Abstract: A battery system monitor includes cell measurement circuits (CMCs) that each measure a voltage at or current through a pair of terminals of a respective associated battery module from among a plurality of plurality of battery modules in a battery system. Wireless communication transceivers (WCTs), each associated with a different CMC, transmit voltage or current measurement information of the associated CMC across a wireless communication link. A controller receives the voltage or current measurement information from the wireless communication transceivers for monitoring the state of operation of the battery system. Battery system monitoring is improved through synchronization of clocks in different CMCs or WCTs to enable synchronous sampling of multiple battery modules, through systems for determining relative positions of battery modules in a series coupling of battery modules between terminals of the battery system, and through improvements to the reliability of wireless communication.

Abstract: A battery system monitor includes cell measurement circuits (CMCs) that each measure a voltage at or current through a pair of terminals of a respective associated battery module from among a plurality of plurality of battery modules in a battery system. Wireless communication transceivers (WCTs), each associated with a different CMC, transmit voltage or current measurement information of the associated CMC across a wireless communication link. A controller receives the voltage or current measurement information from the wireless communication transceivers for monitoring the state of operation of the battery system. Battery system monitoring is improved through synchronization of clocks in different CMCs or WCTs to enable synchronous sampling of multiple battery modules, through systems for determining relative positions of battery modules in a series coupling of battery modules between terminals of the battery system, and through improvements to the reliability of wireless communication.

Abstract: Novel techniques for balancing power or current drawn from multiple power supply inputs by controlling switching circuits associated with the respective power supply inputs. Each switching circuit may be controlled so as to limit current in its transformer or inductor in each switching cycle to a peak or average current value common to all switching circuits.

Abstract: Technique for providing power to a powered device (PD) over a cable having first and second sets of twisted pairs, such as signal pairs and spare pairs. Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) circuitry is coupled via a first switch to the second set, e.g. to the spare pairs. A switch control circuit turns the first switch off to enable the PSE circuitry to perform a prescribed operation in connection with the PD over only the first set, e.g. over the signal pairs, and turns the first switch on to enable the PSE circuitry to perform the prescribed operation in connection with the PD over the first and second sets.

Abstract: A threshold detection circuit may sense when current between a power supply and a load reaches a current threshold level. The threshold detection circuit may include a transistor in series with the load; a feedback circuit that causes the voltage drop across the transistor to be constant while the transistor is conducting current between the power supply and the load; a constant current source that delivers a constant current into the load; and a comparator that indicates when the voltage drop across the transistor falls below a voltage threshold level.

Abstract: A circuit for providing connection between a first node at a first voltage and a second node at a second voltage. The circuit has a first inductive element having a first terminal coupled to the first node, a first switching element coupled between a second terminal of the first inductive element and the second node, a second inductive element having a first terminal configured for receiving current from the second terminal of the first inductive element, and having a second terminal coupled to a third node, and a second switching element coupled between the first terminal of the second inductive element and the second node. The first and second switching elements are configured for providing alternating current flow paths between the first node and the second node.

Abstract: Circuitry and methodology for providing data transmission in a Power over Ethernet (PoE) system having a Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) for providing power to a PoE link, and a Powered Device (PD) coupled to the PoE link for receiving the power from the PSE. The PSE and PD support data communication with each other in a common mode between two pairs of lines in an Ethernet twisted pair cable.

Abstract: Novel techniques for balancing current drawn from multiple power supply inputs. A multiple-input inductor is coupled between the power supply inputs and the switching circuits associated with the respective power supply inputs for balancing voltages applied to each of the switching circuits.

Abstract: A novel system and methodology for supplying power over a communication cable, such as an Ethernet cable, using power distribution circuitry for controlling power distribution between wires or pairs of wires in the communication cable. The power distribution circuitry may control distribution of current among wires or pairs of wires in the communication cable. In particular, balance of current among the wires or pairs of wires may be provided.

Abstract: System and methodology for managing power supplied to powered devices over communication links, such as Ethernet links. A power supply system has multiple power supply ports for providing power to respective powered devices via multiple communication links. A power-in-use bus shared by the multiple power supply ports is configured for receiving a power-in-use signal representing total amount of power being used by the powered devices. Multiple port control circuits associated with the power supply ports are responsive to the power-in-use signal for controlling supply of power to the respective powered devices.

Abstract: A novel system and methodology for controlling an output of Power Sourcing Equipment in a Power over Ethernet system based on a current limit threshold. The PSE has an auto-zero circuit for comparing a monitored output current of the PSE with the current limit threshold to control the output of the PSE.

Abstract: A system for supplying power to a load over a communication link has high-side current sensing circuitry for measuring a high-side current value, low-side current sensing circuitry for measuring a low-side current value, and control circuitry responsive to both the high-side current value and the low-side current value to detect a fault condition, detect information from the load, and/or transmit information to the load by creating a prescribed unbalance between the high-side current and the low-side current.

Abstract: Novel techniques for balancing power or current drawn from multiple power supply inputs by controlling switching circuits associated with the respective power supply inputs. Each switching circuit may be controlled so as to limit current in its transformer or inductor in each switching cycle to a peak or average current value common to all switching circuits.

Abstract: Novel techniques for balancing current drawn from multiple power supply inputs. A multiple-input inductor is coupled between the power supply inputs and the switching circuits associated with the respective power supply inputs for balancing voltages applied to each of the switching circuits.