Power Switching Circuitry for Automatic Ethernet Power Source Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited power supplying capability of Power over Ethernet (POE) technology leads to delayed and manual power switching between different power sources, limiting its popularity due to inadequate response to varying power requirements of electronic apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A power switching circuitry comprising an external power socket, an ethernet power supply pin, a sensing circuitry with a switch, resistor, and optocoupler, and a power output decision module, which automatically selects and switches between external and ethernet power sources based on the insertion of a power plug, ensuring timely power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual power switching operation is performed in electronic apparatuses, then power sources can be switched between external power and POE power, but the power switching response is delayed and not timely
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing circuitry automatically detects the presence or absence of an external power plug and triggers power switching without user intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring power source availability and autonomously selecting the appropriate power source, eliminating manual operation delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing circuitry continuously monitors the power source status through electrical connection detection and provides feedback to the power switching control. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables real-time power source selection and ensures timely response to power availability changes.
2Measurement precision
If external power socket with multiple pins is used for automatic power detection, then power source detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensing circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optocoupler as an intermediary component in the sensing circuitry. The optocoupler isolates the detection circuit from the power socket while transmitting detection signals, enabling accurate power source detection without direct electrical connection to the power lines, thus reducing complexity and safety risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or direct electrical sensing mechanisms with an optical sensing system using the optocoupler. This substitution simplifies the sensing circuitry by using light-based detection instead of direct electrical measurement, reducing the complexity of the power source detection system.
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 automatic and efficient power switching, reducing unnecessary power loss and enhancing the responsiveness of power source selection, thereby improving the usability and efficiency of POE technology.
Implementation Method 1
the optocoupler comprises a light emitting diode and a light sensor, wherein a first end of the light emitting diode is electrically coupled to the power supplying node
Implementation Method 2
whether a first end of the light sensor is conducted with a second end of the light sensor is determined by whether the light emitting diode emits light
Data Source
AI summary
A power switching circuitry and ethernet apparatus using the same is provided. The power switching circuitry comprises an external power socket for receiving external power, an ethernet power supply pin for receiving power over ethernet, a sensing circuitry, and a power output decision module, and determines whether the power over ethernet is applied to an internal circuit in accordance with position variations of the socket pins of the external power socket.