PoE PSE Remote Configuration via Resistive Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems lack a means to automatically supply configuration information to power sourcing equipment regarding the implementation of Alternative A or Alternative B, which are essential for compliance and efficient power distribution.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for remote configuration identification using a resistive element with a pre-determined value, where the Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) detects the resistive value and obtains configuration information from a memory device or decodes it directly, allowing for identification of additional resistive elements to determine the necessary configuration settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If Power over Ethernet systems use traditional manual configuration methods, then installation and setup are straightforward, but the systems cannot automatically comply with PoE standards and lack efficient power distribution capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic configuration identificationVSAvoidconfiguration detection mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The remote device automatically provides configuration information to the PSE through passive resistive elements that self-identify their presence and type without requiring active communication or complex detection protocols. The system uses the existing power transmission lines to convey configuration data through resistance measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Resistive elements serve as intermediaries between the remote device and the PSE, translating configuration information into measurable electrical resistance values. These passive resistors enable configuration communication without requiring active signal transmission or complex protocol implementation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If the PSE uses simple resistance detection, then the configuration identification is straightforward, but the system cannot obtain detailed configuration information from memory devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration information retrievalVSAvoidresistive value detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary resistance measurements to detect the presence and type of resistive elements before initiating detailed configuration information retrieval. This staged approach allows the PSE to first identify basic configuration parameters and then selectively access detailed information from memory devices only when necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration information is segmented into different levels: basic configuration data is encoded in the resistance values of passive resistive elements, while detailed configuration information is stored in separate memory devices. The PSE can access basic information through simple resistance measurement and detailed information through targeted memory communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system supports both Alternative A and Alternative B power arrangements, then compliance with PoE standards is achieved, but the PSE requires additional configuration information to determine the correct power distribution method

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower arrangement flexibilityVSAvoidpower arrangement configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses different resistance values as parameters to encode power arrangement type information. By varying the resistance measurements obtained from remote devices, the PSE can reliably distinguish between Alternative A and Alternative B power arrangements and configure its power distribution accordingly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables remote detection and configuration of Power over Ethernet systems, ensuring compliance with PoE standards by determining the appropriate power arrangement and vendor-specific settings, thereby optimizing power distribution and management.

Implementation Method 1

The PSE detects and obtains its value, preferably by using a current source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS7500121B2System and method for obtaining configuration information based on detected parameters of a remote device
Publication Date: 2009.03.03 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US7500121B2 patent drawing
  • US7500121B2 patent drawing
  • US7500121B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for remote identification comprising: a power sourcing device; a power ready patch panel comprising a first resistive element and at least one of a second resistive element, a multi-bit storage device and an open connection; a first electrical path between the power sourcing device and the first resistive element; and a second electrical path between the power sourcing device and the at least one of a second resistive element, a multi-bit storage device and an open connection; the power sourcing device being operable to obtain a value associated with the first resistive element via the first electrical path, and in the event the obtained value is indicative that a multi-bit storage device is connected to the second electrical path, obtain configuration information from the multi-bit storage device via the second electrical path.