In an exciting new development, Arduino has unveiled the UNO SPE Shield, an expansion for the popular Arduino UNO R4 development board. Developed in collaboration with Microchip, this shield introduces Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE) and RS485 connectivity to the UNO platform, offering powerful new capabilities for IoT and Industrial IoT (IIoT) projects.
What is Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE)?
Single-Pair Ethernet is a cutting-edge standard that enables both data transmission and power over a single pair of wires, known as Power over Data Line (PoDL). This not only simplifies wiring but also reduces costs and deployment time. According to Arduino, this technology is especially beneficial for industrial environments where automation, smart building systems, and factory processes are integral to the Internet of Things (IoT) and IIoT.
First standardized as part of the IEEE 802.3bw amendment in 2015 and further enhanced with PoDL in 2016, SPE supports faster data transfer rates while minimizing cable complexity — a game-changer for developers working with networked systems in demanding environments.
The UNO SPE Shield: Connecting the Future
Designed specifically for the Arduino UNO R4 family, the UNO SPE Shield allows users to easily add Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE) to their existing projects. The board incorporates the LAN8651B1T-E/LMX SPE MAC-PHY chip from Microchip, which enables robust Ethernet connectivity. Additionally, the shield offers RS485 support, making it an excellent choice for integrating and upgrading legacy systems with faster, longer-range wired communication.
This combination of SPE and RS485 opens up a world of possibilities for developers working with industrial and IoT applications, offering a seamless way to modernize older systems while embracing next-gen connectivity.
Microchip and Arduino: Empowering Makers and Engineers
In a statement, Martin Miller from Microchip highlighted the collaboration’s potential to empower both hobbyists and engineers. "Our partnership with Arduino aims to provide advanced tools that drive innovation," Miller said. "With the UNO SPE Shield, we're enabling more flexible, scalable, and connected solutions that can meet the growing demands of IoT and industrial automation."
Fabio Violante, CEO of Arduino, added that this new shield represents a significant leap in the adoption of 10BASE-T1S technology. "By integrating Single-Pair Ethernet into the Arduino ecosystem, we’re providing millions of creators with access to this game-changing standard," he noted. The inclusion of PoDL capabilities, an industry-first feature, allows for innovative single-cable solutions, expanding the possibilities for connected projects even further.
Availability and Pricing
At the time of writing, Arduino has not yet released the pricing or official availability for the Arduino UNO SPE Shield. However, they have opened a waitlist for interested customers eager to get their hands on the hardware as soon as it becomes available. For more details, you can visit the official Arduino blog.
