PoE Power Sourcing Equipment for Remote LED Dimming
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED lighting systems face challenges in efficient dimming control, particularly with phase-cut dimmers, and require complex circuitry for power-over-Ethernet (PoE) standards, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A PoE system that allows for direct power and control of LED lighting loads without the need for traditional networked LED drivers, using a power sourcing equipment (PSE) that can determine the power requirements of non-standard devices and provide constant current or voltage signals, enabling dimming through PWM or PDM without the need for complex DC-to-DC conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional phase-cut dimmers are used with LED lighting, then dimming control is achieved, but special circuitry is required to detect phase-cut signals increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power delivery and dimming control functions into a single PoE infrastructure. The Ethernet cable simultaneously carries both power and control signals, eliminating the need for separate dimming circuitry and phase-cut detection hardware in the LED driver.
Solution Approach 2:
The PoE system provides multi-functionality by using the Ethernet infrastructure for both power delivery and dimming control. A single cable system performs multiple functions that traditionally required separate components, reducing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If PoE standards compliance is implemented for LED drivers, then power delivery is standardized, but device complexity increases due to negotiation protocols
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the LED driver compliant with PoE standards (which would require detection and negotiation circuitry), the patent inverts the approach by making the PSE compliant with PoE standards while allowing the LED driver to operate as a simple non-standard load. This eliminates the need for complex negotiation protocols in the LED driver.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach where the PSE acts as the intelligent component that understands PoE protocols, while the LED driver remains a simple power-consuming device. The PSE mediates between the PoE standard and the LED load, translating control signals appropriately without requiring the LED driver to implement complex protocols.
3Ease of operation
If LED drivers are networked for remote control, then dimming control is achieved, but cost increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power delivery and control communication into a single PoE infrastructure. By combining these functions, the system eliminates the need for separate control wiring and additional communication hardware, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining remote control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The PoE system provides universal functionality by using the Ethernet infrastructure for both power and control. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated control circuits and communication hardware, reducing component count and manufacturing complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If DC-to-DC conversion is implemented in PoE LED systems, then power compatibility is ensured, but efficiency decreases due to redundant conversion stages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the DC-to-DC conversion function from the LED driver and relocates it to the PSE side. By removing the conversion stage from the LED driver, the system eliminates redundant conversion processes and associated energy losses while maintaining power compatibility through centralized power management at the PSE.
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
This solution reduces costs and improves efficiency by eliminating the need for redundant power decoupling and DC-to-DC conversion, allowing for seamless integration and control of LED lighting within existing Ethernet infrastructure while maintaining compliance with IEEE standards.
Implementation Method 1
the voltage is commonly modulated using pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse density modulation (PDM), both of which affect the percentage of a given time period that the voltage is applied to the LED load which digitally modulates the power delivered
Implementation Method 2
Lighting based on light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
Data Source
AI summary
Power is provided to a powered device (PD) over a data cable from power sourcing equipment (PSE). A signature resistance of the device is detected through the data cable. If the signature resistance is in a first range, power is provided to the PD from the PSE over the data cable in a matter compliant with an IEEE standard for power over Ethernet (PoE). If the signature resistance is in a second range, information is received from the PD over the data cable and the existence of the PD is exposed by the PSE over a computer network. A command to control the PD is received by the PSE over the computer network and a power signal is provided to the PD from the PSE based on the command and the received information.