mouser.com/te 31
Comparison of Network Topologies/
Power Distribution Structures
PoDL supports only point-to-point connections. IEEE
802.3da investigations are ongoing to extend PoDL
to power several PDs with one PSE. Here, the focus is
on data rates of 10Mbps only. By splitting signal and
power onto separate lines using the hybrid cabling
solution, we obtain more freedom in implementing the
power network. With the additional power lines of the
hybrid connector, more than one PD can be powered,
and, alternatively, PoDL can be used simultaneously.
Figure 5 shows examples of possible topologies to
power devices (represented by nodes) in a network.
Figure 5: Network topologies hybrid connector: (a) Point to point, (b) SPE daisy chained and power on a bus,
(c) switch with a hybrid power source, (d) SPE and power on a bus. (Source: TE Connectivity)
• Point-to-point (P2P) cabling solution (a): This
is similar to most Ethernet communication.
Here, the power over the separate power lines is
applied point-to-point in case we need to have a
high amount of power for one PD. In case PoDL
is used in addition, we can use the power lines
to power devices like actuators that generate
electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) noise and
supply power to noise-sensitive devices like the
SPE PHY chips with PoDL.
• SPE daisy chained and power on a bus (b): In
automation networks, the devices are often installed
in a daisy chain topology where every device
contains a network switch. With the M12 hybrid
connectivity solution, the power can be supplied
directly to all devices via one power source.
• Hybrid SPE switching solution (c): From a switch
with a hybrid power source, the power to multiple
devices can be delivered via one power source.
• SPE and power on a bus (d): Multidrop SPE does
not have the possibility to add PoDL. With the
hybrid solution, the power can be supplied via
the extra power lines.
PoDL supports
only point-to-point
connections.
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