Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology that enables network devices to receive both data and power over the same Ethernet cable, simplifying installation and reducing costs. However, not all devices support PoE directly, requiring external equipment to convert the power. That's where the STEVAL-POE005V1 module comes into play. In this blog post, we'll explore the capabilities, features, and applications of STEVAL-POE005V1, and how it can help you power your devices with ease.

What is STEVAL-POE005V1?

The STEVAL-POE005V1 is an evaluation board for a PoE compatible module that can supply up to 5V/4A of DC voltage to 5V-powered devices. It is based on the STMicroelectronics' L99PN91 single-port PoE PD (Power Device) controller, which supports both the IEEE 802.3af PoE and the IEEE 802.3at PoE+ standards. The board contains the necessary circuitry to interface with an Ethernet cable, extract the power from the incoming signals, and convert it to a regulated DC output voltage.

One of the advantages of STEVAL-POE005V1 is its compact size and footprint, making it ideal for space-constrained applications where traditional power supplies may not fit or may be cumbersome to use. Moreover, it features a comprehensive protection and diagnostics mechanism, including input overvoltage protection, output short-circuit and overcurrent protections, thermal shutdown, and LED indicators for status monitoring.

How to Use STEVAL-POE005V1?

To use STEVAL-POE005V1, you need to follow some basic steps:

1. Connect an Ethernet cable with PoE signals to the board's RJ45 jack.

2. Connect your device's power input to the output connector of the board.

3. Apply power to the board using a DC power supply or an external PoE injector.

4. Verify the LED indicators on the board are showing the correct status.

That's it! Now you can enjoy the benefits of PoE without the need for additional hardware, wiring, or power sources.

Applications of STEVAL-POE005V1

The STEVAL-POE005V1 module can be used in various cases where PoE power is required but not natively supported, such as:

Smart home devices, including sensors, cameras, and switches.

Industrial automation and control systems, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), motors, and valves.

Building management systems, for example, lighting fixtures, HVAC units, and access control.

Medical and healthcare equipment, such as monitors, infusion pumps, and ventilators.

Educational and research projects, where students and researchers can experiment with PoE technologies and applications.

Using STEVAL-POE005V1 can not only reduce costs and complexity but also increase reliability, scalability, and flexibility in your designs. By choosing a mature and standardized PoE technology, you can also benefit from the ecosystem of PoE-enabled devices, switches, and infrastructure.

Conclusion

The STEVAL-POE005V1 evaluation board is a handy and reliable solution for powering your devices with PoE, regardless of their native PoE support. With its small size, protection features, and compliance with industry standards, it can be a great addition to your toolkit, enhancing your projects' performance, functionality, and convenience. By leveraging the power of PoE, you can enable new applications, reduce cable clutter, and optimize power delivery, bringing your designs to the next level.