Single-Pair Ethernet Daisy Chaining Without Terminating Resistors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing single-pair Ethernet systems are limited by the need for terminating resistors, which prevent power and data transmission, and require stub cables to be under 30 cm in length, restricting network flexibility and expansion.

Innovation Solution

A single-pair Ethernet device with conductor paths that connect input and output contacts, allowing flexible configuration and simultaneous data and power transmission without terminating resistors, enabling easy addition or removal of devices via daisy chaining.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional Ethernet infrastructure (cables, switches, routers) is installed in buildings, then network connectivity and bandwidth are provided, but installation complexity, cost, and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple Ethernet communication pairs into a single physical cable pair, enabling multiple network connections to share one physical medium. This merging approach reduces the number of cables, switches, and installation steps while maintaining network connectivity functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single-pair Ethernet cable is designed to support multiple Ethernet communication functions simultaneously, allowing one cable to replace what traditionally required multiple separate cables and network infrastructure components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional Ethernet cables and infrastructure are installed, then network bandwidth is provided, but installation cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork bandwidthVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple Ethernet communication channels into a single cable pair, the installation process is simplified and accelerated. Installers need to deploy fewer physical cables and configure fewer network devices, directly reducing installation time while maintaining bandwidth capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple Ethernet cables are installed for different communication pairs, then network functionality is achieved, but cable management complexity and installation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork functionalityVSAvoidcable quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple Ethernet communication pairs into a single physical cable, dramatically reducing the quantity of cables required. This approach maintains full network functionality while eliminating the need to install and manage multiple separate cable bundles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If traditional Ethernet infrastructure is deployed, then communication capability is provided, but environmental impact from material usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidmaterial usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By combining multiple communication channels into a single cable pair, the patent reduces the total amount of physical material required for network deployment. This approach maintains communication capability while minimizing material consumption and associated environmental impact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4115480B1Single-pair ethernet device, single-pair ethernet system and method for installing a single-pair ethernet system
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 REICHLE & DE-MASSARI
  • EP4115480B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4115480B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4115480B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

In order to increase flexibility, a single-pair ethernet device (10a-f) is proposed, which is preferably part of a single-pair ethernet system (42a-f), comprising a first input contact (12a-f) and a second input contact (14a-f), which are provided for electrically contacting a single-pair ethernet input conductor pair (16a-f), comprising a first output contact (18a-f) and a second output contact (20a-f), which are provided for electrically contacting a single-pair ethernet output conductor pair (22a-f), comprising a first conducting path (24a-f), which electrically conductively connects the first input contact (12a-f) to the first output contact (18a-f) in at least one operating state, and comprising a second conducting path (26a-f), which electrically conductively connects the second input contact (14a-f) to the second output contact (20a-f) in the operating state.