Planet Technology FGSW-2620PVM, FGSW-2620VM The PoE Provision Process, Stages of powering up a PoE link, Line Detection, Classification

User’s Manual of FGSW-2620VM / FGSW-2620PVM

The PoE Provision Process

While adding PoE support to networked devices is relatively painless, it should be realized that power cannot simply be transferred over existing CAT-5 cables. Without proper preparation, doing so may result in damage to devices that are not designed to support provision of power over their network interfaces.

The PSE is the manager of the PoE process. In the beginning, only small voltage level is induced on the port's output, till a valid PD is detected during the Detection period. The PSE may choose to perform classification, to estimate the amount of power to be consumed by this PD. After a time-controlled start-up, the PSE begins supplying the 48 VDC level to the PD, till it is physically or electrically disconnected. Upon disconnection, voltage and power shut down.

Since the PSE is responsible for the PoE process timing, it is the one generating the probing signals prior to operating the PD and monitoring the various scenarios that may occur during operation.

All probing is done using voltage induction and current measurement in return.

Stages of powering up a PoE link

Stage	Action	Volts specified	Volts managed
		per 802.3af	by chipset
Detection	Measure whether powered device has the correct signature	2.7-10.0	1.8–10.0
	resistance of 15–33 kΩ
Classification	Measure which power level class the resistor indicates	14.5-20.5	12.5–25.0
Startup	Where the powered device will startup	>42	>38
Normal operation	Supply power to device	36-57	25.0–60.0

Line Detection

Before power is applied, safety dictates that it must first be ensured that a valid PD is connected to the PSE's output. This process is referred to as "line detection", and involves the PSE seeking a specific, 25 KΩ signature resistor. Detection of this signature indicates that a valid PD is connected, and that provision of power to the device may commence.

The signature resistor lies in the PD's PoE front-end, isolated from the rest of the the PD's circuitries till detection is certified.

Classification

Once a PD is detected, the PSE may optionally perform classification, to determine the maximal power a PD is to consume. The PSE induces 15.5-20.5 VDC, limited to 100 mA, for a period of 10 to 75 ms responded by a certain current consumption by the PD, indicating its power class.

The PD is assigned to one of 5 classes: 0 (default class) indicates that full 15.4 watts should be provided, 1-3 indicate various required power levels and 4 is reserved for future use. PDs that do not support classification are assigned to class 0. Special care must be employed in the definition of class thresholds, as classification may be affected by cable losses. Classifying a PD according to its power consumption may assist a PoE system in optimizing its power distribution. Such a system typically suffers from lack of power resources, so that efficient power management based on classification results may reduce total system costs.

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