PoE Power Supply Circuit Segmentation for High-Power Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems are limited by the IEEE 802.3af and IEEE 802.3at standards, which restrict the maximum power delivery and reception to 15.4 watts and 34.2 watts, respectively, failing to accommodate devices requiring higher power levels.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a high-power capable PoE device that determines the power supply and reception based on link status and authentication messages, utilizing a first and second power-supply/receiving circuit to exceed these limits, allowing for higher power transmission and reception up to 25.5 watts or more.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If PoE systems operate according to IEEE 802.3af and IEEE 802.3at standards, then power delivery is limited to 15.4 watts and 34.2 watts respectively, but this limitation prevents accommodation of devices requiring higher power levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with standard PoE devices
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power supply capability into two distinct modes: a first power supply mode operating within standard IEEE 802.3af/at power limits (15.4W/34.2W) for compatibility with conventional PoE devices, and a second power supply mode capable of delivering higher power levels (25.5W or more) for advanced devices. The system selectively activates the appropriate mode based on device capability detection, thereby resolving the contradiction between extended power capability and standard compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic power supply mode selection based on real-time detection of connected device capabilities. The PoE device transitions between first and second power supply modes according to authentication results and link status, enabling adaptive power delivery that matches the actual power requirements of connected devices while maintaining backward compatibility with standard PoE equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If PoE devices receive power above standard limits, then higher power operation is enabled, but risk of damaging devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower reception levelVSAvoiddevice safety
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary authentication and capability detection procedures before enabling high-power reception mode. The PoE device exchanges authentication messages with the connected device to verify its power handling capabilities, and only after successful verification does the system activate the second power receiving circuit. This preliminary verification action prevents power overload damage by ensuring the receiving device can safely handle the elevated power levels before they are delivered.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the PoE device continuously monitors authentication results, link status, and power delivery conditions to dynamically adjust power reception levels. Based on feedback from the authentication process and ongoing operation, the system selectively activates or deactivates the second power receiving circuit, thereby maintaining device safety while enabling high-power operation when appropriate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Power

If dual power supply circuits are implemented, then higher power capability is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaximum power supply capabilityVSAvoidpower circuit architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the second power supply circuit to serve multiple functions: it acts as a high-power delivery path when needed, but can also function as a backup or supplementary power path during normal operation. The authentication message exchange mechanism serves dual purposes of both security verification and power capability negotiation. This multi-functionality reduces the relative complexity burden by maximizing the utility of additional circuit components.

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

Data Source

PatentUS10884466B2Methods and systems for supplying and receiving power over ethernet
Publication Date: 2021.01.05 PISMO LABS TECH
  • US10884466B2 patent drawing
  • US10884466B2 patent drawing
  • US10884466B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and systems for supplying more power than a power limit to a powered device (PD) if the PD is capable of receiving power more than the power limit, and receiving power more than the power limit from a power sourcing equipment (PSE) if the PSE is capable of supplying power more than the power limit. The PD and the PSE operates in a power over Ethernet (PoE) environment. The system comprises a power receiving section and a power supply section. The power receiving section comprises a first power-receiving circuit and a second power-receiving circuit, where the first power-receiving circuit is used when receiving power up to the power limit, and the second power-receiving circuit is used when receiving power more than the power limit. The power-supply section comprises a first power-supply circuit and a second power-supply circuit, where the first power-supply circuit is used when supplying power up to the power limit, and the second power-supply circuit is used when supplying power more than the power limit.