Two-Layer Evaluation Module and Reference Design Simplify PoE Design

Easing design for rapidly growing Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications, Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) introduced a two-layer PoE power sourcing equipment (PSE) evaluation module and TI Design based on TI's new TPS23861 PoE controller. The high-performance quad-port controller and reference design significantly reduce development time and cost when creating PoE-enabled network video recorders, IP phone switches and wireless base stations.

Features and benefits of the PoE PSE design:

• Reduces PoE development costs: The TPS23861 evaluation board features two controllers with associated circuitry on a two-layer printed-circuit board (PCB), minimizing material and build costs that often occur when using multiple boards.
• Easy to use, "plug and play" operation: The evaluation module is also offered in auto mode, eliminating the need for host control.
• IEEE-compliant: The TPS23861 passes the University of New Hampshire's Interoperability Lab and SIFO's test suites.
• Thermal design flexibility: The TPS23861 consumption does not exceed 400 mW in any operating condition. The external FET architecture allows the design engineer to select the FET that best meets size, cost, and efficiency requirements.
• Enhanced reliability:  The four-point detection feature avoids system damage by preventing erroneous start-up.

For custom power management programmability and configuration, the TI Design's motherboard provides interfaces for two optional boards, the MSP-EXP430G2 LaunchPad™ and USB-to-GPIO Interface Adapter, which are both available in the TI eStore.

Available now in a 28-pin TSSOP package, the TPS23861 PoE PSE controller is priced at US$3.40 each in 1,000-unit quantities. The TPS23861EVM-612 evaluation module is available for US$299 and includes a downloadable PI Commander graphical user interface. A fully tested and proven TIDA-00290 PoE reference design with schematic, bill of materials and design files is also available for download.