Ethernet Power Feed Circuit With Dynamic Insertion Loss Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic transformers used in power distribution over Ethernet networks are inefficient, leading to high insertion losses, electromagnetic interference, and increased costs due to their real estate requirements and frequent failures, which limit the power that can be delivered to network devices.

Innovation Solution

A power feed circuit with dynamic insertion loss control, utilizing differential transistor pairs, insertion loss control circuits, and common-mode feedback amplifiers to equalize power delivery and minimize insertion losses, replacing the need for magnetic transformers with solid-state components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If magnetic transformers are used for power distribution over Ethernet, then DC isolation and signal transfer are achieved, but insertion losses increase and power delivery efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion lossVSAvoidpower delivery reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the magnetic transformer component from the power distribution system, replacing it with solid-state circuitry. This extraction eliminates the source of insertion losses while maintaining the essential function of power delivery over Ethernet cables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical/magnetic transformer system with an electronic solid-state system. The magnetic field-based power transfer is replaced with direct electrical conduction through solid-state components, eliminating magnetic losses and improving overall efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If magnetic transformers are used in power distribution circuits, then DC isolation is provided, but electromagnetic interference performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidDC isolation function

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the magnetic transformer that generates electromagnetic interference, replacing it with solid-state components that provide DC isolation through electronic means rather than magnetic coupling, thereby eliminating EMI while maintaining isolation functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the magnetic field-based isolation mechanism with an electronic solid-state isolation mechanism, substituting electromagnetic induction with direct electrical control and solid-state switching to achieve DC isolation without generating electromagnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If magnetic transformers are used for power distribution, then signal transfer is enabled, but device complexity and real estate requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit complexityVSAvoidsignal transfer capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the magnetic transformer component entirely, replacing it with simpler solid-state circuitry that achieves signal transfer through direct electrical connections and solid-state switching, reducing both physical space requirements and circuit complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the complex magnetic transformer assembly with compact solid-state electronic components, replacing mechanical/magnetic signal coupling with electronic signal processing and direct electrical pathways, thereby reducing device complexity and real estate requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Power

If higher power is delivered through magnetic transformers, then power distribution capability is improved, but transformer core saturation limits the current

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoidinsertion loss

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the magnetic transformer that suffers from core saturation limitations, replacing it with solid-state power delivery circuitry that can handle higher currents without saturation, thereby improving both power delivery capability and reducing insertion losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the magnetic field-based power transfer system with a solid-state electrical conduction system, eliminating the core saturation phenomenon inherent in magnetic transformers and enabling more efficient high-power delivery with reduced energy losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS7469348B2Method for dynamic insertion loss control for 10/100/1000 MHz Ethernet signaling

Publication Date: 2008.12.23 KINETIC TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LP

AI summary

Dynamic insertion insertion loss for an ethernet power on differential cable pairs is shown in a power feed circuit that supplies power to a network attached device (PD). An insertion loss control circuit limits power loss in a coupled power feed circuit. determines an insertion loss limit, and senses an average power of the power signals to produce a common mode feedback signal to the power feed circuit.