PoE (Power over Ethernet) boasts many advantages including simplified wiring which helps save labor costs; it is safe, convenient, and easy for remote management. PoE has become a new favorite for applications such as wireless covering, surveillance monitoring, and smart grid. This article introduces the technical features of PoE and solutions launched by Silicon Labs.
The Launch of PoE Solutions Widens the Application Market
Wired Ethernet carries billions of ports worldwide and is the most common wired network interface. PoE technology on the other hand takes advantage of the large installed base of Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cables for wired Ethernet to accelerate the speed of its market promotion. PoE is a part of Ethernet Standards IEEE 802.3, in which it regulates the technical requirements for safe and reliable power distribution over the same Category 5 (CAT-5) UTP cabling used for carrying data. Many challenges were encountered by the designers when developing PoE power supply applications, including maximizing efficiency, controlling EMI, and at the same time minimizing costs while still providing the necessary output power. The difficulty of deployment has decreased considerably with the increasing maturity of technology and the introduction of chip solutions.
PoE is able to transmit data to certain IP-based terminals (such as IP phones, wireless access points (AP), IP cameras) while at the same time providing DC power supply for this equipment under the existing Ethernet CAT-5 base structure without making any changes. Because of this, and with the assurance of safe structured wiring, the existing network is allowed to operate normally, minimizing the overall cost.
A complete PoE system includes both power sourcing equipment (PSE) and powered device (PD). PSE includes Ethernet switching devices, routers, hubs, and other network switch devices while PD is a device that receives power such as IP cameras in a surveillance system.
Due to the fact that only one network cable is required for PoE technology to both transmit data and supply power, expensive power supplies are no longer necessary and time consumed to install them is saved. More savings in labor can be made in terms of expenses and time as wiring is further simplified. Given that PoE only sends power to equipment that requires it, there is voltage on the Ethernet cable only if a device that needs power is connected. This eliminates the risk of a power leakage on the line and allows users to mix both the existing and equipment and PoE. The equipment can coexist with the existing Ethernet cables which improves both safety and convenience. Moreover, just like data transmission, PoE is able to monitor and control a device via Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). It provides functions including power-off at night and remote restart which is useful for remote management, making PoE the best application choice in terms of wireless covering, surveillance monitoring, as well as smart grid.
As a means to help manufacturers to quickly develop products that apply PoE technology, Silicon Labs have launched a comprehensive PoE product portfolio with an aim of reducing design costs and complexity when adding 90W PoE to PSE and PD. The brand-new 90W PoE product portfolio is in compliance with the IEEE 802.3bt standard extending the capabilities of wireless access points and IoT wireless gateways. The higher power capabilities can contribute to the achievement of 5G small cells and digitized buildings powered by PoE.
The 802.3bt PoE product portfolio launched by Silicon Labs is able to provide higher power and outstanding integration as well as more advanced functions - not only can it help developers to simplify designs, it can also satisfy strict power, size, and cost budgets. The new PoE product portfolio covers both ends of the Ethernet ranging from 15W to 90W, offering developers flexible options for various PSE and PD applications. 802.3Bt product portfolio consists of 3 new PSE and PD products.
The first is the Si3471 PSE Controller - the first fully autonomous 90W single-port in the industry and a power supply solution which complies with the 802.3bt standard. The Si3471 can easily add 90W of power to single-port midspans or by “injectors.” It automatically manages all nuances in connection to the 802.3bt standard. The Si347 does not require external host MCUs, firmware downloads, or software programming, and is easily configured using three digital I/O pins. The Si3471 is available in a small 38-pin 5 mm x 7 mm QFN package and simple BOM to help reduce system costs and complexity.
The second product is the Si3474 Four-Port Ethernet PSE Controller - which can supply power up to four 90W 802.3bt PoE ports, or eight 30W 802.3at/af PoE ports, providing a versatile solution for both industrial and commercial Ethernet switches as well as security recording equipment. The Si3474 supports operation in full-power autonomous mode on each port or in hosted mode which enables developers to manage power through an I2C interface with a full-featured register map. The Si3474 is available in a 56-pin 8 mm x 8 mm package with an industry-standard pinout.
The third product is the Si34071 single-chip PD solution - it combines the 802.3bt interface with an integrated, high-efficiency DC/DC converter which is capable of achieving more than 90% end-to-end efficiency, while at the same time integrating functions of signaling, control and power conversion needed by the PoE 802.3bt PD application. Si34071 contains a simple 9600 baud rate UART interface for connecting to the MCU system. The device provides high power for 5G small cells, wireless access points and IoT gateways. As the best partner for Si3471 PSE controllers, the Si34071 is available in a small 32-pin, 5 mm x 5 mm QFN package.
The new 90W solutions introduced by Silicon Labs have indeed simplified the single-port PoE design in the emerging high-power PoE market. With the support of the outstanding technology of Silicon Labs, it will definitely help customers to seize first-hand business opportunities using the latest high-power PoE technology.
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