Ring-Topologized Power Over Data Lines With Fault Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Power over Ethernet (PoE) and Power over Data Lines (PoDL) systems aim to reduce wiring while improving reliability, but they still require significant wiring and have limitations in fault detection and isolation.
Innovation Solution
A system where DC voltages are coupled via DC coupling inductors and PHYs are AC coupled via series capacitors, with a master PSE and slave PDs forming a ring or series connection, allowing sequential detection and powering up of devices, and fault isolation through directional power application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If PoE or PoDL systems use single path power transmission to reduce wiring, then wiring complexity is reduced, but system reliability deteriorates due to lack of fault isolation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power transmission path into multiple independent segments by connecting PSEs and PDs in a series configuration. Each segment can be independently controlled and isolated, allowing fault containment to specific segments while maintaining power delivery to other segments. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling reliability improvement through fault isolation without requiring complete redundant wiring paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching capability that allows the system to adaptively change power transmission paths based on detected faults. When a fault is detected in one segment, the system dynamically reconfigures to power devices through alternative segments. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to maintain high reliability while using a single path architecture, resolving the contradiction between wiring simplicity and fault tolerance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sequential detection routine is implemented before full voltage application, then device compatibility is ensured, but startup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection and classification routines at low voltage before applying full power voltage to ensure device compatibility and prevent damage. This preliminary action establishes safe operating conditions and verifies device presence and power requirements. The patent optimizes this process by implementing efficient detection algorithms and parallel processing where possible, minimizing the time penalty while ensuring comprehensive device compatibility verification.
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
This approach reduces wiring requirements, enhances system reliability by isolating faults, and ensures all devices are powered even in the presence of faults, with the detection and startup process taking only a few seconds.
Implementation Method 1
All DC voltages are coupled to the wires via DC coupling inductors
Implementation Method 2
all the PHYs (Physical Layer devices for processing the differential Ethernet data) are AC coupled to the wires via series capacitors
Implementation Method 3
The DC voltage is selectively coupled to the wires via a switch, such as a MOSFET
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a master device has a first port and a second port and initially applies a DC voltage only to the first port. A plurality of slave devices, each have a third port and a fourth port, are serially connected to the master device in a ring, via conductors, starting at the first port and ending at the second port. The conductors simultaneously carry the DC voltage and differential data. Each slave device, after performing a detection routine, then sequentially applies the DC voltage to the adjacent downstream slave device in a first direction around the ring. If the master does not detect the presence of the DC voltage at its second port, the master device applies the DC voltage to both the first port and the second port to sequentially power up the slave devices in both directions around the ring of slave devices.