Industrial & SPE: Transforming Connectivity
ix Industrial (1G–10G Ethernet)
An optimized solution replacing traditional RJ45 connectors, ix Industrial offers:
- 75% smaller footprint compared to RJ45
- Up to 10Gbps with Cat 6A support
- Dual-locking latches for secure mechanical engagement
- IP20/IP67-rated options for rugged environments
- Full-metal shielding for outstanding EMI protection
- Plug-and-play PoE++ support, delivering up to 200W
These features make it ideal for compact control units, edge computing, sensors, and industrial robotics.
Single Pair Ethernet (SPE)
SPE offers streamlined connectivity for sensor-level and long-distance Ethernet needs:
- 10Mbps over 1 km and up to 1Gbps for shorter runs
- Power Over Data Line (PoDL) enables simplified device powering
- 2-wire cabling reduces cost, size, and weight
- IEC 63171-6 compliance assures broad interoperability
- Push-pull connectors (IP20/IP67) deliver rugged, secure connections
With SPE, Ethernet extends beyond control cabinets to every corner of the factory floor, supporting a digital twin ecosystem.
️ Supporting Design & Application Needs
Optimized for Modern Systems
- Compact form factor suits embedded devices, vision systems, and cobots
- Data + power integration eliminates the need for separate power lines
- Field terminable & preassembled options reduce installation time
️ Electrical & Mechanical Robustness
- 500–600 MHz bandwidth ensures error-free performance
- High EMI shielding for industrial noise immunity
- Heavy-duty latches ensure mechanical stability in harsh conditions
System Integration & Flexibility
- Modular cable routing options including right-angle exits for tight spaces
- IDC field-terminable plugs for rapid deployment
- Keyed housings to prevent mismating in high-density environments
Innovation Highlights & Roadmap
Coming Soon:
- LSZH ix Cables (Q4’24): Fire-safe, low-toxicity, Cat 6A rated
- Right Angle ix Cables (Q2’25): Enhanced airflow, EMI performance, and maintenance accessibility
- Field Installable SPE: Compact, power-agnostic T-spitter and MAG solutions
- M12 Hybrid SPE (IEC 63171-7): Combines power and data for automation nodes
Real-World Use Cases
Amphenol’s technologies are already enabling key advancements across:
- In-flight entertainment systems using low-profile ix connections
- Industrial robots and automation cells requiring reliable data and power
- Modular control cabinets with high-speed ix-to-RJ45 and SPE interconnects
- Peripheral devices like HMIs, cameras, relays, and smart sensors powered via Ethernet
A demo at SPS 2023 showed a Multi-Drop SPE network:
- Bus topology with 8+ nodes over 25+ meters
- No switch or gateway needed
- Nodes can be unplugged without interrupting the system
- Developed in partnership with Microchip
Q&A Highlights:
Industrial Ethernet Technology
Q: What are the advantages of using Industrial Ethernet?
A: It offers high-speed data transfer, supports real-time applications, and is robust for harsh environments. Its scalability and compatibility with standard Ethernet protocols make it an ideal fit for industrial automation.
Q: What protocols are commonly used?
A: PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Ethernet POWERLINK, and EtherCAT—each tailored for fast, reliable communication between machines and systems.
Q: What makes SPE different from traditional Ethernet cabling?
A: Traditional Ethernet typically requires four pairs of conductors, while SPE uses just one twisted pair. This reduces material cost, installation effort, and space usage.
Q: Where is SPE best applied?
A: It’s perfect for IIoT devices, industrial sensors, and applications that don’t need high bandwidth but require long cable runs or compact installations.
Q: What are the benefits of SPE overall?
A: Lower weight and space requirements, simplified installation, lower cost, and the ability to deliver power and data over the same cable via PoDL.
Connector and System Design
Q: How does the size of SPE and iX connectors compare to RJ45?
A: Both SPE and iX connectors are approximately 75% smaller than RJ45, enabling more dense port configurations and compact device designs.
Q: What’s the pitch of an iX connector versus RJ45?
A: RJ45 typically requires a 19mm pitch, while iX can be installed on a 10mm pitch—allowing nearly double the port density on a panel.
Q: What’s a key advantage of LSZH cabling?
A: LSZH cables emit minimal smoke and contain no halogens, making them safer for enclosed or occupied environments.
Why Choose Amphenol?
Amphenol is a leading supplier of Industrial Ethernet connectivity solutions thanks to:
- A broad, multi-sourced portfolio of interconnects and cables
- Commitment to standardization (IEC 61076-3-124 & 63171-6)
- First-to-market innovations supporting next-gen applications
- Competitive pricing, short lead times, and flexible MOQ options
Final Thoughts: Scalable, Standardized, and Ready for the Future
The webinar spotlighted how ix Industrial and SPE are reshaping factory connectivity—offering scalable, high-performance solutions for today’s digital manufacturing and IIoT environments.
If your design or application demands smaller form factors, robust performance, and future-proof Ethernet connectivity, Amphenol’s solutions are ready to deliver.
