PoE Powered Device Power Control via Voltage Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) systems, powered devices are limited by the PoE standard's power consumption limits, which do not account for varying cable resistances and losses, leading to inefficiencies and potential overload conditions.

Innovation Solution

A powered device with an electrical load power providing unit that determines a power control value based on the characteristics of the power provided, allowing it to control the power level to avoid overload conditions and maximize power consumption within the limits of the power providing device, while maintaining compliance with the PoE standard.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the PoE standard's power consumption limits are applied, then compatibility and reliability are improved, but power usage is limited and efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The powered device dynamically adjusts its power consumption based on real-time feedback about the power providing device's output characteristics. The device monitors the provided power level and adapts its consumption accordingly, transitioning from static standard-compliant limits to dynamic optimization that maximizes power usage while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the powered device determines a power control value based on characteristics of the power provided by the power providing device. This feedback loop enables the powered device to continuously adjust its power consumption to match the actual power availability, optimizing energy usage while preventing overload conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If higher power consumption is enabled, then power usage efficiency is improved, but overload conditions and system reliability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower usage efficiencyVSAvoidoverload condition
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The powered device continuously monitors the power provided by the power providing device and uses this feedback to adjust its power consumption. By determining a power control value based on the provided power characteristics, the system efficiently utilizes available power while automatically preventing overload conditions through real-time adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the power consumption parameter dynamically based on the power providing device's output characteristics. Instead of using fixed power limits, the powered device adjusts its power consumption parameter in response to varying power availability, optimizing efficiency while maintaining reliability through parameter adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If fixed power limits are used, then system stability is improved, but adaptability to different cable configurations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with cable configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static fixed power limits to dynamic power control that adapts to different cable configurations and power providing device characteristics. The powered device determines its power consumption based on real-time measurements of the provided power, enabling stable operation across varying system conditions while maintaining compatibility with different cable types and lengths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The powered device changes its power consumption parameter based on the characteristics of the power provided, which vary with different cable configurations. This parameter adaptation enables the system to maintain stability across diverse configurations while maximizing power utilization for each specific setup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3167690B1Powered device and power distribution system comprising the powered device
Publication Date: 2022.06.29 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP3167690B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3167690B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3167690B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This ID describes a technique for a Power over Ethernet PD (Powered Device) to discover the port injection voltage the PSE (Power Providing Equipment) is using. This is required to determine the maximum current the PD will be able to draw without being cut off by the PSE. This in turn is used to extract the maximum possible power from the PSE.