Converter Technology

Power Over Ethernet

Power over Ethernet according to IEEE802.3af allows power to be delivered over standard CAT5 cable alongside the data services. This allows small, remote devices to be powered without needing a mains adapter and the associated wiring costs this involves.

Up to 13.5W can be drawn from the CAT5 cable which gives a useful power output of around 10W once conversion efficiency has been considered. This power level is enough for many applications including:-

  • Keyless Access Points
  • IP Cameras
  • WiFi Basestations

Since power is drawn from a UPS backed PoE hub, the PoE device will still function during mains failures and brownouts.

The PoE power system consists of two parts, the front-end classification/recognition section and the back end power converter. Once the front end has classified the PoE device, a voltage of between 35V and 57V would be made available for the back end power converter to regulate to whatever level is required in the device.

We are expanding our range of reference designs to include Power over Ethernet examples so have a look and see if you can find something which can help with your present design.