Abstract: A communication link between two isolated electrical devices provides for adjustable impedances coupled to the communication link signal paths to balance the signal paths and improve CMRR. The communication link may be a bidirectional capacitively coupled differential signal line to improve noise rejection. The capacitance may be realized as portions of circuit board traces, lead frames, IC pins and/or molding on ICs or on an IC package. The variable impedance compensates for variances in the capacitive coupling values so that the signal paths react similarly in the presence of noise or interference. The variable impedance may be set or programmed from stored values that may be digital or analog. The capacitive coupling of the differential signal line permits integration of isolated devices in a common package.

Abstract: An active receptacle for use in a RJ-45 connector configured to receive power from an Ethernet Solution.

Abstract: A port connector module supplies power over Ethernet with a power supply mounted to the port housings. The compact arrangement for providing distributed power frees up significant space in the system architecture, while providing a high degree of functionality for power management operations. The power board integrates a number of functions for power management, and can communicate with a host controller. The port housing and power board are enclosed by a shield to reduce EMI radiation or noise emissions. A heat sink is mounted to the shield to dissipate thermal energy from the power board. The solution provides greater compactness and integration to reduced cost and space for distributed power applications.

Abstract: Digital and analog functionality are separated and optimized in an Ethernet port architecture to free port circuit space for additional desired functionality. A power controller and physical link controller for the port share a high speed communication link to transfer information and control instructions from one to the other. The physical link controller provides digital functionality and processing capabilities that can generate power control instructions sent to the power controller over the high speed link. The power controller provides analog functionality for controlling the power supplied to the network connection and transfers power related information to the physical link controller over the high speed communication link and receives control instructions through a digital interface. The separation of digital of analog functionality simplifies the power control circuitry, removes redundancy, and frees valuable circuit board space for other desired functionality.

Abstract: An active cable assembly for use in Universal Serial Bus (USB) that includes at least one USB node, the cable assembly managing power delivered through the cable assembly.