Product Summary

Macnica 's SPE (Single Pair Ethernet) camera is a camera that can transmit captured video data over long distances using a single pair of cables (communication + power supply integrated).
SPE reduces the resources and weight used for cables and connectors by approximately 75% and supports single-pair cable communication, which saves space and improves manageability.If you are developing your own camera incorporating SPE, you can also reduce the size of the mounting board.
On the camera side, edge AI processing is performed by the SoC, and if necessary, high-performance AI processing can also be performed on the server side, making the camera capable of object detection using AI.

Features

This system does not require a power cable for the camera, and a single cable is capable of both communication and power supply simultaneously.

Communication and power supply can be performed with a 1:1 pair of cables
2: Space saving (50% space reduction compared to RJ45​ ​/ smaller mounting board)
3: Long distance transmission
4: Excellent cable management
5: No AC power cable required

System configuration

Power is supplied to the SPE camera via the SPE cable from the SPE Switch.
​RTSP streaming from the SPE camera can be viewed on a PC.
Inference can also be performed on Thundercomm 's SoCs.

What is SPE (Single Pair Ethernet)?

SPE is a technology standardized by IEEE and is currently used in automobiles, and is expected to be expanded to existing applications such as industrial machinery and homes by 2030.​ ​SPE enables Ethernet communication and DC power supply simultaneously using a single pair of cables, and can also reduce the amount of cable material used by approximately one-quarter.

For more details, please see: https://www.macnica.co.jp/business/semiconductor/articles/basic/143914/

The society SPE aims for

In manufacturing sites, there are an increasing number of cases where equipment needs to be installed in limited spaces or on mobile devices, and with conventional Ethernet-based systems, thick cables, complex wiring, and additional power cables are a barrier, which has resulted in issues regarding installation flexibility, work efficiency, and costs.

SPE can achieve both communication and power supply with a single thin cable, making it suitable for installation in small spaces or on mobile devices, simplifying wiring and reducing costs. Furthermore, by combining AI image processing technology with the network technology we have cultivated over many years, we have developed the "SPE Camera," which supports real-time decision-making and automation on-site.
This product simultaneously achieves ease of installation, reduced wiring, and high functionality, and can be used as a solution to accelerate the creation of smart factories.

Application example

Ideal for building networks in a wide range of fields.

・Security systems
・Robots and power control systems
・Medical and life support systems
・Hobby and leisure equipment
・ DC-ECO (Power generation and storage) systems

Use Case

SPE solves the issues of complex wiring and limited installation space that conventional industrial cameras have, and can be used for IoT and digital transformation (DX) in factories, buildings, and homes.

● Smart City & Town
Communications, electricity, transportation infrastructure, public facilities, outdoor plants

● Smart Building & Farm
Offices, stores, factories, hospitals, schools, farms, fish farms

● Smart Home & Residence
Maintaining lifelines during power outages + DC-ECO (ZEH)