Battery-assisted power-over-ethernet powered device

Abstract

In various example embodiments, a battery-assisted PoE powered device is provided that includes a local battery pack for providing a burst of power to a device load in excess of the continuous power available via PoE. A charger / path controller charges the local battery pack during periods of time when the device load consumes less power than available via PoE (e.g., consumes less than the 71 W of guaranteed continuous power under IEEE 802.3bt). During periods of time when the device load demands more power than available via PoE (e.g., when peak power is demanded by an audio speaker, when inrush occurs in a motor, or for various types of intermittent devices when they are activated) the charger / path controller discharges the battery pack, to drive the device load with a combination of PoE and battery power.

Description

BACKGROUNDTechnical Field[0001]The present disclosure relates generally to audio, video and automation devices in and about residential and commercial structures, and more specifically to Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) powered devices.Background Information[0002]PoE is becoming an increasingly popular method of powering audio devices (e.g., speakers, amplifiers, receivers, etc.), video device (e.g., televisions, monitors, video decoders. etc.), automation devices (e.g., controllers, cameras, door locks, lighting devices, motor-actuated devices, etc.) and other types of powered devices in and about residential and commercial structures. Using PoE technology, power sourcing equipment (PSE), such as a PoE switch, delivers both power and data to a powered device over twisted pair Ethernet cabling (e.g., Cat 5 cabling, Cat 6 cabling, etc.). Providing both power and data over Ethernet cabling can greatly simply wiring installation and save cost. Different PoE standards have been released by th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a device that uses a battery to provide extra power to a device when it needs more power than what is available through a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) cable. The device has a controller that charges the battery when the device is using less power than what it needs, and then uses the battery to supplement the power when the device needs more power. This design ensures that the device always has enough power, even when it is running at peak performance.

Problems solved by technology

However, as technology developed, many devices demanded more power.

However, again new technology demanded more power.

While the 71 W of ensured continuous power of Type 4 PoE is an improvement over past standards, even at its time of release it is insufficient for some devices that could benefit from PoE technology.

Likewise, some home automation devices, such as motor-actuated devices, may draw inrush current that exceeds 71 W when energized.

In general, audio, video, home automation devices and other devices may require large amounts of power during at least some periods of their operation.

As technology progresses, it is likely more and more devices will demand more power, causing Type 4 PoE to lose its viability, much like its predecessors.

While additional standards may be developed to supersede IEEE 802.3bt, that provide more than 71 W of ensured continuous power, ever increasing standards are not a long term solution.

As technology marches forward, power demands are likely to go up and up, while there are theoretical limits on how much continuous power can be passed over Ethernet cabling.

At some point, new standards will be unable to further increase continuous power that can be sent over Ethernet cabling.

Accordingly, shifting to a new cabling technology may not be a desirable solution.

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