Adaptive Power Over Ethernet System for Dynamic Power Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Power over Ethernet (PoE) techniques provide a fixed power amount to devices regardless of their operating mode, leading to power wastage when devices are not performing high-power operations, as they supply the maximum power required for any classification, which is not optimized for varying power needs of devices like VoIP phones during different operations.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive PoE system that includes a powered device engine within the information handling system to identify the current operating mode of devices and request specific power amounts via a power/data connection, allowing the powering device to provide the exact power required for the device's current operations, such as minimum, low, or maximum power levels based on the device's operational needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional PoE techniques provide fixed maximum power to all devices regardless of operating mode, then devices can operate in any mode without power restrictions, but power is wasted when devices are not performing high-power operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power adjustment by enabling powered devices to transition between different power states (low power state and high power state) based on their current operating mode. The system dynamically monitors device needs and adjusts power delivery accordingly, rather than providing fixed maximum power continuously. This resolves the contradiction by making the power supply adaptive to actual device requirements while preventing energy wastage during low-power operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power parameter from a fixed value to a variable value that can be adjusted based on device operating mode. By implementing power states with different power levels (first power amount for low power mode, second power amount for high power mode), the system allows the power parameter to change dynamically. This resolves the contradiction between providing sufficient power for all modes and avoiding power wastage by matching the power level to the actual operational needs.
2Ease of operation
If powering devices transmit voltage pulses to classify powered devices and provide fixed power amounts, then power delivery is simple and reliable, but the power amount cannot be optimized for varying power needs of different operating modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables powered devices to self-determine their power requirements and communicate these needs to the powering device. Instead of the powering device making assumptions about power needs, the powered device actively requests the appropriate power amount based on its current operating mode. This maintains operational simplicity while achieving power optimization, as each device manages its own power requirements autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where powered devices communicate their power requirements back to the powering device through the Ethernet network. The powering device receives information about the current operating mode and adjusts power delivery accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to optimize power delivery for different operating modes while maintaining the simplicity of Ethernet-based power delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
A Power over Ethernet (PoE) adaptive powering system includes a powered device that identifies a first operating mode in which the powered device is currently operating, determines a first power amount that is required to enable the first operating mode in which the powered device is currently operating, and transmits a first power amount request message that requests the first power amount via a power/data connection. The adaptive PoE powering system also includes a powering device that is connected to the powered device via the power/data connection, and that receives the first power amount request message via the power/data connection, and transmits the first power amount via the power/data connection to the powered device.