Solid-State Transformerless Power Feed Circuit for Ethernet Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic transformers used in power distribution over networks are cumbersome, costly, and prone to failures, limiting power delivery and causing electromagnetic interference, while also requiring significant board space and being inefficient in current handling.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state transformer-less method using integrated circuits to couple high bandwidth data signals and power signals, eliminating the need for magnetic transformers by integrating power feed circuitry within ICs or discrete components, which allows for efficient power distribution and data transmission over Ethernet networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If magnetic transformers are used for power distribution over network, then power can be delivered to network devices, but the system becomes cumbersome, costly, and occupies significant board space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic transformer system with a solid-state power feed circuit implemented through integrated circuitry. The transformer's mechanical/magnetic components are substituted with electronic circuit elements including power MOSFETs, resistors, and control logic that collectively provide the same power delivery function without the bulk and complexity of magnetic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power feed functionality with the existing network interface card circuitry by integrating the power feed circuit directly into the IC. This consolidation combines power delivery, data transmission, and control functions into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate transformer assemblies and reducing overall system complexity.
2Power
If magnetic transformers are used for power distribution, then power can be supplied to devices, but electromagnetic interference performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the source of electromagnetic interference by replacing the magnetic transformer with a solid-state power feed circuit. The electronic circuitry uses controlled switching of power MOSFETs and resistive elements that do not generate the same level of electromagnetic radiation, thereby reducing EMI while maintaining power delivery capability.
3Power
If magnetic transformers are used in power distribution, then power can be transmitted, but transformer core saturation limits the current that can be sent to power devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the saturable magnetic core with solid-state current switching elements. The power MOSFETs and control circuitry provide current regulation without the saturation limitation inherent in magnetic transformers, enabling more flexible and reliable current delivery to networked power devices.
4Power
If magnetic transformers are used for power distribution, then power can be supplied to network devices, but failures associated with transformers account for significant number of field returns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the failure-prone magnetic transformer with a solid-state power feed circuit using integrated circuitry. The electronic components have longer operational lifetimes and fewer failure modes, thereby reducing field returns and improving overall system reliability while maintaining power delivery functionality.
5Adaptability or versatility
If separate power connections are used for network devices, then devices can be powered independently, but the number of required power cables and AC adapters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal power feed circuit that combines both power delivery and data transmission functions through a single network interface. This multi-functional approach allows the same physical connection to serve dual purposes, eliminating the need for separate power cables and AC adapters while maintaining the ability to power network devices independently.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a power source equipment (PSE) network device operable to provide a network signal that may include both power and data. This PSE network device includes a network connector and an integrated circuit. The network connector physically couples the PSE network device to the network. The integrated circuit further includes a power feed circuit. This power feed circuit is operable to combine and pass the received data signals and power signal as a single network signal. A PSE controller electrically couples to the integrated circuit but is not necessarily part of the integrated circuit. The PSE controller is operable to govern the production and distribution of the power portion of the network signal.