Connector module with embedded Power-Over-Ethernet functionality
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A connector module comprising:
- at least one jack adapted for coupling to a link; and
circuitry coupled to the jack, the circuitry configured to perform Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) operations by supplying power through the jack.
10 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
According to one embodiment of the invention, the connector module is an Ethernet jack module with embedded Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) functionality. Having a compatible pin configuration as an Ethernet jack module without PoE functionality, the connector module is adapted for placement on a circuit board employed within a switching device.
134 Citations
24 Claims
-
1. A connector module comprising:
-
at least one jack adapted for coupling to a link; and
circuitry coupled to the jack, the circuitry configured to perform Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) operations by supplying power through the jack. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
-
-
15. A connector module comprising:
-
a plurality of Ethernet jacks each adapted for coupling to a link; and
circuitry, coupled to the plurality of Ethernet jacks, to perform Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) operations by supplying power through each of the plurality of Ethernet jacks, the circuitry comprises magnetics and a PoE circuit, the PoE circuit to vary the amount of power supplied over any of the plurality of Ethernet jacks. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
-
-
19. A Power-Over-Ethernet (PoE) circuit adapted for controlling power supplied over a plurality of Ethernet jacks, the PoE circuit comprising:
-
a plurality of voltage sensing contacts each to detect whether a powered device is coupled to an Ethernet jack of the plurality of Ethernet jacks corresponding to the voltage sensing contact and to prioritize the plurality of Ethernet jacks;
a first contact to receive a predetermined direct current (DC) voltage from a power supply;
a first serial interface to receive control information for managing power transmissions by the PoE circuit; and
a second serial interface adapted for coupling to a first serial interface of a neighboring PoE circuit. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23)
-
-
24. A method comprising:
-
receiving an isolated supply voltage by a connector module that comprises a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) circuit and a plurality of jacks;
internally regulating an isolated internal voltage being less than the isolated supply voltage within the connector module;
performing PoE operations within the connector module to manage power transmissions by the PoE circuit; and
supplying power through at least one of the plurality of jacks to a neighboring connector module.
-
Specification