Single Ethernet Link for Power and Multimedia Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for delivering power and multimedia information require separate connections, which are costly, not suited for transmission over networks, and inefficient, especially for high-quality multimedia content.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a single Ethernet connection to deliver both power and multimedia information, where power is controlled based on multimedia content and formatted according to standards like HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB, using Audio Video Bridging (AVB) to encapsulate multimedia data into Ethernet frames, allowing for efficient power management and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate connections are used for power and multimedia information delivery, then reliability and independence of power supply are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power delivery and multimedia information transmission into a single Ethernet connection. The Ethernet cable carries both data signals for high-quality multimedia content and power signals through the same physical medium, eliminating the need for separate power and data cables. This merging reduces connection complexity while maintaining functional independence through protocol-level separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The Ethernet connection is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits high-quality multimedia data packets and delivers power to the display device. The single connection serves both as a data communication channel and a power supply channel, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining the reliability of both functions through standardized protocols.
2Device complexity
If a single connection delivers both power and multimedia information, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but power control precision and energy efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the display device communicates its power requirements and operational state back to the power source through the same Ethernet connection. This allows the power delivery to be dynamically adjusted based on actual needs, enabling energy efficiency improvements despite the consolidated connection. The feedback loop ensures optimal power usage corresponding to the multimedia content being delivered.
3Ease of operation
If power is delivered over network link, then ease of operation and cable management are improved, but measurement precision and power control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The Ethernet protocol stack acts as an intermediary layer that manages the dual function of data and power transmission. Standardized protocols handle the separation and management of data packets and power signals, providing precise control mechanisms despite the shared physical medium. This intermediary layer simplifies operation by presenting a unified connection interface while maintaining precise control through protocol-level management.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of a method and system for utilizing a single connection for efficient delivery of power and multimedia information are provided. In this regard, power supplied and/or received over a network link may be controlled based on multimedia content communicated over the network link. The multimedia content may be converted to and/or from Ethernet frames for communication over the network link utilizing audio video bridging. The multimedia content may be raw video or may be formatted according to, for example, HDMI or DisplayPort specifications. The power supplied may be controlled by selecting one of a plurality of power classes. The selection of power class may be based on resolution of the multimedia content, whether the multimedia comprises audio and/or video, and/or based on latency targets.