Patent ID: 12189448

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Overview

In one embodiment, a power control block generally comprises a power input for receiving pulse power from a power source, a power output for delivering the pulse power or Power over Ethernet (PoE) to a transmission line connector, a pulse power module operable to receive the pulse power and transmit the pulse power to the power output, a PoE module operable to receive the pulse power and transmit the PoE to the power output, and a power controller for selecting the pulse power module to deliver the pulse power to the power output or the PoE module to deliver the PoE to the power output.

In one or more embodiments, the power control block is mounted on a circuit board and coupled to the transmission line connector through the circuit board.

In one or more embodiments, the pulse power comprises high voltage pulse power at a voltage above 56 volts.

In one or more embodiments, the pulse power comprises multi-phase pulse power.

In one or more embodiments, the power control block further comprises a second power output, wherein the power controller is operable to select the PoE module or the pulse power module for delivery of the PoE or pulse power at each of the power outputs.

In one or more embodiments, the power control block further comprises two power connectors coupled to the power input.

In one or more embodiments, the power control block further comprises a power connector coupled to the power input and configured for connection with the power connector of another power control block. The power connector is operable to transmit or receive the pulse power between the power control blocks.

In one or more embodiments, the power control block and another power control block are mounted on a circuit board with a plurality of transmission line connectors.

In one or more embodiments, the transmission line connector comprises an RJ block for receiving a plug coupled to an Ethernet cable.

In another embodiment, a power control block generally comprises a power input for receiving a first type of power from a power source, a first power delivery module for delivering the first type of power, a second power delivery module for converting the first type of power to a second type of power and delivering the second type of power, a power output for transmitting one of the first type of power or the second type of power to a transmission line connector, and a power controller for selecting the first power delivery module for delivery of the first type of power or the second power delivery module for delivery of the second type of power to the power output. The power control block is configured for mounting on a circuit board comprising the transmission line connector.

In yet another embodiment, a method generally comprises receiving pulse power at a power control block mounted on a circuit board, selecting from a first type of power and a second type of power for delivery at an output of the power control block, and transmitting one of the first type of power or the second type of power from the output of the power control block to a transmission line connector mounted on the circuit board.

Further understanding of the features and advantages of the embodiments described herein may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the attached drawings.

Example Embodiments

The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the embodiments. Descriptions of specific embodiments and applications are provided only as examples, and various modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The general principles described herein may be applied to other applications without departing from the scope of the embodiments. Thus, the embodiments are not to be limited to those shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the embodiments have not been described in detail.

Delivering power to a transmission line connector (e.g., RJ connector block) for Power over Ethernet (PoE) is often difficult and not very flexible since printed circuit board (PCB) layers have limited space.

The embodiments described herein provide power delivery through a modular power control block, which may be programmed to deliver different types of power (e.g., PoE, pulse power) to a transmission line connector. As described in detail below, the power control blocks may be coupled together, thereby avoiding bus bars and the use of copper on the PCB.

The embodiments described herein operate in the context of a data communications network including multiple network devices. The network may include any number of network devices in communication via any number of nodes (e.g., routers, switches, gateways, controllers, edge devices, access devices, aggregation devices, core nodes, intermediate nodes, power sourcing equipment, powered devices, or other network devices), which facilitate passage of data within the network. One or more of the network devices may comprise one or more modular power control systems described herein. The network device may further include any combination of memory, processors, power supply units, and network interfaces.

In one or more embodiments, the network may be configured for Power over Ethernet (PoE), Power over Fiber (PoF), advanced power over data, ESP (Extended Safe Power), or any other power over communications system that is used to pass electrical power along with data to allow a single cable to provide both data connectivity (electrical data, optical data, or both electrical and optical data) and electrical power to network devices such as switches, routers, wireless access points, IP (Internet Protocol) cameras, VoIP (Voice over IP) phones, video cameras, point-of-sale devices, security access control devices, residential devices, building automation, industrial automation, and many other devices.

Referring now to the drawings, and first toFIG.1, a block diagram illustrating an example of power distribution from a power source12to transmission line connectors18(e.g., RJ connector, RJ45 connector, or other connector block) through power control blocks14(modules, elements, devices, circuits) is shown, in accordance with one embodiment.

In one example, pulse power at a voltage greater than 100V (e.g., 108V, 380V) or any other suitable voltage, is delivered from the power source12to the power control blocks14over transmission line13(e.g., one or more bus bar, wire, wire pair). In the example shown inFIG.1, the power control blocks14each comprise a PoE module (device, circuit)15for delivering conventional PoE (e.g., at a power level≤100 W, at a voltage level<56V, according to IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3at, or IEEE 802.3bt) and an ESP (Extended Safe Power) module (device, circuit)16for delivering high voltage pulse power.

The term “Extended Safe Power” (“ESP”) as used herein refers to high power (e.g., >100 Watts (W)), high voltage (e.g., ≥56 Volts (V)) operation with pulse power delivered on one or more wires or wire pairs. In one or more embodiments, ESP includes fault detection (e.g., fault detection at initialization and between high voltage pulses), and pulse synchronization between power sourcing equipment (PSE) and a powered device (PD). The power may be transmitted with communications (e.g., bidirectional communications) or without communications.

The term “pulse power” (or “pulsed power”) as used herein refers to power that is delivered in a sequence of pulses (alternating low direct current voltage state and high direct current voltage state) in which the voltage varies between a very small voltage (e.g., close to 0V, 3V) during a pulse-off interval and a larger voltage (e.g., ≥12V, ≥24V) during a pulse-on interval. High voltage pulse power (e.g., ≥56V, ≥60V, ≥300V, ˜108V, ˜380V) may be transmitted from power sourcing equipment to a powered device for use in powering the powered device, as described, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/671,508 (“Initialization and Synchronization for Pulse Power in a Network System”), filed Nov. 1, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Pulse power transmission may be through cables, transmission lines, bus bars, backplanes, PCBs, and power distribution systems, for example.

In one or more embodiments, ESP may comprise pulse power transmitted in multiple phases in a multi-phase pulse power system with pulses offset from one another between wires or wire pairs to provide continuous power, as described below with respect toFIG.5. One or more embodiments may use multi-phase pulse power to achieve less loss, with continuous uninterrupted power to the output with overlapping phase pulses to a powered device, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/380,954 (“Multiple Phase Pulse Power in a Network Communications System”), filed Apr. 10, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The power delivery modules15,16within power control block14are operable to deliver different types of power (first type of power, second type of power) (e.g., power that differs in a characteristic other than only voltage or power level). In the examples described herein, module15is configured to deliver conventional PoE (e.g., PoE, PoE+, PoE++, UPoE (Universal PoE), SPE (Single Pair Ethernet)) and module16is configured to deliver ESP (e.g., pulse power, high voltage pulse power, multi-phase pulse power). It is to be understood that the voltage, power, and current levels described herein are only provided as examples and power may be delivered at different levels (volts, amps, watts) than described herein without departing from the scope of the embodiments. For example, the modules15,16may be configured to deliver power as ESP (high voltage pulse power, pulse power, multi-phase pulse power), PoE, PoE+, PoE++, UPoE, SPE, or deliver power in accordance with any current standard or future standard. Also, the power control block14may comprise any number or configuration of power delivery modules.

The power control block14is programmable to select one of the modules15,16for delivering power to the transmission line connector (e.g., RJ block)18. As described below, the power control block14may comprise more than one output17, with each output operable to transmit power from the PoE module15or the ESP module16. Multiple outputs may be configured to deliver the same type of power (e.g., all PoE, all ESP) or different types of power (e.g., PoE at one output and ESP at another output).

The power control block14may receive control input19, for example, from a central PSE controller, from the powered device, or another control input source. Selection of a type of power to deliver from the power control block14may be based, for example, on capability of the powered device, available power, load conditions, environmental conditions (e.g., system or component temperature), or detected faults. The PSE controller may, for example, send a message to the power control block14to change the type of power delivered based on changes in load requirements at the PD or identification of a fault (e.g., electrical fault, temperature exceeding specified limit) at the PD or within a cable or circuit between the PSE and PD. The power control block14may, for example, deliver power from one of the power delivery modules15,16at startup and then change to another power delivery module based on operating conditions or a message (data, signal) received from the PSE controller or PD.

The power delivery system shown inFIG.1may be located at a network communications device operating as a PSE for transmitting power and data to one or more other network communications devices operating as PDs. The power delivery system shown inFIG.1may also be located at a network device operating as both a PD and a PSE. For example, a network device (e.g., switch) may receive ESP from a central PSE and use one or more of the power control blocks14to operate as a PSE and deliver ESP or PoE to one or more downstream devices (PDs). The network device receiving ESP may, for example, deliver power using PoE to electronic components such as IP cameras, VoIP phones, video cameras, point-of-sale devices, security access control devices, residential devices, building automation devices, industrial automation, factory equipment, lights (building lights, streetlights), traffic signals, and many other electrical components and devices.

FIGS.2A and2Bare perspective schematics illustrating examples of a power control block24. In one or more embodiments, the power control block24comprises a power input (power connector23, power connection point28) for receiving pulse power from a power source, a power output27for delivering the pulse power or PoE to a transmission line connector38(FIG.3), a pulse power module26operable to receive the pulse power and transmit the pulse power to the power output, a PoE module25operable to receive the pulse power and transmit PoE to the power output, and a power controller29for selecting the pulse power module to deliver the pulse power to the power output or the PoE module to deliver the PoE to the power output.

In the example shown inFIG.2Athe power control block24comprises a main body or housing comprising the PoE module (circuit, element, components)25and ESP module26and two power connectors23. Each power connector23comprises at least two power connections28(+,−) for coupling input power from the power source to the PoE and ESP modules25,26. Each of the modules25,26are electrically coupled to power output27as shown inFIG.2A. As previously described, the power control block24is programmable (e.g., operable to receive input, message, indication, instructions) at controller29to select one of the two modules25,26for delivering power to the output27at one time (e.g., power transmitted from power connectors23to the output27through one of the PoE module25or pulse power (ESP) module26). The output27may comprise one or more wires or wire pairs. In one example, the output27may comprise a pair of output lines (+, −).

The power delivery modules25,26may include electrical circuits or components for use in transmitting the selected type of power. For example, the PoE module25may comprise a DC/DC converter for reducing high voltage power (e.g., 108V pulse power) received at the power control block14to low voltage power (e.g., 54 VDC) for delivery to the RJ connector block18(FIGS.1and2A) and a circuit for combining multiple phases of pulse power or storing energy from pulse power to provide constant power output for delivery of conventional low voltage PoE (e.g., 54 VDC or other low voltage) from module25.

In one or more embodiments, the power connectors23on the power control block24are configured to connect with one another (e.g., bolt together or other coupling means) as shown inFIG.3. This provides for power delivery directly through the power control block24(from one block to another), thereby avoiding bus bars and the use of copper traces on the PCB.

As shown inFIG.2B, the power control block24may comprise any number of outputs27a,27b. As previously noted, the outputs27a,27bmay deliver the same type of power or different types of power (e.g., PoE module25delivers power to both outputs27a,27b, pulse power module26delivers power to both outputs27a,27b, or PoE module25delivers power to one output and pulse power module26delivers power to another output).

In one or more embodiments, the power control block24is configured for mounting on a circuit board (e.g., PCB) comprising the transmission line connector.FIG.3schematically illustrates mounting of the power control blocks24on circuit board30with transmission line connectors (RJ blocks)38, in accordance with one embodiment. One or more pulse power sources32(e.g., PSU (Power Supply Unit) or other power source) may be mounted on the circuit board30or located in another location for transmitting high voltage power to the power control blocks24at power line33. As previously described, power may be transferred from one power control block24to another control block through the power connectors23or the power source32(or another power source) may also deliver power to one or more power control blocks. For simplification, connections between the power control blocks24and the transmission line connectors38are not shown. Power may be transmitted through power planes and power vias in the PCB30, for example.

In one example, the transmission line connector38comprises an Ethernet transmission line connector such as an RJ (Registered Jack) (e.g., RJ45 or other suitable connector comprising a plug receiving port (for receiving a plug connected to an Ethernet cable)). In one or more embodiments, an RJ block may be modified for transmitting or receiving high voltage power. The transmission line connector38is configured for delivering high voltage power as described herein and transmitting or receiving communications over the Ethernet cable coupled to the connector. The transmission line connector38may comprise any number of ports (e.g., multiple ports in a jack connector housing).

It is to be understood that the power control system shown inFIG.3is only an example and the system may include any number or type of power sources32, power control blocks24comprising two or more power delivery modules for delivering at least a first and second type of power, and transmission line connectors38comprising any number of ports.

FIG.4illustrates an example of a network device40that may be used to implement the embodiments described herein. In one embodiment, the network device40is a programmable machine that may be implemented in hardware, software, or any combination thereof. The network device40includes one or more processors42, memory44, interface46, and ESP/PoE module (power control block, power delivery modules, controller)48.

Memory44may be a volatile memory or non-volatile storage, which stores various applications, operating systems, modules, and data for execution and use by the processor42. For example, components of the ESP/PoE module48(e.g., code, logic, or firmware, etc.) may be stored in the memory44. The network device40may include any number of memory components.

The network device40may include any number of processors42(e.g., single or multi-processor computing device or system), which may communicate with a forwarding engine or packet forwarder operable to process a packet or packet header. The processor42may receive instructions from a software application or module, which causes the processor to perform functions of one or more embodiments described herein.

Logic may be encoded in one or more tangible media for execution by the processor42. For example, the processor42may execute codes stored in a computer-readable medium such as memory44. The computer-readable medium may be, for example, electronic (e.g., RAM (random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory)), magnetic, optical (e.g., CD, DVD), electromagnetic, semiconductor technology, or any other suitable medium. In one example, the computer-readable medium comprises a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Logic may be used to perform one or more functions described below with respect to the flowchart ofFIG.8(e.g., power selection, programming of power control block). The network device40may include any number of processors42.

The interface46may comprise any number of interfaces or network interfaces (line cards, ports, connectors) for receiving data or power, or transmitting data or power to other devices. The network interface may be configured to transmit or receive data using a variety of different communications protocols and may include mechanical, electrical, and signaling circuitry for communicating data over physical links coupled to the network or wireless interfaces. For example, line cards may include port processors and port processor controllers. The interface46may be configured for PoE, ESP, PoF, or similar operation.

The ESP/PoE module48is configured for receiving power from power source47and delivering power to transmission line connector49. The ESP/PoE module48may include logic, firmware, software, etc. for use in selecting a type of power to deliver to each output. For example, the module48may comprise hardware or software for use in power selection and as previously described, may be programmable to deliver a selected type of power to a specified output at the module by selecting one of the power delivery modules. The module48may include, for example, control logic at a PSE controller or at the power control block for use in indicating and selecting a type of power to deliver from each output of the power control block.

It is to be understood that the network device40shown inFIG.4and described above is only an example and that different configurations of network devices may be used. For example, the network device40may further include any suitable combination of hardware, software, algorithms, processors, devices, components, or elements operable to facilitate the capabilities described herein.

As previously described with respect toFIG.1, in one or more embodiments, the power transmitted to the power control block14and delivered from the ESP module16may comprise high voltage pulse power or high voltage multi-phase pulse power.FIG.5schematically illustrates a simplified example of voltage and current in a two-phase pulse power system. Voltage for phase A is shown at52aand voltage for phase B is shown at52b. The continuous phase current is shown at54. The pulse power for each phase comprises a plurality of voltage pulses defining alternating high voltage states and low voltage states. As shown inFIG.5, the voltage is switched between a pulse on-time (high voltage state) (e.g., voltage>24 VDC, voltage≥56 VDC, voltage≥380 VDC) and a pulse off-time (low voltage state) (e.g., voltage<12V, ≤24V). The voltage pulses are offset between phases to provide continuous power.

It is to be understood that the voltage, current, and duty cycle shown inFIG.5illustrate simplified examples with idealized waveforms. As previously noted, the voltage during pulse-off time may be greater than zero for use in fault detection. For example, the voltage during pulse-off time may comprise a low voltage to provide for fault sensing during pulse-off time. In one or more embodiments, the pulse-on time is greater than the pulse-off time. For example, the high voltage may be pulsed on for 4 ms and off for 1 ms. In another example, the high voltage may be pulsed on for 8 ms and off for 4 ms. Also, the voltage pulse-on times may overlap between phases so that at least one wire is on at any time. During phase overlap in the multi-phase system, the total cable current is shared across all ON wires. When the phases are combined at the PD (or at the PoE power delivery module15), the result is continuous DC voltage as shown by the phase current54and56. As described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/380,954, referenced above, the multi-phase system may comprise any number of phases, with any phase offset or overlap, or duty cycle.

As described above with respect toFIG.1, the power control block14is configured to deliver a selected type of power output (e.g., from a first power type or a second power type). In one example, the power control block14is operable to receive pulse power and deliver conventional PoE or pulse power.FIG.6illustrates an example of a circuit60for delivery of PoE or two-phase pulse power with four pairs of wires and a center tap arrangement. The PSE includes modulator switches65for implementing pulse power, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/671,508, referenced above. The PSE is coupled to a PD (not shown) through a four-pair cable with connector68(e.g., RJ45 or modified RJ45 as previously described). Power control block is shown at64.

FIG.7illustrates an example of a circuit70comprising two (or more) twisted pairs with PSE modulator switches75shown for each pair. The RJ connector78and power control block74are shown at the PSE. The pulse power may be delivered at low voltage during initialization, and after the circuit is tested (e.g., by low voltage cable capacitance and fault test circuit79) high voltage pulse power may be delivered through the power control block74. An enable switch71is open for low voltage initialization or testing and closed for high voltage operation.

It is to be understood that the circuits shown inFIGS.6and7are only examples and that the power control block may be implemented for use in different types of circuits comprising different types of elements or configured for operation at other power or voltage levels, without departing from the scope of the embodiments.

FIG.8is a flowchart illustrating an overview of a process for controlling power delivery at the power control block, in accordance with one embodiment. At step80, the power control block receives high voltage pulse power (e.g., ≥56V). The power control block receives an indication of the type of power to be delivered for each of one or more outputs coupled to a transmission line connector (RJ connector block) (step82). The power control block transmits the selected power (e.g., PoE or pulse power) to the transmission line connector (step84)

It is to be understood that the process shown inFIG.8and described above is only an example and steps may be added, modified, or combined without departing from the scope of the embodiments.

Although the apparatus and method have been described in accordance with the embodiments shown, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that there could be variations made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.