Power over ethernet circuit and smart mobile device

Abstract

The application discloses an Ethernet power supply circuit and a smart mobile device, and relates to the technical field of Ethernet power supply, wherein the Ethernet power supply circuit comprises a network transformer module, which comprises at least two network transformer units; for any network transformer unit, a transformer in the network transformer unit is connected with an Ethernet interface, used for receiving a data signal of a corresponding Ethernet channel in the Ethernet interface and transmitting the data signal to a corresponding load; and the Ethernet power supply circuit further comprises a power switch module, which comprises at least two power switches; for any power switch, the power switch is connected with an intermediate tap of a corresponding network transformer unit, used for outputting a power supply signal to the intermediate tap according to a corresponding control signal, so that the corresponding transformer of the intermediate tap transmits the power supply signal to the corresponding load. The application realizes independent power supply control and fault isolation of each PoE channel, thereby guaranteeing stable starting and normal operation of the overall function of the device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology, and in particular to a PoE circuit and a smart mobile device. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread application of smart mobile devices such as snowplows, automatic lawnmowers, and security patrol vehicles, in-vehicle multimedia systems, visual perception systems, and network communication modules are increasingly relying on Ethernet for high-speed data transmission and synchronous control. To simplify wiring and improve system reliability, PoE (Power over Ethernet) technology is widely used to support load components such as in-vehicle cameras and communication modules in these devices.

[0003] However, in practical applications, if any abnormal situation occurs in any part of the PoE power supply path, such as a short circuit in the vehicle camera, the device may enter the overcurrent protection or power-off state, thereby blocking the motherboard power supply path, causing the main power supply to fail, making it impossible for other critical modules of the device, such as the camera or communication module, to be powered on, thus triggering the system self-test failure in the device, making the entire device unable to start or enter the normal working state, thereby affecting the overall function of the device. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main purpose of this application is to propose a Power over Ethernet (PoE) circuit and a smart mobile device, which aims to solve the problem that the main power supply will be lost after a single point of failure in the current PoE technology.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application proposes an Ethernet power supply circuit, which includes:

[0006] A network transformer module, comprising at least two network transformer units, wherein in any one network transformer unit, the transformer is connected to an Ethernet interface, and the transformer is used to receive data signals from a corresponding Ethernet channel in the Ethernet interface and transmit the data signals to the corresponding load;

[0007] A power switch module includes at least two power switches. For any one power switch, the power switch is connected to the intermediate tap of a corresponding network transformer unit and is used to output a power supply signal to the intermediate tap according to a corresponding control signal, so that the transformer corresponding to the intermediate tap transmits the power supply signal to the corresponding load. Under the control of the control signal, the corresponding load among multiple loads is independently powered through an independent channel. The independent channel is composed of a network transformer unit and a power switch.

[0008] In one embodiment, the network transformer unit further includes:

[0009] The first winding pair, wherein the first primary winding of the first transformer in the first winding pair is connected to the Ethernet interface, is used to receive the first set of data signals of a corresponding Ethernet channel in the Ethernet interface, and transmit the first set of data signals to the corresponding load through the first common mode choke of the first winding pair;

[0010] The second winding pair, wherein the second primary winding of the second transformer in the second winding pair is connected to the Ethernet interface, is used to receive the second set of data signals of the Ethernet channel and transmit the second set of data signals to the load through the second common-mode choke of the second winding pair.

[0011] In one embodiment, the center tap of the first primary winding is connected to the center tap of the second primary winding, the center tap of the first primary winding of the first transformer is connected to the center tap of the second secondary winding of the second transformer via a first capacitor, and the center tap of the first primary winding is grounded.

[0012] In one embodiment, the power switch is connected to the center tap of a corresponding secondary winding.

[0013] In one embodiment, the center taps of each of the first primary windings and the second primary windings in the network transformer module are interconnected.

[0014] In one embodiment, the Power over Ethernet circuit further includes a soft-start module, the soft-start module comprising:

[0015] The second capacitor has its first terminal connected to the power switch module and its second terminal grounded.

[0016] In one embodiment, the Power over Ethernet (PoE) circuit further includes:

[0017] A protection module, connected to the power switch module, is used to receive the control signal and transmit the control signal to the power switch module after pulling the level low and / or limiting the current.

[0018] In one embodiment, the protection module includes:

[0019] A first resistor, wherein a first end of the first resistor is used to receive the control signal, and a second end of the first resistor is grounded;

[0020] The second resistor has a first end for receiving the control signal and a second end connected to the power switch module.

[0021] In one embodiment, the network transformer module includes at least a first network transformer unit, a second network transformer unit, and a third network transformer unit. The first network transformer unit includes a third winding pair and a fourth winding pair. The second network transformer unit includes a fifth winding pair and a sixth winding pair. The third network transformer unit includes a seventh winding pair and an eighth winding pair. The power switch module includes at least a first power switch and a second power switch.

[0022] The third winding is connected to the third primary winding of the third transformer and to the Ethernet interface to connect to the first Ethernet channel in the Ethernet interface. The center tap of the third primary winding is grounded through the third capacitor. The center tap of the third secondary winding of the third transformer is connected to the first terminal of the fourth capacitor and ground respectively. The second terminal of the fourth capacitor is connected to the first power switch. The first terminal of the third common mode choke is connected to the third secondary winding. The second terminal of the third common mode choke is connected to the first load.

[0023] The fourth primary winding of the fourth transformer is connected to the Ethernet interface to interface with the first Ethernet channel. The center tap of the fourth primary winding is connected to the center tap of the third primary winding. The center tap of the fourth secondary winding is connected to the second end of the fourth capacitor. The first end of the fourth common-mode choke is connected to the fourth secondary winding. The second end of the fourth common-mode choke is connected to the first load.

[0024] The fifth primary winding of the fifth transformer in the fifth winding alignment is connected to the Ethernet interface to interface with the second Ethernet channel in the Ethernet interface. The center tap of the fifth primary winding is connected to the center tap of the third primary winding. The center tap of the fifth secondary winding of the fifth transformer is connected to the first terminal of the fifth capacitor and ground respectively. The second terminal of the fifth capacitor is connected to the second power switch. The first terminal of the fifth common-mode choke in the fifth winding alignment is connected to the fifth secondary winding. The second terminal of the fifth common-mode choke is connected to the second load.

[0025] The sixth primary winding of the sixth transformer is connected to the Ethernet interface to interface with the second Ethernet channel. The center tap of the sixth primary winding is connected to the center tap of the third primary winding. The center tap of the sixth secondary winding of the sixth transformer is connected to the second terminal of the fifth capacitor. The first terminal of the sixth common-mode choke is connected to the sixth secondary winding. The second terminal of the sixth common-mode choke is connected to the second load.

[0026] The seventh winding is connected to the seventh primary winding of the seventh transformer and to the Ethernet interface to connect to the third Ethernet channel in the Ethernet interface. The center tap of the seventh primary winding is connected to the center tap of the third primary winding. The center tap of the seventh secondary winding of the seventh transformer is grounded through the sixth capacitor. The first end of the seventh common mode choke is connected to the seventh secondary winding, and the second end of the seventh common mode choke is connected to the third load.

[0027] The eighth primary winding of the eighth transformer is connected to the Ethernet interface to interface with the third Ethernet channel. The center tap of the eighth primary winding is connected to the center tap of the third primary winding. The center tap of the eighth secondary winding of the eighth transformer is grounded through the sixth capacitor. The first end of the eighth common-mode choke is connected to the eighth secondary winding, and the second end of the eighth common-mode choke is connected to the third load.

[0028] This application also proposes a smart mobile device, which includes a first load, a second load, and the aforementioned Ethernet power supply circuit. The Ethernet power supply circuit receives independently enabled control signals through two independent channels to independently power the first load and / or the second load.

[0029] This application employs a technical solution including a network transformer module and a power switch module. The network transformer module includes at least two network transformer units, each with a transformer connected to an Ethernet interface to transmit data signals from one Ethernet channel to the corresponding load. The power switch module includes at least two power switches, each connected to the center tap of a corresponding network transformer unit to independently output power signals to the center tap according to control signals. This ensures that the power supply signal is transmitted to the corresponding load through the corresponding network transformer unit, preventing the device from entering overcurrent protection or power-off mode due to any abnormal condition in the PoE power supply path, thus avoiding the problem of main power failure. This achieves independent power supply control and fault isolation for each PoE channel, ensuring that other critical modules of the device can still power on normally even in the event of a single point of failure. It effectively prevents system self-test failures, thereby guaranteeing the stable startup and normal operation of the overall device function. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the Ethernet power supply circuit of this application;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the network transformer unit in the Ethernet power supply circuit of this application;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a circuit diagram of the network transformer unit in the Ethernet power supply circuit of this application;

[0034] Figure 4 This is yet another structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the Ethernet power supply circuit of this application;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a detailed circuit diagram of one embodiment of the Ethernet power supply circuit of this application;

[0036] Figure 6 This application's Ethernet power supply circuit also includes a soft-start module.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the Ethernet power supply circuit of this application, which also includes a protection module.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a circuit scenario for one embodiment of the Ethernet power supply circuit of this application.

[0039] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0040] 10 Network Transformer Module 20 Power switch module 30 Soft start module 4011 Protection module 11 Network Transformer Unit 21、211～212 power switch 101～108 winding pair T1~T8 transformer K1~K8 Common mode choke C1~C7 capacitance R1~R4 resistance GND land

[0041] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0043] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this application involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0044] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this application involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution that simultaneously satisfies A and B. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0045] Currently, PoE technology is widely used to support load components such as vehicle cameras and communication modules in devices. However, in practical applications, if any abnormal situation occurs in any part of the PoE power supply path, such as a short circuit in the vehicle camera, the device may enter overcurrent protection or power-off state, thereby blocking the motherboard power supply path, causing the main power supply to fail. This prevents other critical modules of the device, such as the camera or communication module, from being powered on, which in turn triggers the system self-test failure in the device, making the entire device unable to start or enter a normal working state, thus affecting the overall function of the device.

[0046] Based on this, this application provides an Ethernet power supply circuit, which includes a network transformer module, which includes at least two network transformer units. For any one network transformer unit, the transformer in the network transformer unit is connected to an Ethernet interface. The transformer is used to receive the data signal of a corresponding Ethernet channel in the Ethernet interface and transmit the data signal to the corresponding load. The power switch module includes at least two power switches. For any one power switch, the power switch is connected to the intermediate tap of a corresponding network transformer unit and is used to output a power supply signal to the intermediate tap according to the corresponding control signal, so that the transformer corresponding to the intermediate tap transmits the power supply signal to the corresponding load. Under the control of the control signal, the corresponding load among multiple loads is independently powered through an independent channel. An independent channel consists of a network transformer unit and a power switch.

[0047] This application employs a technical solution including a network transformer module and a power switch module. The network transformer module includes at least two network transformer units, each with a transformer connected to an Ethernet interface to transmit data signals from one Ethernet channel to the corresponding load. The power switch module includes at least two power switches, each connected to the center tap of a corresponding network transformer unit to independently output power signals to the center tap according to control signals. This ensures that the power supply signal is transmitted to the corresponding load through the corresponding network transformer unit, preventing the device from entering overcurrent protection or power-off mode due to any abnormal condition in the PoE power supply path, thus avoiding the problem of main power failure. This achieves independent power supply control and fault isolation for each PoE channel, ensuring that other critical modules of the device can still power on normally even in the event of a single point of failure. It effectively prevents system self-test failures, thereby guaranteeing the stable startup and normal operation of the overall device function.

[0048] This application proposes a Power over Ethernet (PoE) circuit, referring to... Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a Power over Ethernet (PoE) circuit according to an embodiment of this application. In this embodiment, the PoE circuit includes:

[0049] The network transformer module 10 includes at least two network transformer units 11. For any one network transformer unit 11, the transformer in the network transformer unit 11 is connected to the Ethernet interface. The transformer is used to receive the data signal of a corresponding Ethernet channel in the Ethernet interface and transmit the data signal to the corresponding load.

[0050] The power switch module 20 includes at least two power switches 21. For any one power switch 21, the power switch 21 is connected to the intermediate tap of a corresponding network transformer unit 11. It is used to output a power supply signal to the intermediate tap according to the corresponding control signal, so that the transformer corresponding to the intermediate tap transmits the power supply signal to the corresponding load. Under the control of the control signal, the corresponding load among multiple loads is independently powered through an independent channel. An independent channel is composed of a network transformer unit 11 and a power switch 21.

[0051] It should be noted that the network transformer unit 11 is a fundamental component within the network transformer module 10. Its core comprises a network transformer consisting of a transformer, a common-mode choke, and a center tap. The core objective of this network transformer is to provide signal coupling and electrical isolation, specifically serving the integrity and anti-interference capabilities of high-speed differential data signals in communication scenarios such as Ethernet. This differs from conventional transformers, which focus on power conversion and voltage transformation. Specifically, the network transformer ensures low-loss transmission of high-frequency signals through its integrated high-performance magnetic core material and precision winding structure. It also suppresses external common-mode noise interference with differential signals using a common-mode choke. Furthermore, its unique center tap design provides a DC injection path for PoE power supply, allowing power and data to coexist on the same twisted pair without interference. Ultimately, this enables the simultaneous completion of high-speed data communication and remote power supply in complex electromagnetic environments (such as automotive systems), whereas conventional transformers only focus on energy transfer and voltage level conversion.

[0052] Network transformer unit 11 connects to a specific Ethernet interface via a transformer, such as the two pairs of differential lines in an Ethernet PHY (Port Physical Layer) interface. This is specifically used to process the data signals in this Ethernet interface, achieving data signal coupling, impedance matching, and electrical isolation. Simultaneously, the common-mode choke in this unit is responsible for transmitting the data signals and subsequently injected power supply signals to the corresponding load in the downstream stage. The data signals refer to the differential electrical signals carrying information transmitted through the Ethernet interface. These differential electrical signals are transmitted via the Ethernet channel, and their essence is high-speed changing data pulses used for digital communication between loads such as vehicle cameras and communication modules and the motherboard or other devices.

[0053] Power switch 21 refers to a controlled electronic switching element in the power switching module, such as a MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Transistor) or a dedicated power management IC (Integrated Circuit). Its input is connected to the main power supply, and its output is connected to the center tap of a specific network transformer unit. Power switch 21 receives an external control signal and determines whether to output power from the main power supply based on the enable or disable command corresponding to the control signal, thereby realizing independent and programmable on / off control of the PoE power supply for this channel. The power supply signal is a DC signal output from the main power supply via power switch 21 and injected into the Ethernet cable pair through the center tap of network transformer unit 11. It is the power that provides energy to the remote load in PoE technology. This power supply signal and data signal coexist on the same twisted pair but do not interfere with each other. After being transmitted through a common-mode choke, it finally reaches the load end to provide the power required for its normal operation.

[0054] Understandably, in practical applications, any abnormality in the PoE power supply path can trigger the overcurrent protection or shutdown of the main power supply, leading to a power outage and system startup failure. To address this, this embodiment employs a technical solution comprising a network transformer module 10 and a power switch module 20. Each network transformer unit 11 of the network transformer module 10 is responsible for independently transmitting data signals from an Ethernet channel to its load. Each independent power switch 21 of the power switch module 20 outputs a power supply signal to the center tap of the corresponding network transformer unit 11 according to a control signal. This provides an independent PoE power supply path for a specific load through a common-mode choke, avoiding the technical problem of a single load failure causing a complete power outage of the main power supply. It achieves separate control and fault isolation of each power supply channel, ensuring the normal power-on of critical modules in the device and the stable startup of the system.

[0055] Furthermore, because the power-on sequence of different loads in current PoE technology is uncontrollable, it is not conducive to achieving differentiated power supply for modules such as those at the front and rear of the vehicle, and it is easy to cause voltage fluctuations and erroneously trigger the safety protection mechanism of the equipment. Therefore, through this embodiment, a high degree of controllability of the power-on sequence of different loads in different devices can be achieved, ensuring that the power supply scheme of each load can be configured independently, thereby further ensuring the stable startup and normal operation of the overall equipment. For example, an on-board system equipped with the Ethernet power supply circuit of this embodiment can establish completely independent power supply channels for the two loads, the front module and the rear module: the first independent channel consists of a first network transformer unit and a first power switch, and the second independent channel consists of a second network transformer unit and a second power switch. The first power switch receives a first control signal and provides a power supply signal of, for example, 12V / 2A to the front module through the middle tap of the first network transformer unit; at the same time, the second power switch receives an independent second control signal and provides a power supply signal of, for example, 5V / 1A to the rear module through the middle tap of the second network transformer unit. The power supply voltage, current, and power-on sequence of the two channels are all controlled differently through their respective control signals. When a short circuit fault occurs in the rear module, the second control signal can independently shut off the second power switch, isolating the fault while ensuring the power supply channel of the front module continues to operate normally. When a short circuit fault occurs in the front module, the first control signal can also independently shut off the first power switch, isolating the fault while ensuring the power supply channel of the rear module continues to operate normally. When both the front and rear modules experience short circuit faults, the first and second control signals can independently shut off the first and second power switches, respectively, to ensure the normal power supply to other loads that may be connected to the power supply circuit, thereby achieving true fault isolation and differentiated power supply management.

[0056] As an example, please refer to Figure 2The network transformer unit 11 also includes:

[0057] The first winding pair 101, in which the first primary winding of the first transformer T1 is connected to the Ethernet interface, is used to receive the first set of data signals of a corresponding Ethernet channel in the Ethernet interface, and transmit the first set of data signals to the corresponding load through the first common mode choke K1 of the first winding pair 101;

[0058] The second winding pair 102, in which the second primary winding of the second transformer T2 is connected to the Ethernet interface, is used to receive the second set of data signals from the Ethernet channel and transmit the second set of data signals to the load through the second common-mode choke K2 of the second winding pair 102.

[0059] It should be noted that the first winding pair 101 is the complete electromagnetic structure in the network transformer unit 11 used to process one set of differential data signals within an Ethernet channel, namely the first set of data signals. This winding pair consists of a first transformer T1 and a first common-mode choke K1 integrated with or matched with it. The term "first" is used to distinguish and correspond in technical description to another winding pair within the same network transformer unit 11 that processes another set of differential signals within the same Ethernet channel. The two are structurally symmetrical and functionally independent but belong to the same physical unit, working together to complete the transmission of all data signals for a single Ethernet channel. The first set of data signals is one of two sets of differential data signals transmitted within an Ethernet channel via the Ethernet interface; it can be the transmit signals TX+ and TX-, or the receive signals RX+ and RX-. The designation of this data signal as "first set" is also for descriptive purposes, forming a clear correspondence with the aforementioned "first winding pair," indicating that this specific set of differential signals is specifically coupled and transmitted by the "first winding pair."

[0060] The second winding pair 102 is another electromagnetic structure that coexists with the first winding pair 101 within the same network transformer unit 11, is structurally symmetrical, and has the same function. This winding pair consists of a second transformer T2 and its second common-mode choke K2. The term "second" is used to clearly indicate that this winding pair is an independent winding pair within the unit used to process another set of differential data signals in the same Ethernet channel, namely the second set of data signals. It works in conjunction with the first winding pair 101 to jointly realize the bidirectional or complete data transmission function of a single Ethernet channel. The second set of data signals refers to another set of differential data signals transmitted in parallel with the first set of data signals within the same Ethernet channel. If the first set is a transmit pair TX+ / -, then the second set is a receive pair RX+ / -, and vice versa. The term "second set" is used to establish a clear logical association with the first set of data signals and the second winding pair 102, indicating that this set of data signals is specifically processed and transmitted by the second winding pair 102.

[0061] This embodiment further defines each network transformer unit 11 as including two winding pairs, wherein the first winding pair 101 is dedicated to receiving and transmitting the first set of data signals (such as TX+ / -) of the Ethernet channel, and the second winding pair 102 is dedicated to receiving and transmitting the second set of data signals (such as RX+ / -) of the channel. Thus, structurally, it is clear that a physical network transformer unit 11 contains two independent and symmetrical winding systems to jointly serve an Ethernet channel. This avoids problems such as signal cross-interference, unclear power supply paths, or inconsistencies in manufacturing and application that may be caused by unclear internal structural definitions of the unit. It achieves standardized, symmetrical management and transmission of all data signals in a single Ethernet channel, and also lays a clear structural foundation for more refined power supply tap connection methods.

[0062] Additionally, it should be noted that, referring to Figure 3 The intermediate tap of the first primary winding of the first transformer T1 is connected to the intermediate tap of the second primary winding of the second transformer T2. The intermediate tap of the first primary winding of the first transformer T1 and the intermediate tap of the second primary winding of the second transformer T2 are connected through the first capacitor C1. The intermediate tap of the first primary winding is grounded to GND. The power switch 21 is connected to the intermediate tap of the corresponding second primary winding of the second transformer T2. The intermediate taps of each first primary winding and the second primary winding in the network transformer module 20 are interconnected.

[0063] Understandably, in order to provide an effective discharge path for common-mode noise and improve EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) performance, by connecting the center tap of the first primary winding to the center tap of the second primary winding, and connecting the center tap of the first primary winding to ground (GND) through the first capacitor C1 and simultaneously to the center tap of the second primary winding, a low-impedance return path for common-mode current is provided. This avoids the problem of high-frequency common-mode noise propagating and radiating within the system, thereby effectively suppressing common-mode interference and significantly improving system signal integrity and EMC performance.

[0064] In order to achieve efficient and stable power supply and reduce interference to data signals, the power switch 21 is connected to the intermediate taps of the primary winding and the secondary winding of each primary winding and the secondary winding of each corresponding network transformer unit 11, that is, the intermediate taps of the secondary windings of transformers T1 and T2 in the first winding pair 101 and the second winding pair 102. The power supply signal is injected from the secondary side of the transformer, avoiding the introduction of a high current power supply path to the primary side circuit that is directly connected to the Ethernet interface and has extremely high requirements for signal integrity. This reduces the crosstalk of power supply to sensitive data signals, realizes the optimized isolation of power supply and signal transmission in the physical path, and ensures the quality of data transmission.

[0065] In addition, to ensure the stability and consistency of the power supply voltage of each channel and to prevent different voltage drops due to path differences, the intermediate taps of the first primary winding and the second primary winding of all network transformer units 11 in the network transformer module 10 are interconnected and connected to a common power supply reference point. This provides a unified, low-impedance power supply reference for the primary side circuits of all channels, avoiding the problem of DC bias drift of data signals or decreased common-mode noise suppression capability that may be caused by inconsistent power supply reference point potentials of each channel. This stabilizes the primary side operating point of each channel and enhances the overall stability of the system.

[0066] In one feasible implementation, please refer to Figure 4 The number of network transformer units 11 is greater than or equal to the number of power switches 21.

[0067] Understandably, in actual automotive applications, some loads (such as roof-mounted camera modules) only need to receive data signals and do not require power supply via PoE. To avoid increasing costs and complicating the layout by configuring redundant power switches 21 for these purely data loads, this embodiment sets the number of network transformer units 11 to be greater than or equal to the number of power switches 21. This explicitly allows a certain number of network transformer units 11 in the system design to not be connected to any power switch, i.e., the middle tap of their corresponding secondary winding is grounded through a third capacitor. This avoids the waste of hardware costs, PCB space occupation, and increased potential failure points caused by adding power switches 21 for loads that do not require power supply. It enables flexible configuration of power supply and pure data channels according to the actual needs of the load, thereby optimizing the system structure and scalability.

[0068] For example, three network transformer units 11 are configured in the vehicle-mounted equipment to correspond to three Ethernet channels, but only two power switches 21 are configured. Two of the network transformer units 11 are connected to the two power switches respectively, providing PoE power and data transmission for two loads requiring power (such as the front and rear of the vehicle). The third network transformer unit is dedicated to connecting a pure data camera module on the roof. The center tap of the secondary winding of this unit is grounded via a capacitor for EMC filtering only. Its power switch position is left empty without soldering components, thus allowing this channel to transmit data signals without providing power. This achieves the requirement of supporting mixed loads simultaneously on a single hardware platform, optimizing cost and layout. Please refer to... Figure 5 The specific connection structure of this example can be as follows:

[0069] The network transformer module 10 includes at least a first network transformer unit, a second network transformer unit, and a third network transformer unit. The first network transformer unit includes a third winding pair 103 and a fourth winding pair 104. The second network transformer unit includes a fifth winding pair 105 and a sixth winding pair 106. The third network transformer unit includes a seventh winding pair 107 and an eighth winding pair 108. The power switch module includes at least a first power switch 211 and a second power switch 212.

[0070] The third winding is connected to the third primary winding of the third transformer T3 in 103 and to the Ethernet interface to connect to the first Ethernet channel P1 in the Ethernet interface. The middle tap of the third primary winding is grounded to GND via the third capacitor C3. The middle tap of the third secondary winding of the third transformer T3 is connected to the first terminal of the fourth capacitor C4 and ground GND respectively. The second terminal of the fourth capacitor C4 is connected to the first power switch 211. The first terminal of the third common mode choke K3 in 103 is connected to the third secondary winding. The second terminal of the third common mode choke K3 is connected to the first load.

[0071] The fourth winding is connected to the fourth primary winding of the fourth transformer T4 in 104 and the Ethernet interface to connect to the first Ethernet channel P1. The middle tap of the fourth primary winding is connected to the middle tap of the third primary winding. The middle tap of the fourth secondary winding is connected to the second end of the fourth capacitor C4. The first end of the fourth common mode choke K4 in 104 is connected to the fourth secondary winding. The second end of the fourth common mode choke K4 is connected to the first load.

[0072] The fifth winding of the fifth primary winding of the fifth transformer T5 in the fifth winding pair 105 is connected to the Ethernet interface to connect to the second Ethernet channel P2 in the Ethernet interface. The middle tap of the fifth primary winding is connected to the middle tap of the third primary winding. The middle tap of the fifth secondary winding of the fifth transformer T5 is connected to the first terminal of the fifth capacitor C5 and ground GND respectively. The second terminal of the fifth capacitor C5 is connected to the second power switch 212. The first terminal of the fifth common mode choke K5 in the fifth winding pair 105 is connected to the fifth secondary winding. The second terminal of the fifth common mode choke K5 is connected to the second load.

[0073] The sixth winding is connected to the sixth primary winding of the sixth transformer T6 in 106 and the Ethernet interface to connect to the second Ethernet channel P2. The middle tap of the sixth primary winding is connected to the middle tap of the third primary winding. The middle tap of the sixth secondary winding of the sixth transformer T6 is connected to the second terminal of the fifth capacitor C5. The first terminal of the sixth common mode choke K6 in 106 is connected to the sixth secondary winding. The second terminal of the sixth common mode choke K6 is connected to the second load.

[0074] The seventh winding is connected to the seventh primary winding of the seventh transformer T7 in 107 and to the Ethernet interface to connect to the third Ethernet channel P3 in the Ethernet interface. The center tap of the seventh primary winding is connected to the center tap of the third primary winding. The center tap of the seventh secondary winding of the seventh transformer T7 is grounded to GND through the sixth capacitor C6. The first end of the seventh common mode choke K7 in 107 is connected to the seventh secondary winding, and the second end of the seventh common mode choke K7 is connected to the third load.

[0075] The eighth winding is connected to the eighth primary winding of the eighth transformer T8 in 108 and the Ethernet interface to connect to the third Ethernet channel P3. The center tap of the eighth primary winding is connected to the center tap of the third primary winding. The center tap of the eighth secondary winding of the eighth transformer T8 is grounded to GND through the sixth capacitor C6. The first end of the eighth common mode choke K8 in 108 is connected to the eighth secondary winding. The second end of the eighth common mode choke K8 is connected to the third load.

[0076] In one feasible implementation, please refer to Figure 6 The Power over Ethernet circuit also includes a soft-start module 30, which includes:

[0077] The second capacitor C2 has its first terminal connected to the power switch module 20, and its second terminal grounded to GND.

[0078] If the power switch 21 is turned on quickly and directly at the moment of conduction, a huge surge current will be generated. This current is very likely to trigger the overcurrent protection circuit of the main power supply, causing the main power supply to lose power. This directly violates the core purpose of this application: to isolate faults and ensure stable power-on of the system. Therefore, this embodiment grounds the power switch module 20 through the second capacitor C2 in the soft-start module 30. The second capacitor C2 and the internal circuit of the power switch 21 form an RC delay loop, thereby extending the effective rise time of the control signal and realizing the soft start of the power switch 21. This avoids the problem of falsely triggering the main power supply protection due to the instantaneous large current surge, thereby achieving the effects of suppressing surge current, smoothly establishing the power supply voltage, and improving the system EMC and power-on reliability.

[0079] In one feasible implementation, please refer to Figure 7 The Power over Ethernet (PoE) circuit also includes:

[0080] Protection module 40 is connected to power switch module 20 and is used to receive control signals and transmit the control signals to power switch module 20 after pulling the level low and / or limiting the current.

[0081] It is understandable that the original control signal from the main controller may generate spikes or noise due to line interference or instantaneous fluctuations, causing the power switch 21 to be turned on or off erroneously, thereby causing power supply abnormalities or even triggering the main power supply protection. Therefore, this embodiment is proposed. By adding a protection module 40 connected to the power switch module 20, the protection module 40 is used to pull the level of the received control signal low (such as shunting part of the current) and / or limit the current during transmission, avoiding the problem of power switch malfunction caused by noise or voltage overshoot on the control signal. This shaping and purification of the control signal ensures that the power switch 21 only operates under the drive of a high-confidence stable signal, thereby further improving the reliability of the system power supply.

[0082] As an example, protection module 40 includes:

[0083] The first resistor R1 has a first terminal used to receive control signals and a second terminal grounded to GND.

[0084] The second resistor R2 has its first end used to receive control signals, and its second end connected to the power switch module 20.

[0085] This example uses a first resistor R1 to receive the control signal at its first end and ground to GND at its second end to form a pull-down circuit. Similarly, the first end of the second resistor R2 receives the control signal and the second end is connected to the power switch module 20 to form a current limiting circuit. Thus, the first resistor R1 reliably pulls the level of the control signal to ground when there is no effective drive, avoiding the problem of the power switch being turned on erroneously due to noise introduced by line interference or floating. At the same time, the second resistor R2 limits the current intensity flowing into the pin of the power switch control 20, avoiding the problem of damage to the internal precision control circuit of the power switch 21 or misjudgment due to instantaneous overcurrent. This achieves dual purification and protection of the control signal, ensuring the absolute reliability of the power switch operation, and thus improving the robustness and stability of the entire PoE circuit.

[0086] For example, in order to refer to the specific circuits of each implementation in the above embodiments, please refer to Figure 8 Specifically, the functions of power switch 21 in the figure include: controlling the 12V voltage output; providing switch control, i.e., enabling / disabling the EN input; outputting status feedback through the QOD pin; and overcurrent and short-circuit protection. It should be noted that in this power switch 21, the VIN pin is used to connect to the +12V main power supply, the GND pin is grounded, the EN / UVLO pins are used to connect to external control signals, such as high-level enable, the CT pin is used to connect an external capacitor and set the soft-start time, the QOD pin is used to output an overload signal, the VOUT pin is used to output the supply voltage, and EN_12V_POES / EN_12V_POEL are two control signals. For example, a high level enables the 12V output. In this embodiment, when the electronic device used in the circuit is a self-propelled vehicle, these two control signals can respectively correspond to the loads at the front and rear of the self-propelled vehicle to achieve differentiated power supply. The Ethernet PHY interface is divided into three Ethernet channels (P1, P2, P3). Each Ethernet channel has two sets of differential pairs of data signals (group A and group B). Each group has a positive terminal (P) and a negative terminal (N). For example, the meaning of P1MDIBN in the figure is: P3 (corresponding to Ethernet channel P3) + MDIB (corresponding to group B of the MDI differential line) + N (corresponding to the negative terminal of the differential pair).

[0087] Taking Ethernet channel P1 as an example, the data signal output process is as follows: The differential data signals (P1MDIBP / P1MDIBN, P1MDIAP / P1MDIAN) output by the Ethernet PHY interface enter the primary winding of the third transformer T3 in the third winding pair 103 and the primary winding of the fourth transformer T4 in the fourth winding pair 104 through Ethernet channel P1. After magnetic coupling, the signals are output to the corresponding loads through the secondary windings of the third transformer T3 and the fourth transformer T4. That is, EXT_P1MDIBP / EXT_P1MDIBN, EXT_P1MDIAP / EXT_P1MDIAN in the figure are connected to Pin1 (TX+), Pin 2 (TX-), Pin 3 (RX+), and Pin 6 (RX-) of the RJ45 interface, respectively.

[0088] As for the transmission of the power supply signal: when the control signal EN_12V_POES is high, the VOUT pin of the first power switch 211 outputs the power supply signal (12V DC) to the center tap of group A (P1MDIAP / N pairs), and the center tap distributes the power supply signal equally to EXT_P1MDIAP and EXT_P1MDIAN.

[0089] It should be noted that load devices typically come with a PoE PD (Power Delivery) chip, which extracts DC power from the RJ45 interface via magnetic coupling or a rectifier bridge to power internal logic / camera / communication modules, etc. Furthermore, since the network transformer units 11 and power switches 21 in the figure have the same structure and similar functions, as shown in the figure, another network transformer unit 11 (composed of T5, K5, T6, and K6) is different from the above-mentioned unit. This unit processes the differential data signals P2MDIBP / P2MDIBN and P2MDIAP / P2MDIAN of another Ethernet channel P2, and finally outputs the signal to the corresponding load through the secondary winding, namely EXT_P2MDIBP / EXT_P2MDIBN and EXT_P2MDIAP / EXT_P2MDIAN in the figure. At the same time, it also transmits the power supply signal of the corresponding second power switch 212 to the corresponding load. Among them, C7 constitutes another soft start module 30, and R3 and R4 constitute another protection module 40. The relevant contents can be referred to the contents of the first power switch 211, the soft start module 30 composed of C2, and the protection module 40 composed of R1 and R2. Therefore, the specific technical solutions will not be described in detail.

[0090] Additionally, it is understood that this example only shows an instance where the number of network transformer units exceeds the number of power switches by one. The additional network transformer unit (composed of T7, K7, T8, and K8) corresponds to the differential data signals P3MDIBP / P3MDIBN and P3MDIAP / P3MDIAN in the diagram. The data signal transmission process of this network transformer unit is the same as that of network transformer unit 11 described above, but this network transformer unit does not participate in the transmission of power supply signals. For example, this network transformer unit could correspond to a camera module on the roof of a vehicle, which only requires data signals. This embodiment does not impose any limitation on the number of network transformer units that exceed the number of power switches, i.e., the number of network transformer units that only participate in data signal transmission and not in the transmission of power supply signals.

[0091] This application also proposes a smart mobile device, which includes a first load, a second load, and an Ethernet power supply circuit. The Ethernet power supply circuit receives independently enabled control signals through two independent channels to independently power the first load and / or the second load. The specific structure of the Ethernet power supply circuit is as described in the above embodiments. Since this smart mobile device adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be elaborated here.

[0092] The above are merely exemplary embodiments of this application and do not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of this application and the contents of the specification and drawings of this application, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A Power over Ethernet (PoE) circuit, characterized in that, The Power over Ethernet (PoE) circuit includes: A network transformer module, comprising at least two network transformer units, wherein in any one network transformer unit, the transformer is connected to an Ethernet interface, and the transformer is used to receive data signals from a corresponding Ethernet channel in the Ethernet interface and transmit the data signals to the corresponding load; A power switch module includes at least two power switches. For any one power switch, the power switch is connected to the intermediate tap of a corresponding network transformer unit and is used to output a power supply signal to the intermediate tap according to a corresponding control signal, so that the transformer corresponding to the intermediate tap transmits the power supply signal to the corresponding load. Under the control of the control signal, the corresponding load among multiple loads is independently powered through an independent channel. The independent channel is composed of a network transformer unit and a power switch.

2. The Ethernet power supply circuit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The network transformer unit also includes: The first winding pair, wherein the first primary winding of the first transformer in the first winding pair is connected to the Ethernet interface, is used to receive the first set of data signals of a corresponding Ethernet channel in the Ethernet interface, and transmit the first set of data signals to the corresponding load through the first common mode choke of the first winding pair; The second winding pair, wherein the second primary winding of the second transformer in the second winding pair is connected to the Ethernet interface, is used to receive the second set of data signals of the Ethernet channel and transmit the second set of data signals to the load through the second common-mode choke of the second winding pair.

3. The Ethernet power supply circuit as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The center tap of the first primary winding is connected to the center tap of the second primary winding. The center tap of the first primary winding of the first transformer is connected to the center tap of the second secondary winding of the second transformer via a first capacitor. The center tap of the first primary winding is grounded.

4. The Ethernet power supply circuit as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The power switch is connected to the center tap of one of the corresponding secondary windings.

5. The Ethernet power supply circuit as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The intermediate taps of each of the first primary windings and the second primary windings in the network transformer module are interconnected.

6. The Power over Ethernet circuit of claim 1, wherein, The Power over Ethernet circuit also includes a soft-start module, which includes: The second capacitor has its first terminal connected to the power switch module and its second terminal grounded.

7. The Ethernet power supply circuit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The Ethernet power supply circuit also includes: A protection module, connected to the power switch module, is used to receive the control signal and transmit the control signal to the power switch module after pulling the level low and / or limiting the current.

8. The Ethernet power supply circuit as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The protection module includes: A first resistor, wherein a first end of the first resistor is used to receive the control signal, and a second end of the first resistor is grounded; The second resistor has a first end for receiving the control signal and a second end connected to the power switch module.

9. The Ethernet power supply circuit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The network transformer module includes at least a first network transformer unit, a second network transformer unit, and a third network transformer unit. The first network transformer unit includes a third winding pair and a fourth winding pair. The second network transformer unit includes a fifth winding pair and a sixth winding pair. The third network transformer unit includes a seventh winding pair and an eighth winding pair. The power switch module includes at least a first power switch and a second power switch. The third winding is connected to the third primary winding of the third transformer and to the Ethernet interface to connect to the first Ethernet channel in the Ethernet interface. The center tap of the third primary winding is grounded through the third capacitor. The center tap of the third secondary winding of the third transformer is connected to the first terminal of the fourth capacitor and ground respectively. The second terminal of the fourth capacitor is connected to the first power switch. The first terminal of the third common mode choke is connected to the third secondary winding. The second terminal of the third common mode choke is connected to the first load. The fourth winding is connected to the fourth primary winding of the fourth transformer and to the Ethernet interface to interface with the first Ethernet channel. The center tap of the fourth primary winding is connected to the center tap of the third primary winding. The center tap of the fourth secondary winding of the fourth transformer is connected to the second end of the fourth capacitor. The first end of the fourth common-mode choke is connected to the fourth secondary winding. The second end of the fourth common-mode choke is connected to the first load. The fifth primary winding of the fifth transformer in the fifth winding alignment is connected to the Ethernet interface to interface with the second Ethernet channel in the Ethernet interface. The center tap of the fifth primary winding is connected to the center tap of the third primary winding. The center tap of the fifth secondary winding of the fifth transformer is connected to the first terminal of the fifth capacitor and ground respectively. The second terminal of the fifth capacitor is connected to the second power switch. The first terminal of the fifth common-mode choke in the fifth winding alignment is connected to the fifth secondary winding. The second terminal of the fifth common-mode choke is connected to the second load. The sixth primary winding of the sixth transformer is connected to the Ethernet interface to interface with the second Ethernet channel. The center tap of the sixth primary winding is connected to the center tap of the third primary winding. The center tap of the sixth secondary winding of the sixth transformer is connected to the second terminal of the fifth capacitor. The first terminal of the sixth common-mode choke is connected to the sixth secondary winding. The second terminal of the sixth common-mode choke is connected to the second load. The seventh winding is connected to the seventh primary winding of the seventh transformer and to the Ethernet interface to connect to the third Ethernet channel in the Ethernet interface. The center tap of the seventh primary winding is connected to the center tap of the third primary winding. The center tap of the seventh secondary winding of the seventh transformer is grounded through the sixth capacitor. The first end of the seventh common mode choke is connected to the seventh secondary winding, and the second end of the seventh common mode choke is connected to the third load. The eighth primary winding of the eighth transformer is connected to the Ethernet interface to interface with the third Ethernet channel. The center tap of the eighth primary winding is connected to the center tap of the third primary winding. The center tap of the eighth secondary winding of the eighth transformer is grounded through the sixth capacitor. The first end of the eighth common-mode choke is connected to the eighth secondary winding, and the second end of the eighth common-mode choke is connected to the third load.

10. A smart mobile device, characterized in that, The smart mobile device includes a first load, a second load, and an Ethernet power supply circuit as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the Ethernet power supply circuit receives independently enabled control signals through two independent channels to independently power the first load and / or the second load.

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