Power over Ethernet Node Contact Configuration for Daisy-Chain Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Ethernet cables primarily use two pairs of wires for data transmission, leaving the remaining wires unused for power delivery, which limits the ability to efficiently power devices connected in a daisy chain configuration.
Innovation Solution
The system configures nodes with multiple pairs of contacts to receive power and data, allowing power to be delivered over two to three pairs of contacts in Ethernet cables, enabling efficient power distribution to multiple devices without the need for additional injectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional Ethernet cables use only two pairs of wires for data transmission, then data communication is maintained, but power delivery capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The Ethernet cable system is designed to perform multiple functions using the same infrastructure. The existing two pairs of wires continue to handle data transmission, while the remaining two pairs are utilized for power delivery. This multi-functionality approach allows the cable to simultaneously provide both data communication and power delivery without requiring separate cables or complex additional wiring, thereby improving power delivery capability while maintaining manageable system complexity.
2Productivity
If power is delivered over two to three pairs of contacts, then power distribution efficiency is improved, but compatibility with conventional two-pair data transmission must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The four pairs of wires in the Ethernet cable are segmented into distinct functional groups. Two pairs are dedicated to data transmission, maintaining compatibility with conventional systems, while the remaining two pairs (or three pairs in some configurations) are allocated for power delivery. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function - data communication follows traditional protocols, while power delivery utilizes the additional capacity, thereby improving power distribution efficiency without compromising compatibility with existing data transmission infrastructure.
3Power
If additional power injectors are used to power daisy-chained devices, then power availability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power delivery function with the existing Ethernet cable infrastructure. Instead of requiring separate power injectors at each daisy-chained device, the system combines power delivery with data transmission over the same cable. The remaining two pairs of wires in the Ethernet cable are utilized to deliver power throughout the daisy-chain configuration, eliminating the need for additional power injector devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining power availability.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems that may include nodes configured to receive power and data from a cable, for example, an Ethernet cable. In example embodiments, the nodes include a plurality of contacts for delivering data and power to a downstream node. In example embodiments a single pair of contacts may be used to deliver data to the downstream node and three pairs of contacts may be used to deliver power to the downstream node.