Detection for high powered devices

A powering source unit comprising: a first powering source; a second powering source; the first powering source being operable to: apply a plurality of voltages towards a powered device via a first path so as to detect a signature impedance, and in the event the signature impedance is detected, to at least partially classify the power requirements of the powered device by supplying a classification voltage towards the powered device via the first path and measuring the resultant current flow, the classification voltage level being higher than each of the plurality of detection voltage levels; the second powering source being operable to apply at least one voltage towards the powered device via a second path so as to attempt to detect a signature impedance at least partially contemporaneously with the supplied classification voltage of the first powering source.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to the field of power over local area networks, particularly Ethernet based networks, and more particularly to a method of detection and determination of a type of powered device attached over four twisted wire pairs.

The growth of local and wide area networks based on Ethernet technology has been an important driver for cabling offices and homes with structured cabling systems having multiple twisted wire pairs. The structure cable is also known herein as communication cabling and typically comprises four twisted wire pairs. In certain networks only two twisted wire pairs are used for communication, with the other set of two twisted wire pairs being known as spare pairs. In other networks all four twisted wire pairs are used for communication. The ubiquitous local area network, and the equipment which operates thereon, has led to a situation where there is often a need to attach a network operated device for which power is to be advantageously supplied by the network over the network wiring. Supplying power over the network wiring has many advantages including, but not limited to; reduced cost of installation; centralized power and power back-up; and centralized security and management.

The IEEE 802.3af-2003 standard, whose contents are incorporated herein by reference, is addressed to powering remote devices over an Ethernet based network. The above standard is limited to a powered device (PD) having a maximum power requirement during operation of 12.95 watts. Power can be delivered to the PD either directly from the switch/hub known as an endpoint power sourcing equipment (PSE) or alternatively via a midspan PSE. In either case power is delivered over a set of two twisted pairs. Unfortunately, no provision has been made in the above standard for PDs requiring power in excess of the above maximum power requirement. The above mentioned standard further prescribes a method of classification having a total of 5 power levels of which classes0,3and4result in a maximum power level of 15.4 at the PSE which is equivalent to the aforementioned 12.95 watt limit.

The IEEE 802.3 at Task Force has been established to promote a standard for delivering power in excess of that described in the aforementioned standard. Two basic approaches for increasing power exist:

1) increasing the amount of power delivered over a single set of two twisted wire pairs as compared to the power limits of the above IEEE 802.3 af standard; and

2) delivering power over two sets of two twisted wire pairs. For simplicity, a powered devices arranged to receive power in accordance with the IEEE 802.3 af standard, i.e. at power levels on the order of a maximum of 12.95 watts with power being delivered over a single set of two twisted wire pairs is hereinafter denoted an 'af device or an 'af PD. A PD arranged to receive power in excess of 12.95 watts, or is operational in accordance with a standard which allows for power significantly in excess of 12.95 watts is called hereinafter a high power PD.

Delivering power over all four twisted wire pairs, i.e. over two sets of two twisted wire pairs of the communication cabling requires careful attention to a number of possible connection combinations. In particular, the PSE is not a-priori aware of the actual device connected, and therefore detection and classification must detect and determine a possible non-powered device, an 'af PD which is connected with a diode bridge input allowing for powering over either set of two twisted wire pairs, a high power PD receiving power over both sets of twisted wire pairs, and a high power PD receiving high power over either set of two twisted wire pairs. In an exemplary embodiment a high power PD arranged to receive power over a single set of two twisted wire pairs is powered at a higher voltage than an 'af PD.

In an exemplary embodiment a high power PD receiving power over all four twisted wire pairs is provided with a combiner as described in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/761,327 filed Jan. 22, 2004 entitled “High Power Architecture for Power Over Ethernet” whose entire contents are incorporated herein by reference. Such a combiner exhibits a detectable signature impedance at the input for each set of two twisted wire pair connections receiving power.

Several patents addressed to the issue of supplying power to a PD over an Ethernet based network exist including: U.S. Pat. No. 6,473,608 issued to Lehr et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,643,566 issued to Lehr et al. the contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

A PSE is a power sourcing equipment arranged to power a specific PD over a specific link. Thus, in an 'af environment a single PSE is associated with a single PD. In a high power environment, a number of options exist, including powering a single PD from a plurality of PSEs. For the sake of clarity, for the purposes of this document the term Powering Source (PS) is used to mean a single powering source designed for connection to a single set of twisted wire pairs. Thus, a high power PD may be arranged to receive power from a single PS over a single set of two twisted wire pairs, or from two PSs over two sets of twisted wire pairs. Functionality, such as detection and classification may be separately supplied to each PS, or may be shared among the PSs by a single controller.

It would therefore be desirable to have an architecture enabling powering remote devices over an Ethernet network having high power needs, and preferably having a method operable to detect and identify a possible 'af PD which is connected with a diode bridge input allowing for powering over either two twisted wire pairs, a high power PD received power over both twisted wire pairs, and a high power PD receiving high power over either two twisted wire pairs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of prior art in powering remote devices. This is provided in the present invention by a method of detection in which a first of two PSs associated with a single PD initiates a detection phase, and in the event a valid PD is detected during the detection phase the first PS begins a classification phase. The classification phase comprises the PS outputting a voltage towards the PD greater than any voltages of the detection phase. A second of two PSs associated with the same PD initiates and performs a detection phase at least partially contemporaneously with the classification phase of the first PS. Thus, in the event an 'af PD or a high power PD arranged to receive power over only one set of two twisted wire pairs is connected to the two PSs, the detection phase of the second PS will return an invalid PD as a result of the contemporaneous classification voltage of the first PS.

In the event a high powered PD arranged to receive power over two sets of two twisted wire pairs is connected to the two PSs, both PSs will detect a valid PD during the detection phase. Classification of the PDs is accomplished in one of a variety of methods, including methods described in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/053,872 filed Feb. 10, 2005 entitled “High Power Classification for Power Over Ethernet” the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. Irrespective of the method used for classification, if available, power is then supplied over two sets of twisted wire pairs.

The invention provides for a local area network adapted to supply power to a plurality of types of powered devices over communication cabling, the local area network comprising: a powered device comprising at least one signature impedance; a first powering source; a second powering source; and communication cabling comprising a plurality of twisted wire pairs arranged to connect the first and second powering source to the powered device, the communication cabling providing a first power path comprising a first set of twisted wire pairs of the communication cabling between the first powering source and the powered device and a second power path comprising a second set of twisted wire pairs of the communication cabling between the second powering source and the powered device, the first set being different from the second set, the first powering source being operable to: apply a plurality of voltages to the powered device via the first path so as to attempt to detect a first one of the at least one signature impedance, and in the event the first one of the at least one signature impedance is detected, to at least partially classify the power requirements of the powered device by supplying a classification voltage to the powered device via the first path and measuring the resultant current flow, the classification voltage level being higher than each of the plurality of detection voltage levels; the second powering source being operable to apply at least one voltage to the powered device via the second path so as to attempt to detect a second one of the at least one signature impedance at least partially contemporaneously with the supplied classification voltage of the first powering source.

In one embodiment the local area network further comprises a power sourcing controller, the first and second powering source being responsive to the power sourcing controller. In another embodiment the powered device comprises one of: a first type of powered device arranged to accept power over either one of the first power path and the second power path, the first type of powered device exhibiting a single signature impedance to the first and second paths; and a second type of powered device arranged to accept power over both the first power path and the second power path, the second type of powered device adapted to exhibit the signature impedance to the second path while receiving the classification voltage on the first path.

In one embodiment in the event the powered device is of the first type, the second powering source will not detect the single signature impedance. In another embodiment in the event the first powering source detects the first one of the at least one signature impedance and the second powering source detects the second one of the at least one signature impedance, the first and second powering sources are further operable to power the powered device via both the respective first and second paths.

In one embodiment the local area network further comprises a power sourcing controller in communication with the first powering source and the second powering source, and wherein in the event the first powering source detects the first one of the at least one signature impedance and the second powering source detects the second one of the at least one signature impedance, the first and second powering sources are further operable by the power sourcing controller to power the powered device via both the respective first and second paths. In one embodiment in the event the first powering source detects the first one of the at least one signature impedance and the second powering source detects the second one of the at least one signature impedance, the second powering source is further operable to at least partially classify the power requirements of the powered device by supplying a supplying a classification voltage to the powered device via the second path and measuring the resultant current flow. In one further embodiment the first and second powering sources are operable to power the powered device via the respective first and second paths responsive to the at least partial classifications. In another further embodiment the local area network further comprises a power sourcing controller in communication with the first powering source and the second powering source, the power sourcing controller being operable to classify the the power requirements of the powered device responsive to the measured resultant current flow of the classification voltage of the first powering source and the measured resultant current flow of the classification voltage of the second powering source.

In one embodiment in the event the first powering source does not detect the first one of the at least one signature impedance, the second powering source is operable to apply a plurality of voltages to the powered device via the second path so as to attempt to detect the at least one signature impedance. In one further embodiment in the event the second powering source detects the at least one signature impedance, the second powering source is further operable to power the powered device via the second path. In another further embodiment the local area network further comprises a power sourcing controller in communication with each of the first powering source and the second powering source, and wherein in the event the second powering source detects the at least one signature impedance, the second powering source is further operable responsive to the power sourcing controller to: at least partially classify the power requirements of the powered device by supplying a classification voltage to the powered device via the second path and measuring the resultant current flow; and power the powered device via the second path responsive to the at least partial classification. In another further embodiment in the event the second powering source detects the at least one signature impedance, the second powering source is further operable to: at least partially classify the power requirements of the powered device by supplying a classification voltage to the powered device via the second path and measuring the resultant current flow; and power the powered device via the second path responsive to the at least partial classification.

In one embodiment in the event the first powering source detects the first one of the at least one signature impedance and the second powering source does not detect the second one of the at least one signature impedance, the first powering source is operable to power the powered device via the first power path responsive to the at least partial classification.

The invention further provides for a method of detecting, classifying and powering a powered device, the method comprising: providing a first powering source; providing a second powering source; attempting to detect via applying a plurality of voltages from the provided first powering source a first signature impedance of a connected powered device; in the event the signature impedance is detected by the provided first powering source, at least partially classifying the power requirements of the powered device by providing a classification voltage from the provided first powering source to the connected powered device, the classification voltage being greater than any of the applied plurality of voltages of the detecting; and attempting to detect via applying at least one voltage from the provided second powering source a second signature impedance of a connected powered device at least partially contemporaneously with the at least partially classifying of the provided first powering source, the provided classification voltage preventing the detection of the second signature impedance in the event the first powering source and the second powering source are connected to a powered device arranged to accept power from either one, but not both, of the first and second powering source.

In one embodiment the method further comprises in the event the first powering source detects the first signature impedance and the second powering source detects the second signature impedance at least partially contemporaneously with the at least partially classifying of the provided first power source: powering the powered device via both the provided first and second powering source. In another embodiment the method further comprises in the event the first powering source detects the first signature impedance and the second powering source detects the second signature impedance: at least partially classifying the power requirements of the powered device equipment by providing a classification voltage from the provided second powering source; and powering the powered device via both the provided first and second powering source responsive to the at least partial classifications.

In one embodiment the method further comprises in the event the provided first powering source does not detect a signature impedance: attempting to detect via applying a plurality of voltages from the provided second powering source a signature impedance of the connected powered device. In one further embedment the method further comprises in the event the provided second powering source detects the signature impedance: powering the powered device via the provided second powering source. In another further embodiment the method further comprises in the event the provided second powering source detects the signature impedance: at least partially classifying, by providing a classification voltage from the provided second powering source, the power requirements of the powered device; and powering the powered device from the provided second powering source responsive to the at least partial classification.

In one embodiment the method further comprises in the event the provided first powering source detects the first signature impedance and the provided second powering source does not detect the second signature impedance: powering the powered device from the provided first powering source responsive to the at least partial classification. In another embodiment the provided classification voltage not preventing the detection of the second signature impedance in the event the first powering source and the second powering source are connected to a powered device arranged to accept power from both of the first and second powering sources.

The invention further provides for a powering source unit adapted to supply power to a plurality of types of powered devices over communication cabling, the powering source unit comprising: a first powering source; and a second powering source; the first powering source being operable to: apply a plurality of voltages towards a powered device via a first path so as to attempt to detect a signature impedance, and in the event the signature impedance is detected, to at least partially classify the power requirements of the powered device by supplying a classification voltage towards the powered device via the first path and measuring the resultant current flow, the classification voltage level being higher than each of the plurality of detection voltage levels; the second powering source being operable to apply at least one voltage towards the powered device via a second path so as to detect a signature impedance at least partially contemporaneously with the supplied classification voltage of the first powering source.

In one embodiment in the event the first powering source detects the signature impedance and the second powering source detects the signature impedance, the first and second powering sources are further operable to supply power towards the powered device. In another embodiment the powering source unit further comprises a power sourcing controller in communication with each of the first powering source and the second powering source, the attempting to detect and the classifying being responsive to the power sourcing controller].

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present embodiment enable a method of detection in which a first of two PSs associated with a single PD initiates a detection phase, and in the event a valid PD is detected during the detection phase the first PS begins a classification phase. The classification phase comprises the PS outputting a voltage towards the PD greater than any voltages of the detection phase. A second of two PSs associated with the same PD initiates and performs a detection phase at least partially contemporaneously with the classification phase of the first PS. Thus, in the event an 'af PD or a high power PD arranged to receive power over one set of two twisted wire pairs is connected to the two PSs, the detection phase of the second PS will return an invalid PD as a result of the contemporaneous classification voltage of the first PS.

In the event a high powered PD arranged to receive power over two sets of two twisted wire pairs is connected to the two PSs, both PSs will detect a valid PD during the detection phase. Classification of the PDs is accomplished in one of a variety of methods, including methods described in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/053,872 filed Feb. 10, 2005 entitled “High Power Classification for Power Over Ethernet” the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. Irrespective of the method used for classification, if available, power is then supplied over two sets of twisted wire pairs.

For the purposes of this patent, high power needs are defined as power needs in excess of 12.95 watts at the PD, the 12.95 watt power limit being defined by the IEEE802.3af-2003 standard. A combined high power output is hereinafter interchangeably called a high power signal. The term power is meant to include any combination of electrical voltage and current capable of supplying power to a PD, and is interchangeably used herein with the term power signal.

A high power PD may comprise: a wireless access point; laptop computer; desk top computer; security camera having pan, tilt zoom functionality; or an entrance control. The invention is operable by hub equipment operable according to any of 10 Base-T, 100 Base-T and 1000 Base-T.

The invention is being described as an Ethernet based network, with a powered device being connected thereto. It is to be understood that the powered device is preferably an IEEE 802.3 compliant device preferably employing a 10Base-T, 100Base-T or 1000Base-T connection.

FIG. 1Aillustrates a high level block diagram of a first alternative network configuration10for remote powering from an endpoint PS known to the prior art. Network configuration10comprises: a switch/hub equipment30comprising a first and a second data pair20, a PS40and a first and a second data transformer50; a first, a second, a third and a fourth twisted wire pair connection60; and a powered end station70comprising a PD interface80exhibiting a diode bridge85, a first and a second data transformer55, a first and a second data pair25, an isolation switch90, and a PD operating circuitry100. The output and return of PS40are connected, respectively, to the center tap of the secondary of first and second data transformers50. The primary of first and second data transformers50are each connected to communication devices, represented by first and second data pairs20. The output leads of the secondary of first and second data transformers50are each connected to a first end of first and second twisted wire pair connections60, respectively. The second end of first and second twisted wire pair connections60, are respectively connected to the primary of first and second data transformers55located within powered end station70. The center tap of the primary of first and second data transformer55are connected respectively to a power input and return of PD interface80. PD interface80comprises diode bridge85arrange to ensure proper operation of powered end station70irrespective of the polarity of the connection to PS40and irrespective of whether PS40is connected to PD interface80via the combination of first and second twisted wire pair connections60or via the combination of third and fourth twisted wire pair connections60. The output of PD interface80is connected via isolation switch90controlled by PD interface80to PD operating circuitry100. The secondary of first and second data transformers55are connected to communication devices, represented by first and second data pairs25, respectively.

In operation, PS40detects, optionally classifies, and if power is available, supplies power over first and second twisted wire pair connection60to powered end station70, thus supplying both power and data over first and second twisted wire pair connections60. Third and fourth twisted wire pair connections60are not utilized, and are thus available as spare connections. Third and fourth twisted wire pair connections60are shown connected to PD interface80in order to allow operation alternatively in a manner that will be described further hereinto below in relation toFIG. 1Bover unused third and fourth twisted wire pair connections60. PD interface80functions to present a signature impedance to PS40for the detection phase, optionally present a classification current responsive to a classification voltage, and upon detection of a sufficient operating voltage, irrespective of polarity, to close isolating switch100thereby powering PD operating circuitry100.

FIG. 1Billustrates a high level block diagram of a second alternative network configuration150for remote powering from an endpoint PS known to the prior art. Network configuration100comprises: a switch/hub equipment30comprising a first and a second data pair20, a PS40and a first and a second data transformer50; a first, a second, a third and a fourth twisted wire pair connection60; and a powered end station70comprising a PD interface80exhibiting a diode bridge85, a first and a second data transformer55, a first and a second data pair25, an isolation switch90, and a PD operating circuitry100. The primary of first and second data transformers50are connected to communication devices, represented by first and second data pairs20, respectively. The output leads of the secondary of first and second data transformers50are each connected to a first end of first and second twisted wire pair connections60, respectively. The output and return of PS40are connected, respectively, to both leads of third and fourth twisted wire pair connections60. The second end of each of first and second twisted wire pair connections60is connected to the primary of first and second data transformer55, respectively, located within powered end station70. The center tap of the primary of first and second data transformer55is connected to PD interface80. The second end of third and fourth twisted wire pair connections60are respectively connected to a power input and return of PD interface80. PD interface80comprises diode bridge85arrange to ensure proper operation of powered end station70irrespective of the polarity of the connection to PS40and irrespective of whether PS40is connected to PD interface80via the combination of first and second twisted wire pair connections60or via the combination of third and fourth twisted wire pair connections60. The output of PD interface80is connected via isolation switch90controlled by PD interface80to PD operating circuitry100. The secondary of first and second data transformers55are connected to communication devices, represented by first and second data pairs25, respectively.

In operation, PS40detects, optionally classifies, and if power is available, supplies power over third and fourth twisted wire pair connections60, with data being supplied over first and second twisted wire pair connections60. Power and data are thus supplied over separate connections, and are not supplied over a single twisted wire pair connection. The center tap connection of first and second data transformer55is not utilized, but is shown connected in order to allow operation alternatively as described above in relation to network configuration10ofFIG. 1A. Network configurations10and150thus allow for powering powered end station70by PS40either over the set of twisted wire pair connections60utilized for data communications, or over the set of twisted wire pair connections60not utilized for data communications. Third and fourth twisted wire pair connections60represent a set of twisted a wire pairs. PD interface80functions to present a signature impedance to PS40for the detection phase, optionally present a classification current to PS40responsive to a classification voltage, and upon detection of a sufficient operating voltage, irrespective of polarity, to close isolating switch100thereby powering PD operating circuitry100.

FIG. 1Cillustrates a high level block diagram of an alternative network configuration170for remote powering from a midspan power insertion equipment180known to the prior art. Network configuration170comprises: a switch/hub equipment35comprising a first and a second data pair20and a first and a second data transformer50; a first through eighth twisted wire pair connections60; a powered end station70comprising a PD interface80exhibiting a diode bridge85, a first and a second data transformer55, a first and a second data pair25, an isolation switch90, and a PD operating circuitry100; and a midspan power insertion equipment180comprising a PS40. The primary of first and second data transformers50are connected, respectively, to communication devices represented by first and second data pairs20. The output leads of the secondary of first and second data transformers50are connected, respectively, to a first end of first and second twisted wire pair connections60. The second end of first and second twisted wire pair connections60are connected as a straight through connection through midspan power insertion equipment180to a first end of fifth and sixth twisted wire pair connections60, respectively. A second end of fifth and sixth twisted wire pair connections60are connected to the primary of first and second data transformer55, respectively, located within powered end station70. Third and fourth twisted wire pair connections60are shown connected between switch/hub35and midspan power insertion equipment180, however no internal connection to either third of fourth twisted wire pair connection is made.

The output and return of PS40are respectively connected to both leads of one end of seventh and eighth twisted wire pair connections60. The second end of both leads of seventh and eighth twisted wire pair connections60are respectively connected to a power input and return of PD interface80. The center tap of the primary of each of first and second data transformer55, located within powered end station70, is connected to PD interface80.

In operation, PS40detects, optionally classifies, and if power is available, supplies power over seventh and eighth twisted wire pair connections60, with data being supplied from switch/hub equipment35over first and second twisted wire pair connections60through midspan power insertion equipment180to fifth and sixth twisted wire pair connections60. Power and data are thus supplied over separate connections, and are not supplied over a single twisted wire pair connection. The center tap connection of each of first and second data transformer55is not utilized, but is shown connected in order to allow operation alternatively as described above in relation to network configuration10ofFIG. 1A. Network configurations10,150and170thus allow for powering powered end station70by PS40either over the set of two twisted wire pair connections60utilized for data communications, or over the set of two twisted wire pair connections60not utilized for data communications. PD interface80functions to present a signature impedance to PS40for the detection phase, optionally present a classification current responsive to a classification voltage, and upon detection of a sufficient operating voltage, irrespective of polarity, to close isolating switch100thereby powering PD operating circuitry100.

FIG. 2Aillustrates a high level block diagram a high power architecture200for power over Ethernet in which two endpoint PSs are associated with a single high power PD arranged to receive power over each of two sets of twisted wire pairs according to the principle of the invention. High power architecture200comprises: a switch/hub equipment210comprising a first and a second data pair20, a first and a second PS220, a power sourcing controller230, and a first and a second data transformer50; a first, a second, a third and a fourth twisted wire pair connection60; and a powered end station240comprising a first and a second detection/classification/under-voltage lock out (UVLO) functionality250, a combiner260, a first and a second data transformer55, a first and a second data pair25, an isolation switch90, and a high power PD operating circuitry270. The output and return of first PS220are connected, respectively, to the center tap of the secondary of first and second data transformers50. The primary of first and second data transformers50are each connected to communication devices, represented by first and second data pairs20. The output leads of the secondary of first and second data transformers50are each connected to a first end of first and second twisted wire pair connections60, respectively. The output and return of second PS220are connected, respectively, to a first end of third and fourth twisted wire pair connections60. Power sourcing controller230is connected to each of first and second PS220. First PS220, second PS220and power sourcing controller230form a functional power sourcing unit, and may be associated with additional PSs as part of a large power sourcing unit. The power sourcing unit may exhibit a single power sourcing controller230for a plurality of PS220, and provide and/or support detection and classification functionality for each PS220in the power sourcing unit.

The second end of first and second twisted wire pair connections60, are respectively connected to the primary of first and second data transformers55. The center tap of the primary of first and second data transformer55are connected respectively to the power input and return of first detection/classification/UVLO functionality250. The secondary of first and second data transformers55are connected to communication devices, represented by first and second data pairs25, respectively. The second end of third and fourth twisted wire pair connections60, are respectively connected to the power input and return of second detection/classification/UVLO functionality250. Combiner260is connected to receive power from both first and second detection/classification/UVLO functionality250, and in an exemplary embodiment is arranged to provide an output only in the event power is available from both first and second detection/classification/UVLO functionality250. Combiner260is connected to control isolation switch90, and the output of combiner260is connected via isolation switch90to high power PD operating circuitry270.

In operation, first PS220and second PS220each detect, classify, and if power is available, supply power over first, second, third and fourth twisted wire pair connection60to powered end station240. Power sourcing controller230controls the timing of the detection and classification phases of first and second PS220as will be explained further hereinto below to ensure the correct detection of powered end station240as a PD arranged to receive power over a first set of twisted wire pair connections constituted of first and second twisted wire pair connections60and a second set of twisted wire pair connections constituted of third and fourth twisted wire pair connections60. Combiner260may be of a type described in one of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/761,327 filed Jan. 22, 2004 entitled “High Power Architecture for Power over Ethernet”, Ser. No. 11/036,063 filed Jan. 18, 2005 entitled “High Power Architecture for Power over Ethernet” and Ser. No. 11/053,872 filed Feb. 10, 2005 entitled “High Power Classification for Power over Ethernet”, the entire contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Combiner260preferably functions to enable isolating switch90thereby supplying power to high power PD operating circuitry270only in the event that power is available from both first and second PS220.

FIG. 2Billustrates a high power architecture300for power over Ethernet in which two midspan PSs are associated with a single high power PD arranged to receive power over two sets of twisted wire pairs according to the principle of the invention. High power architecture300comprises: a switch/hub equipment35comprising a first and a second data pair20and a first and a second data transformer50; a first through eighth twisted wire pair connection60; a midspan power insertion equipment310comprising a first PS220, a second PS220, a power sourcing controller230, a first data transformer58and a second data transformer58; and a powered end station240comprising a first and a second detection/classification/UVLO functionality250, a combiner260, a first and a second data transformer55, a first and a second data pair25, an isolation switch90, and a high power PD operating circuitry270.

The primary of first and second data transformers50are connected, respectively, to communication devices represented by first and second data pairs20. The output leads of the secondary of first and second data transformers50are connected, respectively, to a first end of first and second twisted wire pair connections60. The second end of first and second twisted wire pair connections60are connected, respectively to the primary of first and second data transformers58. The secondary of first and second data transformers58are respectively connected to a first end of fifth and sixth twisted wire pair connections60. The output and return of first PS220are connected, respectively, to the center tap of the secondary of first and second data transformers58. Third and fourth twisted wire pair connections60are shown connected between switch/hub35and midspan power insertion equipment310, however no internal connection to either third of fourth twisted wire pair connections60is made. The output and return of second PS220are connected, respectively to a first end of seventh and eighth twisted wire pair connections60. Power sourcing controller230is connected to each of first and second PS220. First PS220, second PS220and power sourcing controller230form a functional power sourcing unit, and may be associated with additional PSs as part of a large power sourcing unit. The power sourcing unit may exhibit a single power sourcing controller230for a plurality of PS220, and provide and/or support detection and classification functionality for each PS220in the power sourcing unit.

A second end of fifth and sixth twisted wire pair connections60are connected to the primary of first and second data transformer55, respectively, located within powered end station240. The center tap of the primary of first and second data transformer55are connected respectively to the power input and return of first detection/classification/UVLO functionality250. The secondary of first and second data transformers55are connected to communication devices, represented by first and second data pairs25, respectively. The second end of seventh and eighth twisted wire pair connections60, are respectively connected to the power input and return of second detection/classification/UVLO functionality250. Combiner260is connected to receive power from both first and second detection/classification/UVLO functionality250, and in an exemplary embodiment is arranged to provide an output only in the event power is available from both first and second detection/classification/UVLO functionality250. Combiner260is connected to control isolation switch90, and the output of combiner260is connected via isolation switch90to high power PD operating circuitry270.

In operation, first PS220and second PS220each detect, classify, and if power is available, supply power over fifth, sixth, seventh and eight twisted wire pair connection60to powered end station240. Power sourcing controller230controls the timing of the detection and classification phases of first and second PS220as will be explained further hereinto below to ensure the correct detection of powered end station240as a PD arranged to receive power over a first set of twisted wire pair connections constituted of fifth and sixth twisted wire pair connections60and a second set of twisted wire pair connections constituted of seventh and eight twisted wire pair connections60. Combiner260may be of a type described in one of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/761,327 filed Jan. 22, 2004 entitled “High Power Architecture for Power over Ethernet”, Ser. No. 11/036,063 filed Jan. 18, 2005 entitled “High Power Architecture for Power over Ethernet” and Ser. No. 11/053,872 filed Feb. 10, 2005 entitled “High Power Classification for Power over Ethernet”. Combiner260preferably functions to enable isolating switch90thereby supplying power to high power PD operating circuitry270only in the event that power is available from both first and second PS220.

FIG. 2Cillustrates a high level block diagram of an architecture400in which a PD according to IEEE 802.3af is connected to a first and a second PS in accordance with the principle of the invention. Architecture400comprises: a switch/hub equipment210comprising a first and a second data pair20, a first and a second PS220, a power sourcing controller230, and a first and a second data transformer50; a first, a second, a third and a fourth twisted wire pair connection60; and a powered end station70comprising a PD interface80exhibiting a diode bridge85, a first and a second data transformer55, a first and a second data pair25, an isolation switch90, and a PD operating circuitry100. The output and return of first PS220are connected, respectively, to the center tap of the secondary of first and second data transformers50. The primary of first and second data transformers50are each connected to communication devices, represented by first and second data pairs20. The output leads of the secondary of first and second data transformers50are each connected to a first end of first and second twisted wire pair connections60, respectively. The output and return of second PS220are connected, respectively, to a first end of third and fourth twisted wire pair connections60. Power sourcing controller230is connected to each of first and second PS220. First PS220, second PS220and power sourcing controller230form a functional power sourcing unit, and may be associated with additional PSs as part of a large power sourcing unit. The power sourcing unit may exhibit a single power sourcing controller230for a plurality of PS220, and provide and/or support detection and classification functionality for each PS220in the power sourcing unit.

The second end of first and second twisted wire pair connections60, are respectively connected to the primary of first and second data transformers55. The center tap of the primary of first and second data transformer55are connected respectively to power input and return of PD interface80. PD interface80comprises diode bridge85arrange to ensure proper operation of powered end station70irrespective of the polarity of the connection to PS220, and irrespective of whether first PS220is supplying power via first and second twisted wire pair connections60or second PS220is supplying power via third and fourth twisted wire pair connections60. The output of PD interface80is connected via isolation switch90controlled by PD interface80to PD operating circuitry100. The secondary of first and second data transformers55are connected to communication devices, represented by first and second data pairs25, respectively. PD interface80presents a signature impedance for the detection phase and a classification current, responsive to a classification voltage, associated with 'af powering to a connected PS.

In operation, first PS220detects PD interface80and then classifies PD interface80as is known the prior art, preferably in accordance with IEEE 802.3af -2003. Power sourcing controller230functions to control second PS220to detect PD interface80at least partially contemporaneously with the operation of first PS220to classify PD interface80. The detection functionality associated with second PS220thus sees the higher voltage associated with the classification phase of first PS220, and fails to detect the appropriate signature impedance of PD interface80. Second PS220, in response to the failed detection, does not output power over third and fourth twisted wire pair connections60. In one embodiment second PS220attempts to detect PD interface80in a manner described in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/861,405 filed Jun. 7, 2004, entitled “Pre-detection of Powered Devices” the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. Detection according to the above mentioned patent application advantageously fails prior to the application of a plurality of voltages. First PS220thus supplies power, if available, to powered end station70, responsive to the detection and classification, over a powering path comprising first and second twisted wire pair connections60.

FIG. 2Dillustrates a high level block diagram of an architecture450in which a PD receiving high power over a single set of twisted wire pairs is connected to a first and second PS in accordance with the principle of the invention. Architecture450comprises: a switch/hub equipment210comprising a first and a second data pair20, a first and a second PS220, a power sourcing controller230, and a first and a second data transformer50; a first, a second, a third and a fourth twisted wire pair connection60; and a powered end station460comprising a high power PD interface470exhibiting a diode bridge85, a first and a second data transformer55, a first and a second data pair25, an isolation switch90, and a high power PD operating circuitry480. The output and return of first PS220are connected, respectively, to the center tap of the secondary of first and second data transformers50. The primary of first and second data transformers50are each connected to communication devices, represented by first and second data pairs20. The output leads of the secondary of first and second data transformers50are each connected to a first end of first and second twisted wire pair connections60, respectively. The output and return of second PS220are connected, respectively, to a first end of third and fourth twisted wire pair connections60. Power sourcing controller230is connected to each of first and second PS220. First PS220, second PS220and power sourcing controller230form a functional power sourcing unit, and may be associated with additional PSs as part of a large power sourcing unit. The power sourcing unit may exhibit a single power sourcing controller230for a plurality of PS220, and provide and/or support detection and classification functionality for each PS220in the power sourcing unit.

The second end of first and second twisted wire pair connections60, are respectively connected to the primary of first and second data transformers55. The center tap of the primary of first and second data transformer55are connected respectively to power input and return of high power PD interface470. High power PD interface470comprises diode bridge85arranged to ensure proper operation of powered end station460irrespective of the polarity of the connection to PS220, and irrespective of whether first PS220is supplying power via first and second twisted wire pair connections60or second PS220is supplying power via third and fourth twisted wire pair connections60. The output of high power PD interface470is connected via isolation switch90controlled by high power PD interface470to high power PD operating circuitry480. The secondary of first and second data transformers55are connected to communication devices, represented by first and second data pairs25, respectively. High power PD interface470presents a signature impedance to a PS220and a high power classification, responsive to a classification voltage, associated with 2 pair high power to a connected PS.

In operation, first PS220detects high power PD interface470and then classifies high power PD interface470to recognize that it requires high power over a single set of two twisted wire pairs. The classification phase comprises the use of a voltage in excess of the voltages used in the detection phase. Power sourcing controller230functions to control second PS220to detect PD interface80at least partially contemporaneously with the operation of first PS220to classify high power PD interface470. The detection functionality associated with second PS220thus sees the higher voltage associated with the classification phase of first PS220, and fails to detect the appropriate signature impedance of high power PD interface470. Second PS220, in response to the failed detection, does not output power over third and fourth twisted wire pair connections60. In one embodiment second PS220attempts to detect high power PD interface470in a manner described in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/861,405 filed Jun. 7, 2004, entitled “Pre-detection of Powered Devices”. Detection according to the above mentioned patent application advantageously fails prior to the application of a plurality of voltages. First PS220thus supplies high power, if available, to powered end station460, responsive to the detection and classification, over a powering path comprising first and second twisted wire pair connections60.

FIG. 3illustrates a high level flow chart of the operation of the first and second PS220of any ofFIGS. 2A-2Dto detect the presence of a PD according to IEEE 802.3af arranged to receive low power over a single set of twisted wire pairs; the presence of a high power PD arranged to receive power over a single set of twisted wire powers; the presence of a high power PD arranged to receive power over two set of twisted wire pairs; the absence of valid PD; and the presence of a legacy PD exhibiting a capacitance signature. In an exemplary embodiment the method ofFIG. 3is controlled by the operation of power sourcing controller230.

In stage1000, first PS220attempts to detect an attached PD. Preferably, the detection is accomplished by outputting a plurality of voltages towards a connected PD, and detecting the resultant output voltage at PS220. In stage1010the resultant voltages are reviewed to determine if a valid PD signature impedance has been detected. In the event that in stage1010a valid PD signature impedance has been detected, in stage1020first PS220initiates classification by outputting toward the detected PD, along the set of twisted wire pairs used for detection, a voltage greater than the voltages associated with the detection of stage1000, and monitoring the resultant current flow.

In stage1030, at least partially contemporaneously with the operation of stage1020, second PS220attempts to detect an attached PD. Preferably, the detection is accomplished by outputting at least one voltage towards a connected PD, along the set of twisted wire pairs not used in stages1000,2020and detecting the resultant output voltage at PS220in a manner described in above reference U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/861,405 filed Jun. 7, 2004. In stage1040the resultant voltage or voltages are reviewed to determine if a valid PD signature impedance has been detected by the operation of stage1030. It is to be understood that the classification voltage of stage1020is greater than the voltages associated with the detection of stage1030, and thus in the event first and second PS220are connected via a diode bridge to a single PD interface arranged to accept power over a single set of two twisted wire pairs, such as PD interface80or high powered PD interface470, detection by second PS220will fail as a result of the higher voltage classification of first PS220.

In the event that in stage1040a valid PD signature impedance has been detected, in stage1050a high power powered device arranged to accept power simultaneously over two sets of twisted wire pairs, as described in relation to architectures200ofFIGS. 2A and 300ofFIG. 2B, is flagged as detected. In stage1060, second PS220initiates classification of the attached detected PD. In stage1070, first and second PS220power the attached PD, after determining the appropriate classification resulting from the classification received by first PS220in stage1020and second PS220in stage1060. In an exemplary embodiment the classifications represent a coded pair, which together indicate as single power requirement classification.

In the event that in stage1040a valid PD signature impedance has not been detected, in stage1080a powered device accepting power over a single set of twisted wire pairs, as described in relation to architectures400ofFIGS. 2C and 450ofFIG. 2D, is flagged as detected. In stage1090the classification of stage1020is checked. In the event that the classification of stage1020is indicative of a high power powered device accepting power over a single set of two twisted wire pairs, as described above in relation to architecture450ofFIG. 2D, in stage1100first PS220powers powered end station240with high power, i.e. power which may significantly exceed 12.95 watts at the PD, over a single set of twisted wire pairs. In the event that in stage1090the classification of stage1020is indicative of an 'af powered device accepting power over a single set of two twisted wire pairs, as described above in relation to architecture400ofFIG. 2C, in stage1170first PS220powers powered end station70over a single set of twisted wire pairs.

In the event that in stage1010a valid PD signature impedance has not been detected, in stage1110second PS220attempts to detect an attached PD. Preferably, the detection is accomplished by outputting a plurality of voltages towards a connected PD, and detecting the resultant output voltage at second PS220. In stage1120the resultant voltages are reviewed to determine if a valid PD signature impedance has been detected. In the event that in stage1120a valid PD signature impedance has been detected, second PS220initiates classification by outputting toward the detected PD a voltage greater than the voltages associated with the detection of stage1110, and monitoring the resultant current flow. In stage1140the classification of stage1130is checked. In the event that the classification of stage1130is indicative of a high power powered device accepting power over a single set of two twisted wire pairs, as described above in relation to architecture450ofFIG. 2D, in stage1150second PS220powers powered end station240with high power, i.e. power which may significantly exceed 12.95 watts at the PD, over a single set of twisted wire pairs. In the event that in stage1140the classification of stage1020is indicative of an 'af powered device accepting power over a single set of two twisted wire pairs, as described above in relation to architecture400ofFIG. 2C, in stage1160second PS220powers powered end station70over a single set of twisted wire pairs.

In the event that in stage1120a valid PD signature impedance has not been detected, thus neither first nor second PS220have detected a valid signature impedance, in optional stage1200first PS220attempts a legacy detection using other methods known to those skilled in the art, including detection of a signature capacitance. In stage1210the legacy detection of stage1200is checked to see if a valid legacy detection has been detected. In the event that in stage1210a valid legacy detection has been detected, in stage1220first PS220powers the detected legacy PD over a single set of two twisted wire pairs.

In the event that in stage1210a valid legacy detection has not been detected by first PS220, in stage1240second PS220attempts a legacy detection using other methods known to those skilled in the art, including detection of a signature capacitance. In stage1250the legacy detection of stage1240is checked to see if a valid legacy detection has been detected. In the event that in stage1250a valid legacy detection has been detected, in stage1260second PS220powers the detected legacy PD over a single set of two twisted wire pairs. In the event that in stage1250a valid legacy detection has not been detected, in stage1230the routine returns with no valid PD being detected.

It is to be understood that stages1200-1260are optional, and are only implemented if legacy detection is to be supported.

Thus the present embodiments enable a method of detection in which a first of two PSs associated with a single PD initiates a detection phase, and in the event a valid PD is detected during the detection phase the first PS begins a classification phase. The classification phase comprises the PS outputting a voltage towards the PD greater than any voltages of the detection phase. A second of two PSs associated with the same PD initiates a detection phase contemporaneously with the classification phase of the first PS. Thus, in the event an 'af PD or a high power PD arranged to receive power over one set of two twisted wire pairs is connected to the two PSs, the detection phase of the second PS will return an invalid PD as a result of the contemporaneous classification voltage of the first PS.

In the event a high powered PD arranged to receive power over two sets of two twisted wire pairs is connected to the two PSs, both PSs will detect a valid PD during the detection phase. Classification of the PDs is accomplished in one of a variety of methods, including methods described in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/053,872 filed Feb. 10, 2005 entitled “High Power Classification for Power Over Ethernet” the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. Irrespective of the method used for classification, if available, power is then supplied over two sets of twisted wire pairs.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. In particular, the invention has been described with an identification of each powered device by a class, however this is not meant to be limiting in any way. In an alternative embodiment, all powered device are treated equally, and thus the identification of class with its associated power requirements is not required.

Thus the present embodiment enable an architecture for simultaneous power feeding from multiple sources over two sets of wire pairs, with classification of power requirements, particularly high power requirements, being a value encoded in the individual classification obtained over each of the sets of wire pairs.