Dynamic Power Class Adjustment in Powered Communication Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) systems, communication terminals often require higher power than needed due to static power class definitions, leading to inefficient power allocation and the need for additional devices to have independent power supplies, as peripherals and accessories are not always used.
Innovation Solution
A communication terminal with a configurable resistor unit and electronic control unit that dynamically adjusts the power class by reconfiguring the resistor unit and temporarily putting the LAN port in a low-current state to manage power consumption, allowing for efficient power allocation without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hardware signature is statically defined to designate a power class level corresponding to a maximum power requirement, then the power class is determined at start-up, but the requested power is frequently much higher than the real power need, causing the total power budget of the PoE switch to be reached before all ports are connected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power class adjustment by allowing the communication terminal to change its hardware signature (resistor value) during operation. The control unit can reconfigure the resistor unit to vary the power class designation from Class 0 to Class 3 based on actual power needs, transforming a static power allocation system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing peripheral requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resistance parameter of the configurable resistor unit to signal different power class levels to the PoE switch. By adjusting the resistor value between specific ranges (e.g., 0-200 ohms for Class 3, 200-400 ohms for Class 2), the system communicates power requirements dynamically without requiring physical reconnection
2Productivity
If the configurable resistor unit is used to dynamically adjust power class, then power allocation efficiency is improved, but the user has to disconnect and reconnect the LAN cable every time a power requirement is modified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the communication terminal to autonomously reconfigure its power class without user intervention. The control unit automatically detects when power requirements change (e.g., when peripherals are connected or disconnected) and adjusts the resistor configuration accordingly, allowing the system to manage its own power allocation dynamically
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple resistor values corresponding to different power classes (Class 0 through Class 3) before operation. When a power requirement change is detected, the system already has the appropriate resistance values ready to be switched, enabling rapid power class transitions without requiring cable disconnection or system restart
3Quantity of substance
If additional devices are connected to the PoE switch, then more devices can be powered, but the total power budget is exceeded when devices with high static power class definitions are connected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic power budget management by allowing connected devices to adjust their power class in real-time based on actual usage. Instead of reserving maximum power for each device statically, the system allocates power dynamically - devices consume only the power they need at any given moment, freeing up power budget for additional devices to be connected to the PoE switch
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
Enables efficient power management by dynamically adjusting the power class, preventing the total power budget from being exceeded and allowing additional devices to be powered without separate power sources, while maintaining robustness and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a configurable resistor unit coupled to the LAN port and adapted to generate a classification signal designating a power class of the powered communication device to be detected by the LAN switch, wherein the power class is associated to a resistance state of the configurable resistor unit
Implementation Method 2
a power module comprising a power converter adapted to supply power to the electronic control unit and to the peripherals in response to receiving power from the LAN port
Implementation Method 3
the power module further comprises a power switch configured to selectively couple the power converter to the LAN port
Implementation Method 4
the electronic control unit is configured to determine a power requirement of the communication device, detect a current resistance state of the configurable resistor unit
Data Source
AI summary
A powered communication device (31) comprises: a configurable resistor unit (35) coupled to the LAN port and adapted to generate a classification signal designating a power class of the powered communication device to be detected by the LAN switch, and a power module comprising a power converter (38) adapted to supply power to the electronic control unit (40) and to the peripherals in response to receiving power from the LAN port, wherein the electronic control unit (40) is configured to determine a power requirement of the communication device, detect a current resistance state of the configurable resistor unit (35) and, in response to detecting that the power requirement overshoots a power class associated to the current resistance state of the configurable resistor unit: reconfigure the configurable resistor unit (35) to designate a higher power class and, actuate the power switch (37) to transitorily put the LAN port (33) in a low-current state to be detected by the LAN switch.