HARTING Enables Single Pair Ethernet for Railway Applications

HARTING has announced the readiness of Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) technology for deployment in railway applications. The German technology group is showcasing solutions at InnoTrans 2024 that leverage two-wire Ethernet for connecting passenger information systems and camera surveillance on trains.

SPE technology offers significant advantages over traditional eight-core Ethernet cabling, including reduced weight, space requirements, and material consumption. HARTING estimates that SPE cables can save up to 40% in weight and 35% in diameter compared to conventional data cables, allowing more cables to be installed in confined spaces.

The technology facilitates efficient data connections for passenger information systems, surveillance cameras, WLAN routers, and passenger counting sensors. It supports data transmission rates of up to 1 Gbit/s and provides simultaneous power supply to devices via Power over Data Line functionality. HARTING is demonstrating this in collaboration with partners Bustec, R2P, and Studer Cables.

International standards for connectors and cables ensure interoperability and provide long-term planning security for railway manufacturers. HARTING highlights that SPE is particularly beneficial for both new train construction and the retrofitting of existing rail vehicles.