Bidirectional PoE-USB-C Converter for Reversible Power and Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of efficient solutions for transferring power and data between Power over Ethernet (PoE) and USB-C interfaces, with existing devices only supporting unidirectional power transfer from PoE to USB-C, limiting versatility and usability.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional PoE to USB-C converter that includes a PoE interface, USB-C interface, Ethernet/USB data converter, bidirectional power converter, and USB-C power delivery controller, enabling seamless power and data transfer in both directions while adhering to IEEE 802.3 PoE standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If unidirectional power transfer from PoE to USB-C is implemented, then power conversion function is provided, but versatility and usability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements bidirectional power transfer capability, allowing power to flow from USB-C to PoE as well as from PoE to USB-C. This inversion of the traditional unidirectional approach enables the converter to function in both directions, significantly improving versatility and adaptability while maintaining manageable device complexity through integrated circuit design
Solution Approach 2:
The converter is designed to perform multiple functions: it can transfer power from PoE to USB-C, from USB-C to PoE, and handle data conversion in both directions. This multi-functionality approach allows a single device to replace multiple separate devices, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If bidirectional power transfer is implemented, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bidirectional power conversion functions into a single integrated converter device. By combining the PoE to USB-C and USB-C to PoE conversion capabilities in one unit, the patent achieves improved versatility while containing the complexity increase within a single device architecture rather than requiring multiple separate devices
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates interchangeable use of PoE or USB-C as a power source, providing versatile power and data transfer capabilities, supporting high data transfer rates up to 10 Gb/s and compliance with various PoE standards.
Implementation Method 1
When the power and data flow from the PoE interface to the USB-C interface, it steps down the PoE voltage to match the USB-C voltage
Implementation Method 2
when the power and data flow from the USB-C interface to the PoE interface, it boosts up the USB-C voltage to match the PoE voltage
Implementation Method 3
this converter transposes the Ethernet data from the PoE interface to the USB-C interface, and vice versa. It accomplishes this by determining the communication protocol between the two interfaces and processing incoming Ethernet data signals into USB-C data formats and vice versa
Data Source
AI summary
A bidirectional PoE to USB-C converter for power and data, which includes a PoE interface to receive and transmit PoE power and Ethernet data, a USB-C interface to receive and transmit USB-C power and data, an Ethernet/USB data converter configured to transpose Ethernet data from the PoE interface to the USB-C interface and vice versa by determining communication protocol therein between and processing incoming Ethernet data signals into USB-C data formats and vice versa, a bidirectional power converter, used to convert PoE voltage to fit USB-C voltage, or used to convert said USB-C voltage to fit said PoE voltage depended on power and data flows, and a USB-C PD controller configured to manage conversion of PoE power signal form a PoE source into a power charging signal for USB-C interface, or to provide power to a device connected to said PoE interface, depended on power and data flows.