Isolation device, isolation assembly, power sourcing equipment, and power over ethernet system

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of power over Ethernet (PoE), and provides an isolation device, an isolation assembly, a power sourcing equipment, and a PoE system. In the isolation device provided by the present application, at least one transformer can realize transmission of a data signal, and a current protector can realize transmission of a voltage signal, thus it can be ensured that the PoE system can operate normally. Moreover, when electric leakage occurs in the PoE system, the current protector can be turned off, thereby preventing leakage voltage or leakage current from flowing back to the power sourcing equipment, and thus effectively reducing the probability of damage to the power sourcing equipment. In addition, when the current protector is turned off, the at least one transformer can still work normally, and correspondingly, the data transmission function of the PoE system is not affected.

Description

Isolation devices, isolation components, power supply equipment and Ethernet power supply systems

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application with application number 202311240024.X filed on September 22, 2023, and invention name “Isolation device, isolation component, power supply equipment and Ethernet power supply system”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of Ethernet power supply, and in particular to an isolation device, an isolation component, a power supply device and an Ethernet power supply system. Background Art

[0003] A Power over Ethernet (PoE) system typically consists of power sourcing equipment (PSE) and powered devices (PD), connected via an Ethernet twisted-pair cable. The PSE not only provides power to the PD but also exchanges data signals with the PD over the same Ethernet twisted-pair cable.

[0004] During PoE system operation, if the PD chassis is abnormally connected to the external power grid, or if the Ethernet twisted pair cable is abnormally connected to external power lines, abnormal leakage voltage will be applied to the Ethernet twisted pair cable. This abnormal leakage voltage will flow back into the PSE, causing internal components (such as the transformer, physical layer chip, and protection devices) to burn out.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides an isolation device, an isolation assembly, a power supply device and an Ethernet power supply system, which can solve the technical problem in the related art that abnormal leakage voltage loaded on the Ethernet twisted pair cable flows back to the PSE, causing the components in the PSE to burn out.

[0007] In a first aspect, an isolation device is provided for use in an Ethernet power supply system, the Ethernet power supply system including a power supply device and a powered device. The isolation device includes: a current protector and at least one transformer, the at least one transformer being connected between a first chip of the power supply device and a second chip of the powered device, the first chip including a power supply chip and a physical layer chip, and the second chip including a powered chip and a physical layer chip. One end of the current protector is connected to a first center tap of the at least one transformer on a side close to the first chip, and the other end of the current protector is connected to a second center tap of the at least one transformer on a side close to the second chip. Furthermore, the current protector is configured to disconnect the first center tap from the second center tap if the current flowing through the current is greater than a threshold value. That is, the current protector is configured to remain in an off state when the current is overloaded.

[0008] When a leakage occurs in the PoE system, the current protector in the isolation device can be shut off, preventing the leakage voltage or current from flowing back into the power supply equipment, effectively reducing the possibility of damage to the power supply equipment. Furthermore, after the current protector is shut off, at least one transformer in the isolation device can still operate normally, and accordingly, the data transmission function of the PoE system is not affected.

[0009] Optionally, the isolation device may include a transformer. A first side winding of the transformer is used to connect to the first chip, and a second side winding of the transformer is used to connect to the second chip. Accordingly, the first center tap is the center tap of the first side winding, and the second center tap is the center tap of the second side winding.

[0010] It is understandable that if both the first and second windings of the transformer support PoE current flow, that is, the current flow capacity of the windings on both sides of the transformer is greater than the current threshold, then only one transformer can be used in the isolation device. This can effectively reduce the size of the isolation device.

[0011] Optionally, the at least one transformer may include: a first transformer and a second transformer. The first side winding of the first transformer is used to connect to the first chip, the first side winding of the second transformer is used to connect to the second chip, and the second side winding of the first transformer is connected to the second side winding of the second transformer. Accordingly, the first center tap is the center tap of the first side winding of the first transformer, and the second center tap is the center tap of the first side winding of the second transformer.

[0012] In the solution provided in the present application, the isolation device can also be formed by connecting two transformers in cascade, and the current protector is connected across both sides of the two transformers to achieve the isolation protection function.

[0013] Optionally, the current carrying capacity of the first winding of the first transformer and the first winding of the second transformer can both be greater than or equal to a current threshold. Furthermore, the current carrying capacity of the second winding of the first transformer and the second winding of the second transformer can both be less than the current threshold. In other words, both transformers in the isolation device can be transformers with only one winding supporting PoE current, thereby effectively reducing the requirements for the heat dissipation capacity of the transformers.

[0014] It is understood that in scenarios where two cascaded transformers are used as isolation devices, both transformers can support PoE current on both windings. Alternatively, one of the two transformers can support PoE current on both windings, while the other transformer can support PoE current on only one winding.

[0015] Optionally, the current protector can be a fuse, a current limiting chip, or a thermistor. Using a fuse as the current protector can ensure that the isolation device is small and cost-effective. Using a current limiting chip or a thermistor (e.g., a thermistor) as the current protector allows for multiple leakage protections because the protective function of these devices can be restored after the voltage or current decreases.

[0016] Optionally, the current protector may be a fast-blow fuse that can quickly blow when the current flowing through the fuse exceeds a threshold value, thereby effectively preventing the transformer from being damaged.

[0017] In a second aspect, an isolation assembly is provided, which includes a plurality of isolation devices provided in the first aspect.

[0018] Optionally, the isolation assembly may include four isolation devices, and the four isolation devices may be encapsulated in a housing.

[0019] In a third aspect, a power supply device is provided, which may include: a power supply chip, a physical layer chip, an Ethernet electrical port, and the isolation component provided in the second aspect. The power supply chip and the physical layer chip are connected to the Ethernet electrical port via the isolation component.

[0020] The solution provided by this application can encapsulate the isolation component in the power supply device, thereby effectively simplifying the structural complexity of the PoE system. It is understandable that if the power supply device includes multiple Ethernet electrical ports, the power supply device can be integrated with multiple isolation components corresponding to the multiple Ethernet electrical ports.

[0021] Optionally, the Ethernet electrical port may include four pairs of pins, and the isolation component may include four isolation devices corresponding to the four pairs of pins, wherein each isolation device may be connected to a corresponding pair of pins.

[0022] In a fourth aspect, a Power over Ethernet (PoE) system is provided, comprising: a power supply device, a powered device, and an Ethernet twisted pair cable. The power supply device is the power supply device with an integrated isolation component as provided in the third aspect, and the power supply device is connected to the powered device via the Ethernet twisted pair cable.

[0023] In a fifth aspect, a Power over Ethernet (PoE) system is provided, comprising: a power supply device, a powered device, an Ethernet twisted pair cable, and the isolation component provided in the second aspect. The power supply device and the powered device are connected via the Ethernet twisted pair cable, and the isolation component is connected in series to the Ethernet twisted pair cable.

[0024] Optionally, the Ethernet twisted pair may include four pairs of signal lines, and the isolation component may include four isolation devices corresponding one to one to the four pairs of signal lines, wherein each isolation device is connected in series to a corresponding pair of signal lines.

[0025] Based on the above fourth and fifth aspects, it can be seen that the isolation component provided in the present application can be an independently deployed device or integrated into a power supply device.

[0026] In summary, the present application provides an isolation device, an isolation component, a power supply device, and an Ethernet power supply system. In the solution provided by the present application, at least one transformer in the isolation device can realize the transmission of data signals, and the current protector can realize the transmission of voltage signals, thereby ensuring that the PoE system can operate normally. Moreover, when leakage occurs in the PoE system, the current protector can be turned off, thereby preventing the leakage voltage or leakage current from flowing back into the power supply device, effectively reducing the probability of damage to the power supply device. In addition, after the current protector is turned off, the at least one transformer can still operate normally, and accordingly, the data transmission function of the PoE system is not affected. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a power leakage in an Ethernet power supply system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of an isolation device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of another isolation device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of an Ethernet power supply system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of another Ethernet power supply system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a power supply device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of another Ethernet power supply system provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The isolation device, isolation assembly, power supply equipment and Ethernet power supply system provided by the embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Based on the provisions of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.3af, IEEE 802.3at, and IEEE 802.3bt standards, PoE systems generally use two or four pairs of copper wires in Ethernet twisted-pair cables to power the PSE to the PD, with the supply voltage not exceeding 44 volts (V) to 57 V. Ethernet twisted-pair cables can also be used for data transmission. For example, referring to Figure 1, the Ethernet twisted-pair cable includes four pairs of copper wires, wire pairs A to D. A voltage of -48 V is applied to wire pairs A and D, while wire pairs B and C serve as return (RTN) wires, also known as power ground wires.

[0036] A PSE is typically a device such as a switch or router with one or more Ethernet ports that can simultaneously power one or more PDs. PDs are typically devices such as wireless local area network (WLAN) access points (APs), cameras, or phones that require external power and must consume no more than 71.3 watts (W).

[0037] The IEEE protocol defines a comprehensive protection mechanism to ensure the safe application of PoE technology. For example, if a short circuit occurs in the twisted-pair cable between the PSE and PD, the PSE will quickly shut down the power supply to protect the PSE, PD, twisted-pair cable, and users, preventing accidents.

[0038] As PoE technology continues to expand and reach lower-tier customers, customer networks are becoming increasingly complex. This has led to anomalies that even IEEE protocols cannot protect against, resulting in various PSE damages and even serious fires. For example, as shown in Figure 1, if the PD housing is improperly connected to the external power grid, the twisted pair cable is improperly connected to external power lines, or there are design issues with the PD, an abnormal voltage can flow back through the twisted pair cable. This voltage can range from as low as 80V to as high as 300V or even higher. This abnormal leakage current can flow directly back into the PSE. The network transformer, physical layer (PHY) chip, and protective components within the PSE are unable to withstand this abnormal voltage backflow, resulting in a direct burnout of the PSE.

[0039] To address this issue, the industry typically adds an isolation device, such as a 1:1 network transformer, to the twisted-pair cable. The protection principle of this isolation device is to pass AC but block DC. By connecting the isolation device in series with the twisted-pair cable, data signals can pass normally, but leakage voltage is blocked and prevented from flowing back into the PSE, effectively protecting the PSE.

[0040] However, while the isolation device blocks the leakage voltage from flowing back to the PSE, it also blocks the power supply voltage from the PSE to the PD. This means that only data transmission is possible between the PSE and PD, and PoE voltage transmission is impossible. This means that the PSE's PoE functionality is also lost.

[0041] An embodiment of the present application provides an isolation device that can be used in a PoE system such as that shown in Figure 1. This device effectively isolates leakage voltage and current without affecting the normal operation of the PoE system, thereby effectively ensuring the safety of the PSE. As shown in Figure 2, the isolation device includes a current protector 10 and at least one transformer 20. For example, Figure 2 schematically illustrates a transformer 20.

[0042] The at least one transformer 20 is configured to be connected between a first chip of a power supply device and a second chip of a powered device. For example, the at least one transformer 20 can be connected between the first and second chips via an Ethernet twisted pair cable. The first chip may include a power supply chip and a physical layer chip, while the second chip may include a power receiving chip and a physical layer chip. The power supply chip may also be referred to as a PSE chip, and the powered receiving chip may also be referred to as a PD chip. The PSE and PD chips implement PoE voltage transmission, while the physical layer chips in the power supply device and powered device implement data transmission.

[0043] 2 , one end of the current protector 10 is connected to a first center tap of the at least one transformer 20 close to the first chip, and the other end of the current protector is connected to a second center tap of the at least one transformer 20 close to the second chip.

[0044] The current protector 10 is configured to disconnect the first and second center taps if the current flowing through it exceeds a threshold. Alternatively, it can be understood that the current protector 10 is configured to disconnect its two ends if the current flowing through it exceeds a threshold, that is, the current protector 10 can be in an off state. The threshold can be determined based on the upper limit of the current that the power supply device can withstand.

[0045] It will be appreciated that the at least one transformer 20 in the isolation device can enable data transmission between the power supply device and the powered device. The current protector 10 can then be used to transmit voltage between the power supply device and the powered device. If a leakage occurs in the PoE system, the current protector 10 can disconnect the first center tap from the second center tap, effectively shutting down the current protector 10 and preventing leakage voltage or current from flowing back into the PSE.

[0046] In summary, the embodiments of the present application provide an isolation device in which at least one transformer can realize the transmission of data signals, and the current protector can realize the transmission of voltage signals, thereby ensuring that the PoE system can operate normally. Moreover, when leakage occurs in the PoE system, the current protector can be turned off, thereby preventing the leakage voltage or leakage current from flowing back into the power supply equipment, effectively reducing the probability of damage to the power supply equipment. In addition, after the current protector is turned off, the at least one transformer can still operate normally, and accordingly, the data transmission function of the PoE system is not affected.

[0047] As a first optional implementation, if the transformer 20 used in the isolation device is a transformer with both double-sided windings supporting PoE functionality, then as shown in Figure 2, the isolation device may include a transformer 20. The first-side windings (TD+, TD-) of the transformer 20 are used to connect to the first chip, and the second-side windings (MX+, MX-) of the transformer 20 are used to connect to the second chip. Accordingly, the first center tap can be the center tap TCT of the first-side winding of the transformer 20, and the second center tap can be the center tap MCT of the second-side winding of the transformer 20.

[0048] It is understandable that if both windings on both sides of the transformer 20 support the PoE function, the current carrying capacity of the windings on both sides of the transformer 20 is greater than or equal to the current threshold, which can be the current value required to support PoE current.

[0049] For example, for a PoE function supporting the IEEE 802.3af standard of 154 W, the current threshold may be 0.35 amperes (A), i.e., the current carrying capacity of the windings on both sides of the transformer 20 is greater than or equal to 0.35 A. For a PoE function supporting the IEEE 802.3at standard of 30 W, the current threshold may be 0.7 A, i.e., the current carrying capacity of the windings on both sides of the transformer 20 is greater than or equal to 0.7 A.

[0050] As a second optional implementation, if the transformer 20 used in the isolation device is a transformer that supports the PoE function on only one side (i.e., single-sided winding), then as shown in Figure 3, the at least one transformer 20 may include: a first transformer 20a and a second transformer 20b.

[0051] Among them, the first side winding (MX+, MX-) of the first transformer 20a is used to connect to the first chip, the first side winding (MX+, MX-) of the second transformer 20b is used to connect to the second chip, and the second side winding (TD+, TD-) of the first transformer 20a is connected to the second side winding (TD+, TD-) of the second transformer 20b.

[0052] Accordingly, the first center tap can be the center tap of the first side winding of the first transformer 20a, and the second center tap can be the center tap of the first side winding of the second transformer 20b. Referring to FIG3 , it can be seen that the center tap TCT of the second side winding of the first transformer 20a and the center tap TCT of the second side winding of the second transformer 20b can both be left floating.

[0053] It is understood that in this second implementation, the current carrying capacity of the first side winding of the first transformer 20a and the first side winding of the second transformer 20b is greater than or equal to the current threshold. Furthermore, the current carrying capacity of the second side winding of the first transformer 20a and the second side winding of the second transformer 20b is less than the current threshold. In other words, the first side windings of the first transformer 20a and the second side winding of the second transformer 20b both support PoE current, while the second side windings of the first transformer 20a and the second transformer 20b do not support PoE current.

[0054] Optionally, in the second implementation, the first side of the first transformer 20a and the second transformer 20b can be called the M side or the line side, and the second side of the first transformer 20a and the second transformer 20b can be called the transmit (T) side, the chip side or the PHY side.

[0055] Comparing the two implementations above, we can see that the first implementation requires fewer transformers, ensuring a smaller isolation device. While the second implementation requires more transformers, because only one side of the transformer winding supports PoE current flow, while the other side does not, the heat dissipation requirements for the transformer are lower. Accordingly, the transformer cost required by the second implementation is lower, effectively reducing the cost of the isolation device.

[0056] It is also understood that for transformers 20 with PoE functionality on both sides, i.e., transformers 20 with current carrying capacity on both sides greater than the current threshold, the method shown in Figure 3 can also be used for cascade connection, with the current protector 10 connected across both transformers. In other words, the first transformer 20a and the second transformer 20b in the isolation device can both be transformers with current carrying capacity on both sides greater than the current threshold. Because this connection method allows only one side of each transformer to carry PoE current, it can effectively improve the heat dissipation of the isolation device.

[0057] It is also understandable that one of the first transformer 20a and the second transformer 20b can be a transformer with both windings supporting PoE current, while the other transformer can be a transformer with only one winding supporting PoE current. Furthermore, the two ends of the current protector 10 are connected across the center taps of the windings on the side of the two transformers that supports PoE current.

[0058] Optionally, in the embodiment of the present application, the current protector 10 may be a fuse, a current limiting chip, or a current-sensitive thermistor. For example, the thermistor may be a thermistor. Of course, in addition to the aforementioned devices, other current-sensitive devices with current limiting functions may also serve as the current protector, and the embodiment of the present application is not limited thereto.

[0059] Optionally, if the current protector 10 is a fuse, the fuse may be a fast-acting fuse (also called a fast-blow fuse), which may blow quickly when the current flowing through the fuse is greater than a threshold, thereby effectively preventing the transformer 20 from being damaged.

[0060] It is understood that using a current limiting chip, a thermistor, or other device with similar functions that can restore its protection function after the voltage or current decreases as the current protector 10 can achieve multiple leakage protection. Using a fuse as the current protector 10 can effectively avoid increasing the size and cost of the isolation device.

[0061] It can also be understood that the isolation device provided in the embodiment of the present application is not limited to the voltage protection of 44V to 57V specified in the IEEE 802.3af / 802.3at / 802.3bt standards. By adjusting the selection of the current protector 10 such as the fuse in the isolation device, the isolation device can also be applied to the protection of voltages such as 24V.

[0062] In summary, the embodiments of the present application provide an isolation device in which at least one transformer can realize the transmission of data signals, and the current protector can realize the transmission of voltage signals, thereby ensuring that the PoE system can operate normally. Moreover, when leakage occurs in the PoE system, the current protector can be turned off, thereby preventing the leakage voltage or leakage current from flowing back into the power supply equipment, effectively reducing the probability of damage to the power supply equipment. In addition, after the current protector is turned off, the at least one transformer can still operate normally, and accordingly, the data transmission function of the PoE system is not affected.

[0063] The present application also provides an isolation assembly, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The isolation assembly 03 may include multiple isolation devices as provided in the above embodiments. For example, the isolation assembly may include a housing, and the multiple isolation devices may be encapsulated in the housing.

[0064] Optionally, the isolation assembly 03 may include four isolation devices. For example, referring to FIG4 , the isolation assembly 03 may include four transformers, T0 to T3, and four current protectors, F0 to F3 ( FIG3 , using fuses as an example), with each current protector connected across two sides of a transformer. Transformer T0 and current protector F0 are the first isolation device, transformer T1 and current protector F1 are the second isolation device, transformer T2 and current protector F2 are the third isolation device, and transformer T3 and current protector F3 are the fourth isolation device.

[0065] Alternatively, referring to FIG5 , the isolation assembly 03 may include eight transformers, T0 through T7, and four current protectors, F0 through F3 ( FIG4 illustrates fuses as an example). Each current protector is connected across two transformers. Transformers T0 and T4 and current protector F0 constitute the first isolation component, transformers T1 and T5 and current protector F1 constitute the second isolation component, transformers T2 and T6 and current protector F2 constitute the third isolation component, and transformers T3 and T7 and current protector F3 constitute the fourth isolation component.

[0066] It is understood that one side of the isolation component 03 can be used to connect to the first chip in the power supply device 01, and the other side can be used to connect to the second chip in the powered device 02. For example, referring to Figures 4 and 5, one side of the isolation component 03 can be connected to the Ethernet electrical port of the power supply device 01 via an Ethernet twisted pair cable, and the other side can be connected to the Ethernet electrical port of the powered device 02 via an Ethernet twisted pair cable.

[0067] It can also be understood that one side and the other side of the isolation component 03 can be two sides that are not distinguished, that is, any one of the two sides of the isolation component 03 can be connected to the first chip or the second chip.

[0068] Optionally, the number of isolation devices included in the isolation assembly 03 may be n times 4, where n is an integer greater than 1, for example, n may be 48. Four isolation devices may form a group, and each group of isolation devices may be used to connect to one powered device 02. Accordingly, n groups of isolation devices may be connected to n powered devices 02.

[0069] Alternatively, it can be understood that the isolation component 03 may include n first ports and n second ports, that is, the isolation component 03 may be an n-port device. Each first port is connected to one winding of a transformer in a set of isolation components, and each first port can be connected to an Ethernet electrical port of the power supply device 01. Each second port is connected to the other two windings of the transformer in a set of isolation components, and each second port can be connected to an Ethernet electrical port of the powered device 02.

[0070] The present application also provides a PoE system, as shown in Figures 4 and 5 . The PoE system may include a power supply device 01, a powered device 02, an Ethernet twisted pair cable, and an isolation component 03 as provided in the above embodiment. Power supply device 01 and powered device 02 are connected via an Ethernet twisted pair cable, and isolation component 03 is connected in series to the Ethernet twisted pair cable.

[0071] Alternatively, with continued reference to Figures 4 and 5, the Ethernet twisted pair may include four pairs of signal lines, line pair A to line pair D, and the isolation component 03 may include four isolation devices corresponding one to each of the four pairs of signal lines. Each isolation device may be connected in series to a corresponding pair of signal lines.

[0072] It can be understood that, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 , each pair of signal lines in the Ethernet twisted pair may be a pair of differential signal lines, for example, each pair of signal lines may include two copper wires.

[0073] It is also understood that the PoE system may include multiple powered devices 02. Accordingly, the PoE system may also include multiple isolation components 03 corresponding one-to-one to the multiple powered devices 02, with each isolation component 03 connected in series between the power supply device 01 and a corresponding powered device 02. Alternatively, the isolation components 03 in the PoE system may include multiple sets of isolation devices corresponding one-to-one to the multiple powered devices 02, with each set of isolation devices (e.g., four isolation devices) connected in series between the power supply device 01 and a corresponding powered device 02.

[0074] The present application also provides a power supply device, as shown in Figure 6. The power supply device includes a power supply chip 100, a physical layer chip 200, an Ethernet electrical port 300, and an isolation component 400 as provided in the above embodiment. The power supply chip 100 and the physical layer chip 200 can be connected to the Ethernet electrical port 300 via the isolation component 400. The power supply chip 100, also known as a PSE chip, is used to provide power to the powered device; the physical layer chip 200 is used to exchange data with the physical layer chip in the powered device.

[0075] Optionally, as shown in Figure 6, the Ethernet electrical port 300 may include four pairs of pins, and the isolation component 400 may include four isolation devices corresponding to the four pairs of pins, wherein each isolation device is connected to a corresponding pair of pins.

[0076] In the embodiment of the present application, by integrating the isolation component 400 inside the power supply device, effective protection of the power supply device can be achieved, and the structure of the PoE system can be effectively simplified, reducing the complexity of network layout.

[0077] It is understood that if the power supply device includes multiple Ethernet electrical ports, the isolation component integrated in the power supply device may include multiple groups of isolation devices corresponding one-to-one to the multiple Ethernet electrical ports, and each group of isolation devices (for example, four isolation devices) may be connected to a corresponding Ethernet electrical port. Alternatively, the power supply device may be integrated with multiple isolation components corresponding one-to-one to the multiple Ethernet electrical ports, and each isolation component may be connected to a corresponding Ethernet electrical port.

[0078] The present application also provides another PoE system, as shown in Figure 7 , which may include a power supply device 01, a powered device 02, and an Ethernet twisted pair cable. The power supply device 01 and the powered device 02 are connected via an Ethernet twisted pair cable, and the power supply device 01 may be the power supply device with an integrated isolation component 400 as described in the above embodiment.

[0079] 4 to 7 , it can be seen that the isolation component provided in the embodiment of the present application can be an independent device or integrated into the interior of the power supply device 01 .

[0080] The following describes the workflow of the PoE system provided in the embodiment of the present application, taking the structure shown in FIG5 as an example:

[0081] During pure data transmission, data can be transmitted through at least two of the transformers T0 through T7 in isolation assembly 03, and current protectors F0 through F3 in isolation assembly 03 do not need to operate. If a leakage current occurs on the Ethernet twisted pair cable, current protectors F0 through F3 in isolation assembly 03 can be promptly shut down (for example, a fuse can be blown), effectively preventing leakage voltage or current from any one or more of the four pairs of the Ethernet twisted pair cable from flowing back into the power supply equipment. This not only protects the power supply equipment, but also, because transformers T0 through T7 remain unaffected, the normal data transmission function of the PoE system is not affected.

[0082] During data transmission and PoE power supply, or when operating purely with PoE power supply, the PoE system's voltage transmission function is performed by at least two of the current protectors F0 through F3 in isolation assembly 03. In other words, DC voltage or low-frequency AC power can be transmitted through at least two of the current protectors F0 through F3. If a leakage current occurs on the Ethernet twisted pair cable, the current protectors F0 through F3 in isolation assembly 03 can be promptly shut down (for example, by blowing a fuse), effectively preventing leakage voltage or current from flowing back into the power supply equipment.

[0083] In summary, the embodiments of the present application provide a PoE system. The isolation component used in the PoE system can not only realize the transmission of data signals, but also realize the transmission of voltage signals, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the PoE system. In addition, when a leakage occurs in the PoE system, the current protector in the isolation component can be turned off, thereby preventing the leakage voltage or leakage current from flowing back into the power supply device, thereby effectively reducing the probability of damage to the power supply device. It can be seen that the isolation component used in the PoE system realizes the safety protection of the power supply device, the receiving device and the user.

[0084] In addition, since the transformer in the isolation component can still operate normally after the current protector in the isolation component is turned off, it can ensure that the data transmission function of the PoE system is not affected.

[0085] In the embodiments of the present application, the terms "first", "second" and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. The term "at least one" means one or more, and "a plurality" means two or more.

[0086] In this application, the term "and / or" simply describes an association between related objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0087] The above are merely optional embodiments of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and such modifications or substitutions should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. An isolation device, characterized in that: Applicable to an Ethernet power supply system, the Ethernet power supply system includes a power supply device and a powered device; the isolation device includes: a current protector and at least one transformer; The at least one transformer is used to connect between a first chip of the power supply device and a second chip of the powered device, the first chip includes a power supply chip and a physical layer chip, and the second chip includes a powered chip and a physical layer chip; One end of the current protector is connected to a first center tap of the at least one transformer close to the first chip, and the other end of the current protector is connected to a second center tap of the at least one transformer close to the second chip; The current protector is used to disconnect the first center tap from the second center tap if the current flowing through the current protector is greater than a threshold.

2. The isolation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The isolation device includes a transformer; The first side winding of the transformer is used to connect to the first chip, the second side winding of the transformer is used to connect to the second chip, the first center tap is the center tap of the first side winding, and the second center tap is the center tap of the second side winding.

3. The isolation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one transformer comprises: a first transformer and a second transformer; The first side winding of the first transformer is used to connect to the first chip, the first side winding of the second transformer is used to connect to the second chip, and the second side winding of the first transformer is connected to the second side winding of the second transformer; The first center tap is a center tap of a first side winding of the first transformer, and the second center tap is a center tap of a first side winding of the second transformer.

4. The isolation device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The current carrying capacity of the first side winding of the first transformer and the first side winding of the second transformer are both greater than or equal to the current threshold; The current carrying capacity of the second side winding of the first transformer and the current carrying capacity of the second side winding of the second transformer are both smaller than the current threshold.

5. The isolation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The current protector is a fuse, a current limiting chip or a thermistor.

6. The isolation device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The current protector is a fast-blow fuse.

7. An isolation assembly, characterized in that: The isolation assembly includes a plurality of isolation devices according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The isolation assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that The isolation component includes four isolation devices.

9. A power supply device, characterized in that: The power supply device comprises: a power supply chip, a physical layer chip, an Ethernet electrical port, and an isolation component as claimed in claim 7 or 8; The power supply chip and the physical layer chip are connected to the Ethernet electrical port through the isolation component.

10. The power supply device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The Ethernet electrical port includes 4 pairs of pins, and the isolation component includes: 4 isolation devices corresponding to the 4 pairs of pins one by one; Wherein, each of the isolation devices is connected to a corresponding pair of pins.

11. An Ethernet power supply system, characterized in that: The Ethernet power supply system includes: a power supply device, a powered device, and an Ethernet twisted pair cable; The power supply device is the power supply device according to claim 9 or 10, and the power supply device is connected to the powered device via the Ethernet twisted pair cable.

12. An Ethernet power supply system, characterized in that: The Ethernet power supply system comprises: a power supply device, a powered device, an Ethernet twisted pair, and an isolation component as claimed in claim 7 or 8; The power supply device and the powered device are connected via the Ethernet twisted pair cable, and the isolation component is connected in series to the Ethernet twisted pair cable.

13. The Ethernet power supply system according to claim 12, characterized in that: The Ethernet twisted pair cable includes 4 pairs of signal lines, and the isolation component includes: 4 isolation devices corresponding to the 4 pairs of signal lines one by one; Wherein, each of the isolation devices is connected in series to a corresponding pair of signal lines.

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