R&M aims SPE cabling system at smart buildings

R&M has developed, and now made available, a complete Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) cabling system billed as "the door opener to smart buildings."

Based in Wetzikon, Switzerland, the globally active developer and provider of cabling systems for network infrastructures has launched what it claims is the first "complete" SPE system on the market, comprising connectors and connection modules, installation cables, and patch cords for use in building automation networks.

"Single Pair Ethernet will become a key technology in the smart building," contends Matthias Gerber, R&M's market manager for LAN cabling.

An R&M statement observes that "SPE cabling is paving the way to seamless building automation with Ethernet and building management based on the universal Internet Protocol (IP). SPE cabling links the smallest digital terminal devices and sensors in buildings with data networks and the Internet, resulting in the Internet of Things (IoT)," adds the company's statement.

Digital ceiling largest area of SPE application

R&M notes that SPE technology extends the concept of local data networks in terms of the LAN and structured cabling systems.

"For signal and data transmission, only two copper wires are required instead of eight or one wire pair instead of four. SPE cables are thinner and the connectors smaller than their counterparts on the LAN cabling side," observes the manufacturer's statement, which continues, "This is why a large number of small devices can also be connected without any problems with SPE cabling."

"Initially, the largest area of application is ceiling cabling, in other words, the digital ceiling," says R&M's Gerber. He adds, "Starting from floor distributors or service nodes in the ceilings, SPE cabling can spread a long way. The SPE system from R&M offers a transmission range of 600 meters."

R&M notes that "SPE technology can network countless digital terminal devices, e.g. smart LED lights, remote-controlled monitors and scoreboards, temperature, light and climate sensors, controllers for heating and ventilation, electronic cash registers, and self-service terminals."

The company adds that, within an SPE it also "sees the possibility for a wide range of applications in hospitals, hotels, malls, industrial parks, office centers, administrations, and similar cases."

In addition to data and signals, SPE cabling can also transport electricity and thus supply terminal equipment with power. In many cases, this eliminates the need for separate wiring for the power supply.

Promoting the use of Single Pair Ethernet

R&M's product statement added the following:

R&M is one of the driving forces behind the standardization and broad market launch of Single Pair Ethernet (SPE). In 2020, R&M founded the Single Pair Ethernet System Alliance together with more than 20 international technology companies. It aims to promote the use of SPE in a wide range of applications and areas of operation.

As "the first supplier to introduce a complete SPE cabling system," from the outset of the platform's development, R&M says it focused on bringing forth "a complete solution that extends from the distribution panel to the outlet."

R&M now offers two connector systems: LC-Cu in compliance with IEC 63171-1 for structured cabling and building automation, and MSP in compliance with IEC 63171-2 for the industrial environment. The new products can be combined with existing R&M outlets and 19” panels.

"R&M is convinced that the future belongs to smart buildings," concludes the company's statement. "Building management will be digital and IP-based throughout. Something that will help this is the use of new network structures, such as the digital ceiling in combination with Single Pair Ethernet, for the cabling of the final few meters. This allows all areas of building automation to be integrated into a structured solution concept."

Learn more at https://www.rdm.com/.