Adaptive Power Sourcing Equipment for Mixed Ethernet Device Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Ethernet power sourcing equipment (PSE) systems are incompatible with both one-pair and two-pair Ethernet-powered devices, leading to communication failures when devices of different types are connected, as they require matching types of PSE and powered devices (PD) for proper power and data delivery.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of adaptive PSE and PD systems that can detect the type of connected device and adjust power delivery accordingly, allowing either type-1 or type-2 configurations, ensuring compatible power and data transmission by activating the appropriate power switches and circuits based on detected device types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a PSE is designed for power and data delivery to a type-1 device, then type-1 devices can be properly powered and communicate, but type-2 devices cannot be supported

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice type compatibilityVSAvoidPSE configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The PSE is designed to support multiple device types (type-1 and type-2) through a single unified interface. The system can detect the connected device type and automatically configure the appropriate power delivery mode, eliminating the need for separate PSE configurations for different device types and enabling universal compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The PSE incorporates dynamic detection and switching capabilities that allow it to adapt its power delivery configuration in real-time based on the connected device type. The system can switch between type-1 and type-2 power delivery modes dynamically, providing flexibility and adaptability without requiring manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a PSE within the switch is designed for power and data delivery to a type-2 device, then type-2 devices can be properly powered and communicate, but type-1 devices cannot be supported

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice type compatibilityVSAvoidconnection setup ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The PSE automatically detects the type of connected device and configures the appropriate power delivery mode without requiring user intervention. The system performs self-diagnosis and self-configuration, eliminating the need for users to manually set or configure the PSE for different device types, thereby simplifying operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates detection mechanisms that provide feedback about the connected device type to the PSE controller. Based on this feedback, the PSE automatically adjusts its power delivery configuration to match the requirements of the connected device, ensuring proper operation without manual setup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If users must know a priori which jacks work with type-1 and which jacks work with type-2 to make correct connections, then proper power and data delivery can be ensured, but system usability and ease of deployment are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery reliabilityVSAvoidconnection ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The PSE performs preliminary detection of the connected device type before initiating power delivery. By detecting and configuring the appropriate power mode in advance, the system ensures reliable power delivery without requiring users to have prior knowledge of device type requirements or to manually configure connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2805215B1Method and system for furnishing power and data from power sourcing equipment to powered device
Publication Date: 2018.03.07 ADTRAN INC
  • EP2805215B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2805215B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2805215B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A power sourcing equipment is connected to a powered device via a cable. The power sourcing equipment is configured to provide power to different types of devices. The power sourcing equipment has a control system for determining the type of powered device that is connected to the cable and furnishes power in response to the determination. Also described is a powered device capable of establishing communication with PSEs of multiple types.