Patent ID: 8212390

Claim:
A span power and protection module for span powering a plurality of first network interface units having a first data rate capability and an “n” number of second network interface units having a second data rate capability greater than the first data rate capability, comprising: a plurality of first power supplies that each provide power to a respective first network interface unit; an “n” number of adaptive second power supplies for span powering one of either a first network interface unit or a second network interface unit, each adaptive power supply comprising: a power circuit; and a control circuit connected to the power circuit that receives power, an output voltage sense signal, and an output current sense signal form the power circuit, said control circuit configured to generate a control signal to the power circuit and, configured to distinguish between a first network interface unit load having a constant voltage input power requirement and second network interface unit load having a constant current input power requirement that is less than the maximum input current required of the first network interface unit such that the power circuit selectively delivers a constant voltage output power for a first network interface unit load and a constant current output at a level below a maximum output current limit for a second network interface unit load and wherein the control circuit regulates an open circuit value to a maximum voltage.