Controller-IC And Power-Module Lines Ease Power-Over-Ethernet Designs

June 7, 2004

A family of versatile IC power controllers and a plug-in power-supply family from Texas Instruments promise to reduce the design time and ease implementation of Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) industrial and commercial devices. The TPS2375 power-interface controller ICs target high-volume power-dissipation applications. The PTB48540 power modules fit low-volume and specialized applications.

These devices will find use in wireless local-area-network (WLAN) access points, IP phones, security, and point-of-sale terminals. Both families fully comply with the IEEE 802.3af specification.

The TPS2375 linear biCMOS SOIC controllers boast a low switch R_DSONof 1.0 (omega) and a maximum V_DS of 100 V. Other features include programmable in-rush current control, a fixed 450-mA current limit, fixed and adjustable undervoltage-lockout options, open-drain power-good reporting, and overtemperature protection. Available in eight-pin SOIC and TSSOP packages, they operate from −40°C to 85°C.

Designers who want to reduce time-to-market should check out the PTB48540 line. These 9-mm high modules provide an isolated low-voltage power source to remote power devices in PoE applications. They have an input range of 36 to 57 V, a 10-W output, and 85% efficiency. Also, they sport output-voltage trimming and adjustability, undervoltage lockout, an input transient suppressor, an internal electromagnetic-interference filter, output on/off control, short-circuit protection, overtemperature shutdown, and 1500-V dc isolation. They meet FFC Class B radiation standards. And, they're available with 3.3-, 5-, or 12-V outputs.

In 1000-piece quantities, the TPS2375s cost $1.25 each and the PTB28540s are $26 each.

Texas Instruments Inc.www.ti.com

About the Author

Roger Allan

Roger Allan is an electronics journalism veteran, and served as Electronic Design's Executive Editor for 15 of those years. He has covered just about every technology beat from semiconductors, components, packaging and power devices, to communications, test and measurement, automotive electronics, robotics, medical electronics, military electronics, robotics, and industrial electronics. His specialties include MEMS and nanoelectronics technologies. He is a contributor to the McGraw Hill Annual Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. He is also a Life Senior Member of the IEEE and holds a BSEE from New York University's School of Engineering and Science. Roger has worked for major electronics magazines besides Electronic Design, including the IEEE Spectrum, Electronics, EDN, Electronic Products, and the British New Scientist. He also has working experience in the electronics industry as a design engineer in filters, power supplies and control systems.

After his retirement from Electronic Design Magazine, He has been extensively contributing articles for Penton’s Electronic Design, Power Electronics Technology, Energy Efficiency and Technology (EE&T) and Microwaves RF Magazine, covering all of the aforementioned electronics segments as well as energy efficiency, harvesting and related technologies. He has also contributed articles to other electronics technology magazines worldwide.

He is a “jack of all trades and a master in leading-edge technologies” like MEMS, nanolectronics, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, military electronics, biometrics, implantable medical devices, and energy harvesting and related technologies.