Optical Network Unit Remote PoE Power Supply via Switch Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current power over Ethernet (PoE) terminal devices cannot be directly connected to optical fibers for fiber optic communications due to the lack of a communications interface, requiring a relay device that cannot remotely supply power due to local power sourcing.

Innovation Solution

An optical network unit with a conductive connection terminal, switch module, network transformer, and voltage conversion module that connects to a PoE power supply device, allowing remote power supply to PoE terminal devices through a network interface connector, with the switch module controlling power states based on handshake completion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a relay device is added to enable fiber optic communications for PoE terminal devices, then fiber optic connectivity is achieved, but the relay device cannot remotely supply power due to local power sourcing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiber optic connectivityVSAvoidremote power supply capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The relay device is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a network relay for fiber optic communications and a power supply device. The power supply module can provide power to PoE terminal devices through the same network cable that carries data, enabling the relay device to serve dual purposes and eliminate the need for separate power sourcing at the relay location

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The network cable serves as an intermediary that carries both data signals and power signals. By using the existing network infrastructure for both data and power transmission, the system enables remote power delivery without requiring additional dedicated power cables or local power sources at the relay device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by stationary object

If the switch module is kept closed to supply power to components, then local components are powered, but the handshake process between PoE devices is interfered with

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent power supplyVSAvoidhandshake process
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The switch module is designed to dynamically change its state based on the operational phase. It remains open during the PoE handshake detection phase to avoid interfering with power negotiation, and closes afterward to supply power to local components. This dynamic switching ensures that power is provided only when appropriate and does not disrupt the critical handshake process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs the handshake process first before enabling power supply to components. By delaying the closing of the switch module until after successful handshake completion, the system ensures that power negotiation and device compatibility verification are completed without interference from component power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by stationary object

If the optical network unit sources power locally, then components are powered, but remote power supply to PoE terminal devices cannot be implemented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocal component powerVSAvoidremote power supply capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The optical network unit is designed with a power supply module that can draw power from the PoE power supply device through the network cable and redistribute it to both local components and remote PoE terminal devices. This multi-functional power distribution capability allows the unit to serve as both a locally-powered device and a remote power source simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply module merges the power reception function and power distribution function into a single integrated system. By combining these functions, the optical network unit can receive power through the network cable and distribute it to multiple destinations including local components and remote PoE devices, eliminating the need for separate local power sourcing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables remote power supply to PoE terminal devices without the need for local power sourcing by the optical network unit, allowing flexible installation and maintaining normal handshake processes between PoE devices.

Implementation Method 1

a network transformer, a first voltage conversion module... The network interface connector is configured to be connected to a PoE terminal device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The switching transistor may be a MOS transistor... Before a handshake between the PoE power supply device and the PoE terminal device is completed, the switch module is in an open state. After the handshake between the PoE power supply device and the PoE terminal device is completed, the switch module is in a closed state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSemiconductor switching: Diode

Implementation Method 3

a first voltage conversion module... the conductive connection terminal is further connected to the first voltage conversion module, to supply power to another component in the optical network unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12081349B2Optical network unit and PoE power supply system
Publication Date: 2024.09.03 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • US12081349B2 patent drawing
  • US12081349B2 patent drawing
  • US12081349B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of this application disclose an optical network unit and a PoE power supply system. The optical network unit in embodiments of this application includes a conductive connection terminal, a switch module, a network transformer, a first voltage conversion module, and a network interface connector. The conductive connection terminal is configured to be connected to a power over Ethernet PoE power supply device, and the conductive connection terminal is connected to the network transformer.