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IEEE802.3at High Power POE+ Class Programming

The document discusses IEEE802.3at class programming for power over Ethernet devices. It describes the existing IEEE802.3af classification method which places powered devices into classes based on their measured power draw. It then explains that IEEE802.3at uses a more complicated two-pulse method to confirm class 4 powered devices can receive up to 34.2W of power. Designing an IEEE802.3at compliant powered device is challenging as it must precisely handle classification pulses while maintaining safety barriers and passing regulatory standards for its internal power conversion components. The document promotes Silvertel's Ag5100 POE+ module as addressing these challenges without customers needing to engage in complex custom design work.

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khsniper
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78 views

IEEE802.3at High Power POE+ Class Programming

The document discusses IEEE802.3at class programming for power over Ethernet devices. It describes the existing IEEE802.3af classification method which places powered devices into classes based on their measured power draw. It then explains that IEEE802.3at uses a more complicated two-pulse method to confirm class 4 powered devices can receive up to 34.2W of power. Designing an IEEE802.3at compliant powered device is challenging as it must precisely handle classification pulses while maintaining safety barriers and passing regulatory standards for its internal power conversion components. The document promotes Silvertel's Ag5100 POE+ module as addressing these challenges without customers needing to engage in complex custom design work.

Uploaded by

khsniper
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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IEEE802.

3at Class Programming


Version 1.0

IEEE802.3at High Power POE+ Class Programming.

IEEE802.3af method
The class programming in the existing IEEE802.3af specification is fairly
straightforward. Once the PSE and PD have completed the signature recognition then
the PSE supplies a voltage while measuring the current drawn by the PD. It then
classifies the PD into one of the following ranges and applies the required power.
Class
Min power
Max power
0
0.44W
12.95W
1
0.44W
3.84W
2
3.84W
6.49W
3
6.49W
12.95W
4
reserved for IEEE802.3at
This method is used to limit the overall power budget for a multi-line PSE. For
example a 24line PSE may limit the number of Class 0 or 3 PDs that can be
connected because its internal power supply cant generate 24x15.4W.
Basic explanation of IEEE802.3at
Class programming in the new IEEE802.3at standard is much more complicated and
needs to be thoroughly understood by anyone contemplating designing their own at
compliant PD. The following is a top-level explanation:
After completion of the signature recognition stage the PSE applies a single voltage
pulse and measures the current. This is to confirm the Class of the PD. If it measures
Class 0,1,2 or 3 it only supplies the power given in the table above. If it measures
Class 4 then it will apply a second pulse to reconfirm the class is in fact 4. At this
stage it will supply power. This power is limited to a maximum of 57V x 0.6A =
34.2W.
By seeing the 2 pulses from the PSE the PD determines it is connected to an at
compatible PSE and signals to the micro-controller in the powered equipment that the
PSE can supply upto 34.2W. The micro-controller should then communicate back to
the PSE over the ethernet data link. The data is sent according to the ANSI TIA 1057
protocol and contains information such as power type, power value, power priority
and power source.
Design Considerations
It should be recognised that there are a number of fairly complicated design
considerations for an IEEE802.3at compliant PD. These include: The timing and amplitude of the pulses from the PSE are closely defined and
the system can be fooled by spurious signals. The PD must discriminate
between valid and invalid pulses.
The PD must maintain a high voltage safety barrier and any signalling has to
pass across the barrier.

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IEEE802.3at Class Programming


Version 1.0

It must pass all regulatory EMC specs. Since by definition the PD contains a
dc/dc converter generating high frequency, high voltage spikes then this can
cause numerous problems.
Since the PD it is in fact a power supply then heat dissipation is critical and
should be considered as an integral part of the design process.

Silvertels Ag5100 POE+ module, and its associated application notes, ensures all
these issues are addressed without the customer engaging in his own complicated and
expensive design process.

S. Edwards
www.silvertel.com

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