Achieving Net Zero CO2 Emissions with Single Pair Ethernet

To ensure secure communications, the traditional wired serial communications protocol BACnet has been changed to BACnet/SC12, which enables secure communications over wired serial links and allows encryption. However, all BACnet devices on the network must be upgraded at the same time to take advantage of these new features. Existing devices using traditional BACnet need to be redesigned and maintained to add the additional encryption capabilities required by BACnet/SC. Over single-pair Ethernet (specifically 10BASE-T1L), edge nodes that connect via unsecured wired serial communications such as BACnet can be upgraded and connected using the BACnet/IP protocol (which enables Ethernet-based security). Importantly, this new and improved security state can be achieved without running expensive new cables over existing signal paths.

Many of the risks associated with cyberattacks can be mitigated by upgrading devices on OT networks to run Ethernet-based security protocols. Single-pair Ethernet 10BASE-T1L promises to enable the transition from insecure legacy communications to Ethernet-based secure communications in one generation of hardware upgrades while reusing existing cabling infrastructure.

Single-pair Ethernet 10BASE-T1L is an important technology that extends IP connectivity to the edge, improves security, reuses cabling, converges IT and OT networks, and even delivers power. With significantly higher throughput, no gateways required, and advanced security features, single-pair Ethernet will help the building industry achieve the IEA's 2030 net zero emissions goal of reducing emissions by 15%. By modernizing the building communication infrastructure, access to a wealth of real-time data within the building can be provided, while eliminating data silos and supporting a single console management model. In addition to providing faster control loop closure for traditional control schemes and supporting AI and ML optimization, managers will be able to generate actionable insights that can save a lot of energy.

Analog Devices has a dedicated team of sustainable building experts and continues to innovate in this technology as a market pioneer, focusing on technologies that support digital transformation, such as single-pair Ethernet (10BASE-T1L), safety and smart IO, and isolated and wired RS-485 transceivers for traditional systems. Analog Devices has released several single-pair Ethernet products that support point-to-point (ADIN1100, ADIN1110), as well as single-pair Ethernet products that support wire ring architecture (ADIN2111).16 For single-pair Ethernet power supply products, see LTC4296-1 (power supply side), and LTC9111 (device side).

References

1 “Buildings.” International Energy Agency.

2 “New ventilation design standards for energy sustainability and indoor air quality in the post-COVID-19 era.” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Vol. 182, 2023.

3 Achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2050 – A Global Energy Sector Plan. International Energy Association, 2021.

4 Energy efficiency 2021. International Energy Agency, 2021.

5 IEA Annex 81 Activity A1 – Guidance on data sharing for buildings and HVAC systems. International Energy Association, 2023.

6 The Ultimate Guide to Building Automation Protocols. Smart Buildings Academy, 2020.

7 “Study Shows BACnet’s Global Market Share Exceeds 60%.” BACnet International, 2018.

8 “A new detailed study of US field equipment is released.” BSRIA, 2020.

9 “Single-Pair Ethernet is coming to smart buildings.” Smart Buildings Technology, 2020.

10 Improving BACnet®. BACnet, 2020.

11 “How to Cost-Effectively Deploy Networked Sensors for Building Management Systems.” DigiKey, 2023.

12 “Cybersecurity in Smart Commercial Buildings 2022–2027.” Memoori, 2022.

13 “Industry 4.0 improves energy productivity.” Vision 2030, 2021.

14 “How IP Control Capabilities Are Changing Building Automation Control.” ControlTrends, February 2022.

15 “Threats to Industrial Automation Systems.” Kaspersky, March 2021.

16 “Building Automation Controllers and Networks.” Analog Devices

About the Author

Meghan Kaiserman is the director of strategic marketing for sustainable buildings at Analog Devices, focusing on digital technologies including smart IO, single-pair Ethernet, and security. Meghan has been with Analog Devices for over 18 years, previously in applications and systems engineering roles. She has developed products for the industrial market ranging from precision analog to energy metering and industrial Ethernet. Meghan holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Arts in New York City.