Adaptive PSE Power Path Detection for Ethernet PD 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 power arrangements are connected, as they require matching types of PSE and powered devices (PD) for proper operation.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of adaptive PSE and powered devices (PD) that can detect the type of connected device and adjust power delivery accordingly, allowing either type-1 or type-2 connections by using detectors and switches to activate the appropriate power paths within the Ethernet cable.

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 with multiple power delivery paths (one-pair and two-pair configurations) and includes detection circuitry that automatically identifies the connected device type. This allows a single PSE to function with both type-1 and type-2 devices, eliminating the need for separate PSE configurations for different device types.

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 automatically transitions between one-pair and two-pair power delivery modes, providing flexible adaptation 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 includes automatic detection circuitry that identifies the connected device type (type-1 or type-2) and automatically configures the appropriate power delivery path. This self-service capability eliminates the need for users to manually configure or know which device type is connected, making the system easy to operate while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the user knows a priori which jacks work with type-1 and which jacks work with type-2 and the user can make a correct connection, then the Ethernet communication system will function properly, but this requires user knowledge and manual configuration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem operation reliabilityVSAvoiddevice type detection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The PSE performs preliminary detection of the connected device type automatically upon connection, before any power delivery or data communication begins. This preliminary action ensures proper configuration is established in advance, guaranteeing reliable system operation without requiring users to have prior knowledge or perform manual detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If a type-1 PD is connected to a cable connected to a PSE designed for providing power and data over two pairs, then power and data delivery fail, but this mismatch scenario is difficult to detect and diagnose

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower and data delivery reliabilityVSAvoidconnection mismatch detection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The PSE incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the connected device type and verify proper power delivery configuration. When a mismatch is detected (such as a type-1 device connected to a two-pair PSE), the system provides feedback signals to indicate the configuration error, enabling easy detection and diagnosis of connection problems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9069539B2Method and system for furnishing power and data from power sourcing equipment to powered device
Publication Date: 2015.06.30 ADTRAN INC
  • US9069539B2 patent drawing
  • US9069539B2 patent drawing
  • US9069539B2 patent drawing

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.