PoE Computer System with MST Hub for Multi-Display Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Power-over-Ethernet (POE) systems cannot efficiently power computers and their connected display monitors, as they require separate power cables for each monitor, making installation impractical.
Innovation Solution
A computer system that receives a mixed power/data signal via a PoE cable, utilizing a splitter circuit to separate the signal into DC power and data signals, which are then used to power and communicate with multiple display monitors through a modified multi-stream transport (MST) protocol, eliminating the need for separate power cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional separate power and data cables are used for each display monitor, then reliable power and data transmission is achieved, but installation complexity and cable clutter increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and data transmission into a single Ethernet cable using Power-over-Ethernet (POE) technology. The POE injector merges AC power conversion and Ethernet data signaling into one cable connection, eliminating the need for separate power and data cables for each display monitor. This directly resolves the contradiction by reducing cable quantity while maintaining reliable power and data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The Ethernet cable is made multi-functional by enabling it to carry both power and data signals simultaneously. The POE system allows a single cable type to perform multiple functions: delivering electrical power to display monitors and transmitting digital video/audio data, thereby eliminating the need for different cable types and reducing overall installation complexity.
2Ease of operation
If Power-over-Ethernet is used to power the computer, then the number of power cables is reduced, but the computer cannot provide power to display monitors through the same cable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an MST hub as an intermediary device that receives power and data from the computer through a single POE-powered connection. The hub then distributes power to multiple display monitors through the same Ethernet infrastructure, enabling the computer to indirectly power multiple displays without requiring additional power cables from the computer itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution function is segmented from the computer and assigned to the MST hub. The computer focuses on generating power and data signals, while the hub handles power distribution to multiple displays. This segmentation allows the system to maintain POE simplicity while achieving multi-device power distribution capability.
3Device complexity
If MST protocol is used to transmit video to multiple displays, then data cable quantity is reduced, but power cables are still required for each monitor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power delivery function with the MST data transmission protocol by using POE-powered MST hubs. The Ethernet cables carrying MST video signals also carry power to the display monitors, combining what were previously separate functions into a single integrated system. This eliminates the need for separate power cables while maintaining MST's ability to drive multiple displays.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system having a microprocessor that receives a PoE cable and receives a mixed power/data signal. A splitter circuit separates the mixed power/data signal into a DC power signal and data signals. The microprocessor generates display signals. The display signals and the unused portion of the DC power signal are sent to daisy-chained display monitors. The display monitors are powered and operated by the DC power signal and the display signals. The display signals are addressed to different monitors in an MST format.