PoE Cable Tester with Power Negotiation and Conduction Checks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable testers for Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems lack simplicity in operation, diversity in inspection functions, and reliability in inspection results, necessitating a more efficient and reliable testing solution.

Innovation Solution

A cable tester with a PSE port, PD port, processing unit, voltage and current measurement units, and resistance test port, capable of performing power supply determination, voltage and current measurements, and resistance tests to ensure stable PoE operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a cable tester is designed with multiple inspection functions (conduction test, resistance measurement, power supply testing), then the versatility and reliability of the tester improve, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection functionsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple inspection functions (conduction status test, resistance measurement, voltage measurement, current measurement) into a single integrated cable tester device. The processing unit coordinates multiple measurement units and test circuits that share common hardware resources, allowing the device to perform diverse inspections without proportionally increasing complexity. This merging approach resolves the contradiction by consolidating functions that would otherwise require separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable tester is designed as a universal device capable of testing both data cables and power cables through its multiple ports (PSE port and PD port). The device can adaptively switch between different test modes (conduction test, resistance measurement, power supply testing) based on the connection type, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate specialized testers for each function.

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

2Reliability

If a cable tester integrates power supply determination algorithms and protocol-based power management, then the reliability of PoE system testing improves, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection resultsVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cable tester automatically executes power supply determination algorithms and negotiates power parameters with PoE devices using standardized protocols. The processing unit autonomously performs power capability detection, voltage measurement, current measurement, and conduction testing without requiring manual configuration or interpretation by the operator. This self-service capability ensures reliable inspection results while maintaining ease of operation, as the device handles complex protocols automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cable tester implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring voltage and current measurements during power supply testing. The processing unit compares measured values against expected ranges and provides real-time feedback on power delivery status. This automated feedback loop ensures reliable inspection results by objectively evaluating PoE power supply performance without requiring manual assessment by the operator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 easy and reliable conduction status testing and resistance measurement, ensuring stable PoE power delivery and data transmission.

Implementation Method 1

A voltage measurement unit is used to measure a voltage value of the electrical power delivered by the power sourcing equipment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

A current measurement unit is used to measure a current value of the electrical power delivered by the power sourcing equipment to the powered device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

the processing unit is allowed to carry out a resistance measurement and a conduction status test for a cable to be tested

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS20250370067A1Cable tester for power over ethernet configuration
Publication Date: 2025.12.04 MA TSU YUAN
  • US20250370067A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A cable tester for a Power over Ethernet configuration includes a PSE port connected through an Ethernet cable to a power sourcing equipment, a PD port connected through an internal connection circuit loop to the PSE port and connected through a device connection cable to a powered device, and a processing unit connected to the PSE port and the PD port. The processing unit communicates with the power sourcing equipment through the PSE port by executing a power supply determination algorithm, and establishes a power supplying agreement with respect to the powered device, based on a predetermined power supply protocol and a powered-end power supply protocol, so that the power sourcing equipment supplies an electrical power with a specific power range according to the power supplying agreement to the powered device. A voltage measurement unit is used to measure a voltage value of the electrical power delivered by the power sourcing equipment. A current measurement unit is used to measure a current value of the electrical power delivered by the power sourcing equipment to the powered device. A resistance test port is connected through a test circuit loop to the processing unit, so that the processing unit is allowed to carry out a resistance measurement and a conduction status test for a cable to be tested.