What Single Pair Ethernet does

The SPE Industrial Partner Network e.V., operating commercially as Single Pair Ethernet, is a German-registered industry association (eingetragener Verein under German law, Vereinsregister VR 1698) founded in November 2019 in Rahden, Westphalia, by seven industrial connectivity leaders: HARTING, TE Connectivity, HIROSE, Würth Elektronik, LEONI (later BizLink), Murrelektronik, and Softing IT Networks. The association exists to coordinate the multi-vendor build-out and standardization of Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) technology as physical-layer infrastructure for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industry 4.0, enabling barrier-free Ethernet communication from the cloud all the way down to sensors and actuators using just one pair of copper wires instead of the two pairs required for Fast Ethernet or four pairs for Gigabit Ethernet.

Its core technical contribution is the development and ratification of standards — primarily IEC 63171-6 (T1 Industrial Style interface, published January 23, 2020) and IEC 63171-7 (hybrid M12 SPE+power interfaces under active development), together with cabling specifications per IEC 61156-x (Type A/B/C/R) and the updated IEC 61918 installation standard (March 2022). The technology stack combines single-pair data transmission at speeds up to 10 Gbit/s and distances up to 1 km (10BASE-T1L) with Power over Data Line (PoDL) for simultaneous power delivery (24V–96V, hybrid solutions up to 392W). Member-developed products include HARTING T1 Industrial connectors, TE Connectivity IP20/IP67 SPE solutions with PoDL up to 50W, Softing WireXpert measurement equipment, and BizLink/HELUKABEL cables.

The business model is a member-funded, association-based subscription/revenue model: companies join to participate in the SPE ecosystem, gain access to the central product database at product.single-pair-ethernet.com, and align with the IEC 63171-6/7 standards. The network does not sell products directly; revenue is generated via recurring membership fees (not publicly disclosed). Go-to-market is community-led and event-driven, with major presence at SPS Nuremberg, Hannover Messe, SPS Atlanta 2025, embedded world, and the annual SPE Pioneer Summit, complemented by LinkedIn, newsletter, and webinar channels. Customer segments include industrial automation manufacturers, sensor and measurement suppliers (via AMA partnership), e-transportation integrators (trains/buses with up to 55% cable weight reduction), process industry operators, and connector/cable/test-equipment vendors. As of 2024–2025 the network has grown to 57+ member companies and announced a 2025 merger of forces with the Single Pair Ethernet System Alliance e.V.

Name

Single Pair Ethernet

Legal name

SPE Industrial Partner Network e.V.

Website

https://single-pair-ethernet.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

The SPE Industrial Partner Network e.V. is a German industry association founded in 2019 that promotes Single Pair Ethernet as the physical-layer infrastructure for the Industrial IoT. It coordinates 57+ member companies around IEC 63171-6 and IEC 63171-7 standards for industrial connectivity.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Networking Standards & IIoT Connectivity

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (5415), All Other Telecommunications (517810)

SIC

Computer Communications Equipment (3576), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial Ethernet Media Conversion & Extenders (Copper/Fiber/SFP) (HDAFAJAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Managed Industrial Ethernet Switches (L2/L3) (HDAFAJAA), Substation Automation & Digital Substations (IEC 61850) Integration Services (EUAEANAD)

Keywords

• Industrial ethernet standards
• Single pair ethernet
• IIoT connectivity
• Industrial connectors
• Power over data line

Headquarters

HQ city

Rahden

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: The SPE Industrial Partner Network operates as a member-based association (e.V. - eingetragener Verein/registered association). Companies join as members to promote Single Pair Ethernet as the basis for IIoT infrastructure. The exact revenue model details are not publicly disclosed.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Single Pair Ethernet (SPE Industrial Partner Network e.V.) is a German registered industry association that promotes and standardizes Single Pair Ethernet technology for industrial and IIoT applications. Its core offering is the SPE technology itself (Ethernet over a single copper pair with Power over Data Line), anchored in the globally standardized T1 Industrial interface (IEC 63171-6) and the hybrid M12 SPE+power interface (IEC 63171-7). The network supports a curated product database, the annual SPE Pioneer Summit, and an SPE Design Challenge, while member companies commercialize the actual connectors, cables, switches and test equipment.

Product overview

The SPE Industrial Partner Network is an association of 57+ member companies promoting Single Pair Ethernet as the infrastructure basis for IIoT. The core offering is the SPE technology enabling Ethernet over a single copper wire pair with PoDL power delivery. The ecosystem includes: standardized T1 Industrial interfaces (IEC 63171-6) and hybrid M8/M12 connectors (IEC 63171-7); cable infrastructure (Type A/B/C/R) per IEC 61156-x standards; and member products including HARTING connectors, TE Connectivity solutions, Softing WireXpert measurement tools, and HELUKABEL/BizLink cables. Supporting platforms include the SPE Product Database for component discovery, the annual SPE Pioneer Summit for community engagement, and the SPE Design Challenge for innovation. The network also provides standardization support through active participation in IEEE 802.3, IEC SC48B, ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 25/WG 3, and ANSI/TIA TR-42 committees.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) Technology Single Pair Ethernet technology enabling Ethernet transmission over a single pair of copper wires, supporting data rates up to 10 Gbit/s with simultaneous power supply via PoDL, designed for industrial and IIoT applications.
• SPE Cabling Infrastructure (IEC 61156-x Types A/B/C/R) Standardized SPE cabling infrastructure including cable types A (solid wire for permanent installation), B (stranded conductors for flexible applications), C (high dynamic applications), and R (torsion tested for robotic applications), conforming to IEC 61156-x standards.
• SPE Product Database Digital product database at product.single-pair-ethernet.com cataloging SPE-compliant products from member companies, enabling users to find and compare connectors, cables, switches and test equipment for SPE infrastructure implementations.
• SPE Pioneer Summit Annual international platform for the SPE community featuring tech-talks, panel discussions, and webinars; the 2020 kick-off event attracted 2,200 participants with 24 speakers.
• SPE Design Challenge Annual competition to identify and award best pilot projects based on Single Pair Ethernet; participants receive SPE developer boards, and winning projects are recognized at SPS Nuremberg.

Quantifiable outcome

• 55% weight reduction compared to traditional 8-wire Ethernet cable per 100 meters
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.

• Single Pair Ethernet System Alliance e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2025The two leading SPE networks joining forces after nearly six years of separate work. The SPE Industrial Partner Network e.V. and the Single Pair Ethernet System Alliance e.V. will coordinate activities, share expertise, and accelerate SPE adoption globally. Joint exhibition stands planned for SPS Atlanta 2025 and SPS Nuremberg 2025.
• AMA Association for Sensors and MeasurementcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 November 2020Partnership to connect 450 AMA members with the SPE ecosystem. AMA represents suppliers of sensor and measurement technology, making SPE crucial for integrating sensors into IP networks at field level for IIoT applications.
• HARTINGcoreTechnology or IntegrationFounding member of SPE Industrial Partner Network. Leading supplier of industrial connectivity, developed T1 Industrial interface standardized as IEC 63171-6.
• TE ConnectivitycoreTechnology or IntegrationFounding member. $13 billion global industrial technology leader creating connectivity and sensor solutions. Actively driving IEC 63171-7 standard development for hybrid M12 interfaces.
• HIROSE ELECTRIC CO., LTDcoreTechnology or IntegrationFounding member. One of the world's leading connector manufacturers with over 80 years of experience, 28 sales offices globally, and expertise in miniaturization for SPE solutions.
• Würth Elektronik eiSoscoreTechnology or IntegrationFounding member. One of the largest European manufacturers of passive components with 8,300 employees and 848 million euros sales in 2018. Contributing magnetic solutions including specially designed SPE transformers.
• BizLink Special CablescoreTechnology or IntegrationFounding member (originally LEONI, later BizLink). Manufacturer of SPE cables including trailing, torsion, and robotic cables as well as hybrid cable solutions per IEC 61156-x.
• Murrelektronik GmbHcoreTechnology or IntegrationFounding member. International family business in automation technology with over 3,000 employees. Connection specialist providing SPE solutions for decentralized automation.
• Softing IT NetworkscoreTechnology or IntegrationFounding member. Manufacturer of electronic measuring devices for performance qualification, certification and documentation of IT cabling systems. Provides SPE testing solutions.
• igus GmbHsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationMember company providing energy chains, polymer bearings, and motion cables including SPE solutions for dynamic applications.
• DEHN SE + Co KGsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationMember company specializing in surge protection and safety equipment for industrial applications including SPE infrastructure.
• HELUKABEL GmbHsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationMember company and board member. Leading manufacturer of industrial cables and wires including SPE cables and hybrid solutions.
• MolexsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationMember company. Global connectivity solutions provider with expertise in connectors for industrial applications including SPE.
• Amphenol ICCsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationMember company. Global connector manufacturer providing SPE-compliant interconnection solutions.
• Friedrich Lütze GmbHsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationMember company. Manufacturer of automation components including SPE-compatible products.
• ESCHA GmbHsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationMember company. Specialist in industrial connector technology for automation applications.
• Perinet GmbHsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationMember company. Provider of SPE solutions for sensor-to-cloud communication applications.
• EKFsecondaryTechnology or IntegrationMember company. Industrial electronics manufacturer contributing to SPE ecosystem.
• Hirschmann Automation and Control GmbH (Belden)secondaryTechnology or IntegrationPremium member. Global leading full-service provider for high-end industrial networking solutions including managed/unmanaged Ethernet switches, wireless LAN, security systems, and SPE-integrated products.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• FieldComm Group: Standards body for FOUNDATION Fieldbus and HART protocols used in process industries. SPE is positioned to displace these legacy fieldbus protocols with Ethernet-based communication at the field level.
• PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI): The leading industrial Ethernet standards organization for PROFINET, the dominant factory automation protocol. Listed as a collaborator in SPE network documentation; competes for the same industrial Ethernet infrastructure mindshare.
• ODVA: Standards organization promoting EtherNet/IP and DeviceNet industrial protocols. Listed as a collaborating organization with SPE network; competes for industrial Ethernet adoption at the device level.
• Single Pair Ethernet System Alliance e.V. The parallel SPE standards body that merged with SPE Industrial Partner Network in July 2025. Operated as the most direct peer promoting SPE technology, focused on building automation and process industry applications.
• CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA): Promotes CC-Link IE industrial Ethernet protocols with strong Asia-Pacific adoption. Listed as a collaborating organization in SPE documentation; competes for global industrial Ethernet standardization influence.
• EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG): Organization managing EtherCAT industrial Ethernet technology with strong adoption in motion control. Listed as a collaborating organization; competes for industrial Ethernet infrastructure standards influence.

Broad incumbents

• HARTING Technology Group: Founding member of SPE Industrial Partner Network and developer of the T1 Industrial interface. A global leader in industrial connectivity offering broad connector and cabling solutions beyond SPE standards.
• Phoenix Contact: Major German industrial connectivity and automation vendor with broad Ethernet, fieldbus, and connector offerings. Not an SPE member per the data but operates as an adjacent standards and product player in industrial Ethernet.
• TE Connectivity: Founding member of SPE Industrial Partner Network with $13B revenue and a global industrial connectivity portfolio. Drives IEC 63171-7 hybrid M12 standard development and produces IP20/IP67 SPE connectors.

Emerging players

• IO-Link Consortium: International consortium promoting IO-Link point-to-point communication for sensors and actuators. Complementary technology that SPE gateways (like Belden's SPE Design Competition winning entry) can integrate with for field-level connectivity.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/single-pair-ethernet

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Single Pair Ethernet