Transformer-less Network Power Distribution via Solid-State Circuitry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic transformers used in power distribution over networks are cumbersome, costly, and prone to failures, limiting current capacity and electromagnetic interference performance, while also occupying significant PCB space and requiring separate power connections for network devices.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state transformer-less method that uses integrated circuits to conductively couple power and data signals over differential cable pairs, eliminating the need for magnetic transformers and providing surge protection and proper polarity for power signals, thus enabling efficient power distribution and data transmission.
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 device complexity increases and PCB space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces magnetic transformers with solid-state circuitry including integrated circuits, switching circuits, and rectifying circuits that conductively couple power and data signals over differential cable pairs, eliminating the need for magnetic components while maintaining power delivery functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it separates power signals from data signals, provides surge protection, ensures proper polarity, and enables both power delivery and data transmission over the same cable pair, replacing what would traditionally require separate transformer-based systems
2Reliability
If magnetic transformers are used for power distribution, then power isolation can be achieved, but electromagnetic interference performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes magnetic transformer-based isolation with solid-state circuitry that provides power isolation through circuit design and signal processing, eliminating magnetic fields that cause electromagnetic interference while maintaining the necessary isolation between power and data signal paths
3Power
If magnetic transformers are used in network power distribution, then power can be transmitted, but current capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces magnetic transformers with solid-state switching and rectifying circuits that can handle higher current capacities without the core saturation limitations of magnetic transformers, enabling more efficient power transmission to network devices
4Power
If separate power connections are provided for network devices, then power delivery is ensured, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power delivery and data transmission into a single network cable connection, allowing both functions to be carried simultaneously over the same physical medium, thereby eliminating the need for separate power connections and reducing installation complexity
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 the need for separate power cables, enhances reliability, and minimizes electromagnetic interference, while maintaining the functionality of transformers, allowing for higher power delivery and reduced costs and space usage in network devices.
Implementation Method 1
A solid-state transformer-less method that uses integrated circuits to conductively couple power and data signals over differential cable pairs
Implementation Method 2
Such a protection circuit may provide surge protection (i.e. voltage spike and lightning protection) for incoming network signals
Implementation Method 3
The switching/rectifying circuit may receive the output of the protection circuit and rectifies or switches the power signal to ensure power with a proper polarity is applied to the IC
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a network device operable to receive a network signal that may include both power and data from a coupled network. This network device includes a network connector and an integrated circuit. The network connector physically couples the network device to the network. An optional protection circuit may provide surge protection or incoming network signals received by the network device through the network connector. An optional switching/rectifying circuit sees the output of the protection circuit and is operable to rectify a power signal when contained within the network signal. The integrated circuit further includes a power feed circuit conductively coupled to the protection circuit and the rectifying circuit. This power feed circuit is operable to separate and pass the received data signal to a network physical layer and separate and pass the received power signal to a power management module. The power management module electrically couples to the integrated circuit but is not necessarily part of the integrated circuit. The power management module is operable to at least partially power the network device for specific circuits within the network device from the received power signal.