Energy Efficient Power over Ethernet (EEPoE)
Overview
Reduce Power Consumption with EEPoE
Improving Power over Ethernet (PoE) system efficiency requires minimizing power losses across the entire length of the power chain. Contributing factors range from power conversion at the PoE power sourcing equipment (PSE) output, through power delivery to the powered device (PD), and conversion back to the various needed voltages. Therefore, ways to minimize power losses to the power supply, PSE and PDs (including the PoE ICs comprising them) along with the channel (including cable, patch panel and connectors) must be considered.A multi-pronged technology approach to improving overall system efficiency is ideal, as it improves the economics of wireless network deployments in various market applications, such as digital ceiling smart LED lighting or smart buildings with enterprise IoT. Key considerations include:
- EEPoE midspans with remote management capabilities enable network upgrades to PoE without any infrastructure changes
- For endpoints, such as IP phones, cameras, WLAN access points and other PDs, PD front-end ICs must reduce the size, cost and complexity of next generation energy-efficient PDs
- Finally, the ability to support four-pair powering to minimize cable losses is imperative
This approach enables use of a more efficient power supply and builds power efficiency into the PSEs, PDs (and the ICs inside them). It also leverages four-pair powering to reduce power losses on the cables.
Microsemi's exclusive EEPoE technology cuts the power losses on Ethernet cables by 50%, through the utilization of all the copper available on cable when a Microsemi EEPoE PSE IC or Midspan is used. It is 100% compatible with IEEE802.3at, and the savings work with ANY IEEE 802.3at Type 2, Type 1 or IEEE 802.3af compliant PD. In practice, devices that consume 25.5W would consume less than 27.75W, instead of the worst case 30W when a non-EEPoE PSE is employed.
Resources
Learn More about EEPoE
- Understanding IEEE 802.3at PoE Plus
- Cutting Power Consumption with Energy Efficient PoE (EEPoE)
- Next-Generation PoE: IEEE 802.3bt White Paper