Single-pair Ethernet (SPE) as an alternative to CAN for medical equipment

Single-pair Ethernet (SPE) is a modern alternative to CAN for medical devices, offering better IT integration, real-time communication, and lower infrastructure costs. SPE, particularly the 10BASE-T1S variant, supports deterministic communication with physical layer collision avoidance (PLCA), ensuring reliable data transmission. It is optimized for low to medium data rates and can be seamlessly integrated into existing IP-based networks. While SPE is ideal for applications requiring efficient, scalable network infrastructure, it may not be suitable for high-bandwidth needs or long network distances. Regulatory considerations are also important when switching from CAN to SPE.