Abstract: A system and method for detecting arc faults in photovoltaic solar power arrays. A plurality of short range communications links between the modules in the array are utilized as a distributed arc detection system. The communication links between adjacent pairs of modules in the array form a network with a matrix topology. The links are implemented with modulated magnetic fields. By monitoring the level of noise in each communication link, the signature of an arc fault is detected, and the general location of the arc can often be determined.

Abstract: A circuit for providing electrical isolation of Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) circuitry from external circuitry in a Power over Ethernet (PoE) system has an inductive circuit for providing an isolation barrier to electrically isolate an isolated side of the isolation circuit from a non-isolated side of the isolation circuit. A signal path circuitry is configured for transferring bidirectional and/or unidirectional signals over the isolation barrier between respective nodes at the isolated and non-isolated sides.

Abstract: The active rectifier circuit and related method of operation disclosed herein is self-powered and improves the efficiency and reliability of photovoltaic solar power systems by replacing the conventional bypass and blocking rectifiers used in such systems. The circuit includes a power MOSFET used as a switch between the anode and cathode terminals, and control circuitry that turns on the MOSFET when the anode voltage is greater than the cathode voltage. The method of operation utilizes resonance to produce a large periodic voltage waveform from the small anode-to-cathode dc voltage drop, and then converts the period voltage waveform to a dc voltage to drive the gate of the power MOSFET.

Abstract: A circuit for providing electrical isolation of Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) circuitry from external circuitry in a Power over Ethernet (PoE) system has an inductive circuit for providing an isolation barrier to electrically isolate an isolated side of the isolation circuit from a non-isolated side of the isolation circuit. A signal path circuitry is configured for transferring bidirectional and/or unidirectional signals over the isolation barrier between respective nodes at the isolated and non-isolated sides.

Abstract: A method and apparatus with several embodiments for separating power supplied by two Power Sourcing Equipment (P SE) for Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems, for the purpose of providing power to a two separate Powered Devices (PD) over a single network cable. A first PD runs off power supplied by an endspan PSE, and a second PD runs off power supplied by a midspan PSE. An Ethernet hub, switch, or repeater circuit is also included to allow both PD's to communicate with the endspan PSE.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus, each with several embodiments, for combining power from two ports of a multi-port Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) for Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems, for the purpose of providing increased power to a Powered Device (PD) that comprises two separate loads and requires two sources of power.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and an apparatus with several embodiments for cross-coupling DC power between the data and spare twisted-pairs in a Power over Ethernet (PoE) system. In one embodiment, power output by an endspan Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) on the Alternative-B twisted-pairs (the spare pairs) is DC-coupled to the Alternative-A twisted-pairs (the data pairs), while Ethernet data is AC-coupled straight through, thus allowing an Alt-B endspan PSE to be used in tandem with a midspan PSE to power a dual-load Powered Device (PD). In another embodiment, the transfer of power from Alt-B to Alt-A is performed inside a novel midspan PSE, thus allowing a dual-load PD to be fully powered by cascading two ports of said novel midspan PSE, rather than using an endspan PSE and a midspan PSE in tandem.

Abstract: A method and apparatus with several embodiments for powering two Powered Devices (PD's) in a Power over Ethernet (PoE) system from a single computer network cable, where the cable is carrying power from both an endspan Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) and a midspan PSE. The apparatus is a special type of PD that resides in the middle of the link segment and is hence referred to as a “mid-link PD”. The mid-link PD utilizes power from one PSE and passes power from the other PSE along to another PD at the end of the link segment: This eliminates the need to install additional network cabling in order to power a second PD in a location where a first PD is already receiving power.