Feature

TE Connectivity brings Single Pair Ethernet to the skies

New Mini-ETH system reduces weight and increases bandwidth in commercial aerospace systems.

24/07/2020 16:42:38

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TE Connectivity (TE) is unveiling its new Mini-ETH Single Pair Wthernet system for commercial aircraft that offers substantial weight-savings, more bandwidth and simpler installation and maintenance by using proven technologies from other markets. As designers search for greater efficiency onboard aircraft, TE’s new Mini-ETH system offers them up to 73% weight savings in cables and up to 41% weight savings in
connectors compared to standard eight-wire cables and rectangular connectors.

Using Ethernet over single pair protocols derived from the automotive market, the Mini-ETH system delivers its weight savings by employing a two-wire cable design, which was recently standardised under the ARINC 854 cabin equipment network bus standard. Two-wire cables and corresponding 369 connectors help reduce termination time by up to 50% compared
to standard quadrax connectors. The reduction in wires within TE’s Mini-ETH system can also simplify maintenance when compared to quadrax connectors.

These efficiencies come in a versatile package that is qualified to 100Mb/s with the ability to support up to 1Gb/s in future applications. The Mini-ETH system is currently designed for use in In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) systems, seat power and lighting
controls.

“The Mini-ETH Single Pair Ethernet system adapts to what customers need from it, so they can retrofit an existing aircraft with Mini-ETH products to achieve savings or design it into a future system as some customers are doing,” said Russell Graves, Global Aerospace Business Development Manager for TE’s Aerospace, Defence and Marine division. “TE is pleased to be one of
the first manufacturers to offer an Ethernet over single pair solution for the commercial aerospace market.”

TE’s Mini-ETH system consists of a range of time-tested TE products, including:

• 369 shielded connectors

• DEUTSCH DMC-M connectors (EN4165)

• Cheminax twinax high-speed copper cables

• End-to-End Ethernet assemblies

For more information on TE’s Mini-ETH Single Pair Ethernet system, visit the Mini-ETH landing page.

Learn more about TE's advanced connectivity solutions for the aerospace, defence and marine industries.

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.