IEC Ethernet standards: The primary element empowering the AES

The reliable transmission of power and data plays a central role in the All Electric Society (AES). The vision of a fully electrified and digitalized society and the networking of industrial processes are key components in this context. This calls for uniform standards in the transmission of both lifelines in order to harmonise the individual sectors of the AES in an expedient way.

International IEC standards for Ethernet have long been established in data transmission, but this standardisation is still pending when it comes to power. The amount of data to be transmitted is growing exponentially and the power supplies must break new ground in terms of regenerative energy generation. The associated challenges for adequate connection technology are our HARTING’s incentive.

The efficiency gains required for the AES can only be achieved through comprehensive and extensive networking. Energy generation and consumption must be seamlessly attuned to each other. Whether through the use of Ethernet via two, four or six copper wires - uniform standards for protocols, for the cable infrastructure and for interfaces have long since covered the major share of industrial communication. Ethernet standards are essential for models such as the Digital Twin and an Asset Administration Shell (AAS).

Just like the flow of data, energy transmission must also become convergent. At present, however, it is still being conceived as a unidirectional distribution. The data lifeline is becoming the leading element for energy on the course to standardised and networked solutions. Integration of power and data Connecting devices via mains adapters is time-consuming and inefficient. In fact, it is a step backwards to the power distribution of a pre-digital age. Meanwhile, more and more end devices are demanding innovative power solutions.

Data is a role model here, as it always flows bidirectionally. Consequently, it was logical to consider the power supply from the data side, which gave rise to standardised systems such as Power over Ethernet (PoE) and Power over Data Line (PoDL).

In the case of devices with higher power requirements, it also makes sense to consider the power supply from the data side, because in a digitalised world, the data connection is becoming the key standard. This is creating new interfaces in industrial automation, in which data connectivity is being further developed around the topics of energy as part of a hybrid interface. Here, the "new" energy follows the data; the "new" energy is usually not always an AC grid, but potentially also DC voltage.

The network connection and the power connection are equally important for the AES. The future is characterised by data, as is enabled by Ethernet and the standardisation committees. This effective approach will be supplemented in future by building a bridge to energy. HARTING is involved when it comes to thinking about power for data transmission. This opens up scope for innovations. New interfaces and hybrid connection concepts are emerging, which are driving data and energy forward together.