PoE Data Reception via Packet Characteristic Decoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Power over Ethernet systems consume excessive power due to the need for complex microchips and processors to decode data packets, leading to high energy costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A data receiving device with a simple logic unit that decodes data encoded in characteristics of data packets, such as packet length, duration, or sequence, eliminating the need for full MAC layer decoding and reducing power consumption by using a low-cost, low-power simple logic unit or even without a PHY, allowing power and data to be transmitted via the same Ethernet connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If full MAC layer decoding is implemented using microchips or microprocessors, then data processing capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function needed from the complex MAC layer protocol - specifically, detecting packet characteristics (length, duration, sequence) to retrieve data. This extracted simplified approach eliminates the need for full MAC layer decoding hardware, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining data processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, power-hungry microprocessors with simple, low-cost logic units that perform only the necessary packet characteristic analysis. This substitution uses cheaper, less complex components that consume significantly less power, accepting that the device can be replaced or reset if needed rather than requiring persistent high-power processing capability.
2Measurement precision
If complex microchips and processors are used to decode data packets, then data processing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data reception process into distinct, simple steps: receiving packets, measuring packet characteristics (length, duration, sequence), and extracting data based on these measurements. This segmentation allows each function to be performed by simple logic circuits rather than requiring a complex integrated processor, thereby maintaining decoding accuracy through systematic analysis while reducing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If continuous Ethernet power is supplied, then device operation reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the device to operate periodically by processing accumulated packet characteristics over time intervals rather than requiring continuous active processing. The simple logic unit can accumulate and analyze packet data during intervals when power is available, then maintain operation during intervals when Ethernet power is disconnected, thereby reducing continuous power consumption while maintaining operational reliability through periodic processing cycles.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a simple data transmission protocol and a data receiving device (10, 10', 10", 10"') for a power over Ethernet system (100') using the simple data transmission protocol. The device (10, 10', 10", 10"') comprises a port and a simple logic unit. The port is configured for receiving power and data transmitted to the device (10, 10', 10", 10"') via an Ethernet connection (16'). The simple logic unit is configured to decode data encoded in a characteristic of one or more data packets received at the port. The data can be encoded in data packet length, data packet duration, number of data packets in a predetermined interval, and/or sequence of data packets. The simple data transmission protocol can reduce power consumption as in contrast to the Ethernet protocol MAC does not need to be decoded for information transfer. Hence only simple logic functions are required.