SPEBlox (1GBASE-T1) - Tiny Single Pair Ethernet Converter

What is SPEBlox?

SPEBlox is the world's first Gigabit (1000BASE-T) to Single Pair Ethernet (1000BASE-T1) converter in a tiny (30mm x 30mm) form factor, designed for direct integration into space-constrained networks.

It functions as a transparent bridge between standard gigabit ethernet networks and single pair ethernet networks, working out the box without any software configuration. In other words, Standard GigaBit ethernet on one side (8 wires), GigaBit Single Pair ethernet on the other side (2 wires).

Read our 1000BASE-T1 Single Pair Ethernet Test Writeup for information on maximum cabling length.

Why use Single Pair Ethernet?

You can cut down your cabling by a factor of 4 while still achieving gigabit ethernet rates. The implications of this are massive in space-constrained networking applications like drones and robots.


SPEBlox can be used to upgrade a standard gigabit network into a single pair ethernet network to achieve a 4x reduction in the cabling needed. The board comes preloaded with all firmware to make it work, meaning there only configuration you need to do is flip a switch on each board (one board must be master and the other board must be slave). That's it.

Single Pair Ethernet is a very new technology that has not yet achieved significant market penetration. At BotBlox, we intend to change that; the benefits are just too great.

Why use SPEBlox?

The main purpose of this board is to help our customers build proof-of-concept systems using Single Pair Ethernet. Think of SPEBlox as a development board that also happens to be directly integrateable into your product. 

Simply drop the board into your system to replace bulky 4 pair connections and test your system!

SPEBlox also allows you to test PoDL (Power over Data Line) which allows voltage to be transmitted along with data. This feature is still in testing.

Compatibility with other BotBlox Products

SPEBlox can be combined with our GigaBlox to allow a single pair ethernet connection within a standard gigabit ethernet network. This can be useful when one connection is has a conductor limitation (like in a slip ring, for example).

This combination can also be used to aggregate multiple 1Gbps devices onto a single twisted pair connection. This approach can be useful for reducing cabling to sensor payloads.

Covered under the BotBlox Supply Guarantee Program

This board is covered by our supply guarantee, which guarantees availability and low lead times until at least 2028. Read more about the BotBlox Supply Guarantee Program.

Custom Cables

All our boards are shipped with the required 0.3 meter power and data cables included, so you do not need to purchase extra cables. However if you need custom cable lengths for your application, you can order those here. 

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Electronics > NetworkingB|1|BB-SPE-B-1|08/12/2020|Unreleased prototype

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mpn:

BB-SPE-F-1

Input Voltage Range	5-40V (65V Transient)
Power Consumption	1.4W at full data rate
Ports	1 x 1GBASE-T + 1 x 1GBASE-T1
Transmission Length	22 meters
Operating Temperature	-50 to +110°C
Storage Temperature	-55 to +125°C
Dimensions	30mm x 30mm x 11mm
Port connectors	1 x 2 way Screw Terminal + 1 x PicoBlade 8 pin
HS Tariff Code	8517.62.00.20
US ECCN	5A991
Product Status and Lifetime	Active, with a 5-Year Minimum Lifetime