Ethernet Switch Power Integration for Load Monitoring and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Ethernet switches do not efficiently integrate power supply and communication functions for diverse electrical loads in large industrial installations, leading to complex cabling and inadequate load monitoring and control.
Innovation Solution
An Ethernet switch with an integrated power supply unit and field bus element that monitors and controls electrical loads, supporting multiple protocols and adaptable voltage levels, and integrates power and communication inputs into a single cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data lines and power lines are laid in parallel for industrial installations, then electrical loads with different voltages can be supplied, but cabling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data transmission and power supply functions into a single Ethernet cable connection. The Ethernet switch integrates both data communication and power delivery through the same physical medium, eliminating the need for separate parallel cabling for data and power while maintaining the ability to supply different voltage loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The Ethernet cable is made multi-functional by enabling it to simultaneously carry both data signals and electrical power. The switch provides universal power delivery capability through the data cable, allowing a single cable type to serve multiple purposes (data transmission and power supply for various voltage requirements).
2Ease of operation
If PoE technology is used to supply power through Ethernet cables, then power delivery is simplified, but monitoring and control capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The Ethernet switch incorporates monitoring functions that provide feedback about the electrical loads connected through PoE ports. The system can detect load status, power consumption, and operational parameters, enabling centralized monitoring and control while maintaining the simplicity of PoE power delivery through the same Ethernet infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
An ethernet switch includes a housing that has at least one communication input for data of a controller, at least one system input for a system voltage and at least one communication output. At least one voltage output to an electrical load is also provided. A power supply unit, which provides the voltage supply for the switch, is provided in the housing of the switch. The power supply unit also feeds the at least one voltage output to an external load. A field bus element, which is preferably configured to monitor and/or to control the voltage output to an external load, is integrated in the housing of the switch.