Weidmüller Wins electronica Edge Award With Single Pair Ethernet
Weidmüller received the electronica Edge Award 2026 in the "edge networking and connectivity" category for its Single Pair Ethernet solution and device connector.
www.weidmueller.com
Weidmüller has been honoured with the electronica Edge Award at electronica 2026 in the "edge networking and connectivity" category. The award recognises the Detmold-based electronics and connectivity company's activities around Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) and the associated device connector, and puts the spotlight on a technology that enables continuous Ethernet communication down to the field level of industrial applications. The award was accepted at the show by Johann Klippenstein, Vice President Business Unit Device Connectors, Torben Schoeneberg, Product Manager, and Analía Inés Moral, Project Manager.
electronica took place in Munich from 10 to 13 November 2026, where Weidmüller presented solutions for device development and industrial connectivity in Hall A3, Stand 319. Alongside SPE, the focus included OMNIMATE® 4.0, SNAP IN and digital engineering services. The electronica Edge Awards are part of the show's new edge lab LIVE! and recognise innovative embedded, IoT and edge AI solutions.
Single Pair Ethernet From Sensor To Cloud
Single Pair Ethernet is an important foundation for continuous IP-based communication in the Industrial IoT. Unlike conventional Ethernet solutions, data is transmitted over a single pair of wires. SPE therefore brings Ethernet down to the field level, networking sensors, actuators and other devices with higher-level systems right up to the cloud. Depending on the application, transmission rates range from 10 Mbit/s over cable lengths of up to 1,000 metres to 1 Gbit/s over a maximum of 40 metres. With Power over Data Line (PoDL), data and power can also be transmitted over the same wire pair. In industrial applications, where compact interfaces and reduced cabling effort are increasingly important, SPE offers lighter cables and space-saving interfaces that support the integration of numerous field devices into continuous Ethernet networks.
Compact Device Connection For Industrial SPE Networks
The device connector is a central element of the award-winning solution. Weidmüller's current SPE portfolio is based on the standardised mating face according to IEC 63171-7 ED2. The new SPE PCB Jacks transmit data and optionally PoDL over a single wire pair and require up to 33 percent less PCB space than RJ45 interfaces. They also simplify PCB design and routing and support PROFINET over SPE. The portfolio is complemented by field-attachable SPE connectors that can be assembled directly on site, making installation, maintenance and modifications easier in industrial environments. The standardised IEC 63171-7 mating face supports cross-manufacturer interface compatibility.
Connectivity Consulting From The Start
The award also underlines that modern connectivity does not start with the selection of a single connector. What matters is considering interfaces during device development in terms of space, transmission characteristics, integration and later application. At electronica 2026, Weidmüller highlighted this approach with digital engineering services that support users from the selection through to the integration of suitable connectivity solutions in the development process. A Weidmüller technical presentation on 11 November, entitled "Single Pair Ethernet: The hardware for the Industrial Ethernet of the future", was also dedicated to the technology.
Edited by Maria Brueva, Induportals editor – adapted by AI.
