Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a network device operable to receive a network signal that may include both power and data from a coupled network. This network device includes a network connector and an integrated circuit. The network connector physically couples the network device to the network. An optional protection circuit may provide surge protection or incoming network signals received by the network device through the network connector. An optional switching/rectifying circuit sees the output of the protection circuit and is operable to rectify a power signal when contained within the network signal. The integrated circuit further includes a power feed circuit conductively coupled to the protection circuit and the rectifying circuit. This power feed circuit is operable to separate and pass the received data signal to a network physical layer and separate and pass the received power signal to a power management module.

Abstract: An interface between two or more integrated circuit devices employs isolation techniques to provide electrical isolation of a digital signal for transmission of the digital signal between a master device and one or more slave devices. Unidirectional isolator channels are utilized to transmit bidirectional digital signals, and a selection of an isolator channel operating in an intended direction is performed by direction control logic. Logic that monitors read and write transactions operates to determine a desired direction of the digital signal and accordingly directs the digital signal through an appropriate isolator channel.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a network device comprises a transformer with a primary winding and a secondary winding. The primary winding is coupled to receive input signals from a network connector and supply data signals to a physical layer (PHY) module. An inductance boost circuit is coupled to the secondary winding and operable to increase the impedance of the primary winding. In other embodiments, a network device comprises an autotransformer coupled to receive input signals from a network connector and supply data signals to a physical layer (PHY) module. An electronic load coupled in parallel between the autotransformer and the PHY layer module.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to at least partially power an Ethernet device from a plurality of balanced network power signals received through a network connection. This involves attaching the network device to the network, wherein network signals are received and contain both power signals and/or data signals. These network signals may be passed through surge protection and power-conditioning circuitry wherein the output of these circuits may be provided to a power absorbing circuit. This power absorbing circuit may separate the communication signal and power signal from the network signal. The communication signal may be passed to a network physical layer while the power signal may be passed to a power distribution module. Additionally, because certain embodiments may provide multiple pairs of network power signals to the power absorbing circuit, the current or power associated with each power signal must be sensed and balanced. This may be done with an active control circuit.

Abstract: In a network device, a power potential rectifier is adapted to conductively couple a network connector to an integrated circuit that rectifies and passes a power signal and data signal received from the network connector. The power potential rectifier regulates a received power and/or data signal to ensure proper signal polarity is applied to the integrated circuit.

Abstract: Dynamic insertion insertion loss for an ethernet power on differential cable pairs is shown in a power feed circuit that supplies power to a network attached device (PD). An insertion loss control circuit limits power loss in a coupled power feed circuit. determines an insertion loss limit, and senses an average power of the power signals to produce a common mode feedback signal to the power feed circuit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an integrated circuit (IC) having an integrated DC-DC power converter therein. This IC is operable to support the distribution of combined power and data signals in a network environment such as an Ethernet network according to protocols such as the power over Ethernet (PoE) protocol. The IC includes a DC-DC power converter, a power feed circuit, and a network physical layer (PHY) module, wherein the PHY module may contain fine line structures susceptible to damage when exposed to excessive voltages. To prevent or reduce the likelihood of damage to the PHY module from voltages supplied to the DC-DC power converter, a common substrate ground is shared between the IC components.