PoE Multichannel Audio Amplifier With Combined Ethernet Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-resolution audio distribution in commercial settings is hindered by the need for costly dedicated mains-voltage electrical circuits, which increases installation costs and reduces sound quality when lower-voltage alternatives are used, lacking standardization and power capacity for multichannel audio amplifiers.
Innovation Solution
A power-over-Ethernet (PoE) powered multichannel streaming audio amplifier with dual PoE connectors, utilizing special power electronics to combine power from two Ethernet cables and support high-speed audio data transmission, enabling standardized low-voltage cabling that can deliver sufficient power and maintain audio quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If dedicated mains-voltage electrical circuits are installed for multichannel audio amplifiers, then sufficient power is provided for high-resolution audio distribution, but installation costs increase due to licensed electrician services and building code requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter from high-voltage mains power (120V/240V AC) to low-voltage PoE power (48V DC), enabling power delivery through standardized Ethernet infrastructure without requiring licensed electrician installation while still providing sufficient power for multichannel audio amplification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the Ethernet cable serve multiple functions: it simultaneously transmits data for high-resolution audio streaming and delivers power for amplifier operation, eliminating the need for separate power wiring infrastructure
2Ease of manufacture
If lower-voltage AC and DC electrical sources are used to reduce installation costs, then licensed electrician services are eliminated, but sound quality is reduced due to insufficient power availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the power delivery parameters by using PoE's 48V DC voltage combined with differentiated impedance loading across multiple Ethernet cables, enabling each cable to deliver proportional power (e.g., 12W per cable) that accumulates to sufficient total power for multichannel amplification without requiring high-voltage infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines power from multiple PoE-enabled Ethernet cables into a single amplifier unit, merging the power contribution from several standardized low-voltage sources to achieve the cumulative power level required for high-resolution multichannel audio while maintaining ease of installation
3Ease of manufacture
If proprietary low-voltage power supplies and cabling are used, then installation costs are reduced, but device complexity increases due to vendor-specific equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the universality of PoE technology, which is already widely implemented in network switches and routers, allowing the audio amplifier to use existing standardized Ethernet infrastructure rather than requiring proprietary power delivery systems, thereby reducing both installation cost and system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A power-over-Ethernet (PoE) powered multichannel streaming audio amplifier includes a plurality of Ethernet ports each configured to be coupled to an Ethernet cable and capable of receiving power and audio data transmitted over the Ethernet cables. Power supply circuitry connected to the Ethernet ports is configured to combine and manage the power received at the Ethernet ports. A microprocessor subsystem powered by the power supply circuitry is configured to receive and process the audio data to generate output audio signals. A digital audio amplifier powered by the power supply circuitry amplifies the output audio signals received from the microprocessor system. A plurality of audio outputs connected to the digital audio amplifier are each configured to be connected to a different one of a plurality of speaker devices to transmit the audio output signals amplified by the digital audio amplifier to the plurality of speaker devices.