Configurable Outdoor Connector for PoE and 48 V Power Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication devices struggle to efficiently switch between Power over Ethernet (PoE) and 48 V power sources while meeting high voltage breakdown and isolation requirements, leading to costly and bulky solutions such as switches or dual power supplies, which are impractical for outdoor use.
Innovation Solution
A configurable connector that selects between PoE and 48 V power sources by changing configurations, using jumpers to route signals appropriately, eliminating the need for expensive switches or dual power supplies and ensuring compliance with voltage breakdown and isolation requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If switches or relays are used inside the communication device to select between PoE and 48 V power sources, then the device can receive power from multiple sources, but the device becomes bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The power source selection functionality is extracted from the internal device components and relocated to the external connector. The connector itself becomes the switching mechanism, eliminating the need for bulky switches or relays inside the communication device. This is achieved by configuring the connector's contacts and jumpers to route power differently based on the connector type used.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector serves as an intermediary element that mediates between the power source and the communication device. By embedding the selection logic in the connector's physical configuration (different contact arrangements, jumpers), it enables power source selection without requiring complex internal switching mechanisms in the device itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If jumpers are used inside the communication device to select power sources, then the device can be configured for different power types, but maintaining weather-proof integrity becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration mechanism (jumpers) is extracted from the sealed internal environment of the communication device and placed in the external connector. This allows power source configuration to be changed by simply replacing or reconfiguring the external connector, eliminating the need to open the weather-proof housing and risking compromise of its integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to be self-configuring based on its physical type. Different connector configurations automatically route power appropriately through their inherent contact arrangements and jumpers, eliminating the need for manual jumper installation inside the device and ensuring weather-proof integrity is maintained.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two high-voltage power supplies are used in the communication device with diodes, then the device can receive power from multiple sources, but the device becomes bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The power source selection and routing functionality is extracted from the internal power supply architecture and implemented in the external connector. This eliminates the need for duplicating high-voltage power supply components, reducing device size and cost while maintaining the ability to accept multiple power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
A single power supply unit is designed to be universal and accommodate multiple power source types (PoE and 48 V). The connector's configurable routing directs the appropriate power source to this universal power supply, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated power supplies and their associated diodes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a single power source configuration is used in the communication device, then high voltage breakdown and isolation requirements are easier to meet, but the device cannot receive power from multiple source types
Solution Approach 1:
The connector's electrical configuration is made dynamic and adaptable through the use of removable jumpers and reconfigurable contacts. This allows the same physical connector to provide different routing configurations appropriate for different power source types, maintaining voltage breakdown and isolation compliance for each configuration while enabling multi-power source compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical parameters (routing paths, contact configurations) of the connector are changed based on the power source type. By physically reconfiguring the connector's internal jumpers or using different connector types, the electrical parameters are adjusted to meet the specific voltage breakdown and isolation requirements of each power source while maintaining compatibility with multiple sources.
Data Source
AI summary
A configurable connector is provided for a communication device, such as a gateway, that is located outdoors. The connector can engage with a corresponding interface of the gateway to provide communication signals and power signals to the communication device. The connector can be configured to select the power type provided to the communication device via the connector. The connector can have a first configuration to provide a first power type to the communication device or a second configuration to provide a second power type to the communication device. In the first configuration of the connector, power terminals of the connector can be connected directly to corresponding power wires providing the first power type. In the second configuration, the power terminals of the connector can be connected by jumpers to supplemental terminals in the connector that receive the second power type from the communication device.