Inline Power Allocation for PoE Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing IEEE 802.3af standard for Power over Ethernet (PoE) often allocates more power than needed to devices, and lacks precise power gradations, which is insufficient for devices like laptops and personal computers that require more power.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow powered devices to request and allocate inline power based on specific power levels, with the power sourcing equipment providing power at the requested level or reducing it if capacity is exceeded, and the device adapting to operate in high or low power modes accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the IEEE 802.3af standard allocates power to powered devices, then power delivery capability is provided, but power allocation precision is insufficient and devices receive more power than needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power allocation by enabling powered devices to operate in multiple power modes (first power mode and second power mode) and allowing the power sourcing equipment to dynamically adjust the allocated power level based on actual device needs and available power capacity, rather than assigning a fixed power level
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power allocation parameter from fixed classification levels to variable requested power levels, allowing devices to request specific power amounts and the PSE to allocate precisely what is available, thereby improving power allocation precision and reducing waste
2Power
If the IEEE 802.3af standard provides power up to 15.4 watts, then basic power needs are met, but higher power requirements of modern devices cannot be satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the power delivery system universal by allowing powered devices to request different power levels and the power sourcing equipment to accommodate various power requirements within its capacity, enabling the same infrastructure to support both legacy devices and modern high-power devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to different power requirements by allowing devices to request power at specific levels and the PSE to allocate available power accordingly, making the system versatile enough to handle both the 15.4W standard and higher power needs of modern devices
3Productivity
If powered devices operate in high power mode, then performance is improved, but power consumption increases beyond available capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where powered devices communicate their requested power levels to the power sourcing equipment, which then allocates available power and monitors capacity, providing continuous feedback to ensure power consumption remains within available capacity while maximizing device performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power consumption by allowing devices to operate in different power modes based on available capacity, enabling high performance when power is available and automatic adaptation to lower consumption modes when capacity is exceeded
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for requesting inline power at a powered device coupled to power sourcing equipment in a communications network are disclosed. The method includes drawing power corresponding to a requested power level at the powered device, operating the powered device in a first mode if the requested power level is maintained at the powered device, and operating the powered device in a second mode if power to the powered device is removed and is restored within a predetermined time.