AL706

The international standard IEC 63171-6 describes connectors for Single Pair Ethernet (SPE), 2-way (data) as well as 4-way (data + power). As of current, no breakout adapter cables are available for conversion between these two[1]wire and four-wire data connectors. The AL706 Embedded Blue® is an adapter card equipped with a 2-way SPE latch locking receptacle and a 4-way M8-Hybrid Single Pair Ethernet connector, both according to IEC 63171-6. The SPE differential data line is simply passed through from one connector type to the other. In addition, DC power can be added to or drawn from the AL706 card, via a screw lock terminal block.

If the M8-Hybrid 4-way connector is used as upstream link for data + power, SPE downstream data will be available from the latch locking 2-way connector, and power is supplied for attachment of a device to the terminal block in addition. Vice versa, with the 2-way receptacle used for upstream, external DC power can be applied to the terminal block, for downstream usage over the 4-way M8-Hybrid. As a manufacturing option, the AL706 can be equipped with a 2-way SPE data terminal block, as replacement for the latch locking SPE connector. The AL706 therefore is a simple solution for upgrading any 2-wire SPE equipment to 4- wire M8-Hybrid applications.