Arrow Electronics Announces New Single Pair Ethernet Reference Design Featuring Bourns, Microchip and Amphenol Technology

Arrow Electronics has announced the launch of a new evaluation platform, jointly designed in collaboration with Microchip Technology, Bourns, and Amphenol: 10BASE-T1S REF_SPE_T1S reference design board. This reference design assists engineers in adopting Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) by addressing the magnetic connection that links data to the physical cable and enables system-level evaluation of signal integrity, EMC behaviour, and noise immunity in real-world applications.

SPE performance is defined not only by the PHY but by the quality of the magnetic interface that connects it to the cable. Built around Microchip’s LAN8670 10BASE-T1S PHY and IEC 63171-6 compatible Amphenol’s SPE connector, this design demonstrates how Bourns integrated isolation transformer and common-mode choke (CMC) magnetics (Model SM91081AL) play a critical role at the physical layer.

By significantly improving common-mode noise rejection and galvanic isolation especially at low frequencies, the board helps maintain signal integrity and connection stability in electrically noisy industrial and building-automation environments.

Advancing Industrial Connectivity

As industries transition away from legacy systems like CAN or RS-485, there is an increasing requirement for reliable Ethernet connectivity at the “edge,” including sensors and actuators. By utilizing an integrated transformer design instead of traditional capacitor-only isolation approaches, this evaluation board offers improved signal clarity and connectivity, particularly through superior low-frequency noise attenuation and enhanced immunity to conducted and radiated interference.

This approach provides a necessary margin for error against the electrical noise common in industrial settings and supports improved EMC and emissions performance, helping design engineers to meet regulatory compliance requirements more efficiently.

Evaluation and Implementation

Whether intended for factory automation, HVAC systems, or building controls, this SPE USB-powered platform provides a live demonstration of network robustness. Engineers can directly compare transformer-based isolation against capacitor isolation, observe common-mode noise suppression behaviour, and evaluate EMC and emissions performance.

Arrow provides this tool as a reference schematic solution for new designs which also allows designers to measure network stability in both point-to-point and multidrop 10BASE-T1S configurations, validating network stability and SPE channel performance before a final product design is finalized.

Advanced technical support and customization services are available from Arrow’s engineering solutions center (ESC).

Availability

The 10BASE-T1S REF_SPE_T1S reference design is available now through Arrow. For more information, please visit https://www.arrow.com/