Ethernet Module Solid-State Power Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic transformers used in power distribution over Ethernet networks are cumbersome, costly, and prone to failures, limiting current capacity and electromagnetic interference (EMI) performance, while also occupying significant PCB space and posing safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) circuit using non-magnetic transformer and choke circuitry, or a T-Less Connect solid-state transformer, which separates Ethernet signals from power signals, reducing the need for magnetic components and enhancing EMI performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If magnetic transformers are used in power distribution over Ethernet networks, then DC isolation and signal transfer functions are provided, but current capacity is limited, EMI performance deteriorates, PCB space increases, and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDC isolation and signal transferVSAvoidEMI performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces magnetic transformers with solid-state power distribution circuitry that uses electronic switching and filtering to achieve power distribution over Ethernet cables. This substitution eliminates magnetic fields while maintaining the essential functions of DC isolation and signal transfer through solid-state components, thereby resolving the EMI performance issue while preserving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDC isolation and signal transferVSAvoidPCB space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces bulky magnetic transformers with compact solid-state power distribution circuitry integrated directly onto the Ethernet interface. This integration eliminates the need for separate transformer components and their associated magnetic shielding and spacing requirements, significantly reducing PCB space while maintaining the essential DC isolation and signal transfer functions through solid-state implementation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDC isolation and signal transferVSAvoidcurrent capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces magnetic transformers with solid-state power distribution circuitry that uses electronic switching and current management to deliver power over Ethernet cables. This solid-state implementation can handle higher current capacities without the magnetic saturation limitations that constrain transformer-based systems, while maintaining DC isolation and signal transfer through solid-state component design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If magnetic transformers are used in power distribution over Ethernet networks, then DC isolation and signal transfer functions are provided, but failures occur frequently, cost increases, and EMI performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDC isolation and signal transferVSAvoidfailure rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces magnetic transformers with solid-state power distribution circuitry that has no moving parts or magnetic materials susceptible to degradation. This solid-state implementation eliminates the common failure modes associated with transformers such as core saturation, winding insulation breakdown, and magnetic material fatigue, thereby significantly improving reliability and reducing field returns while maintaining the essential DC isolation and signal transfer functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution enables efficient power distribution over Ethernet networks, reducing transformer-related limitations, improving EMI performance, and minimizing space and cost, while maintaining essential transformer functions like DC isolation and signal transfer.

Implementation Method 1

separates Ethernet signals from power signals, reducing the need for magnetic components and enhancing EMI performance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interference reduction:

Implementation Method 2

maintaining essential transformer functions like DC isolation and signal transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDC isolation:

Data Source

PatentUS9189036B2Ethernet module

Publication Date: 2015.11.17 KINETIC TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LP

AI summary

In a network device, a connector module comprises a network connector coupled to the connector module in a configuration that transfers power and communication signals and an application connector that comprises serial media independent interface (SMII) pins and power pins. A Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) circuit is coupled between the network connector and the application connector.