The Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Powered MP8030

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Introduction

With the abundance of electronic products, it is easy for desktops to become cluttered between various desktop power and signal interface cables. The development of Power over Ethernet (PoE) has resolved the challenge of managing multiple wires.

What is PoE?

PoE provides DC power while transmitting data signals for IP-based terminal equipment without changing the existing Ethernet Category 5 cabling infrastructure (see Figure 1).

Figure 1: Traditional Solution vs. PoE

Common IP terminals include telephones, routers, and security cameras. Current 5G small base stations and many IoT terminals require PoE power supply. In addition, some applications also transmit audio signals through PoE, such as PoE audio.

Development of the PoE Standard

Figure 2 shows the evolution of PoE from 2003 through 2018.

Figure 2: Evolution of PoE

PoE defined power delivery by establishing the first-generation IEEE 802.3af standard in 2003. Over time, PoE power has increased from 15W to 90W, supporting the expansion of terminal equipment from telephones to higher power TVs, IoT devices, and even 5G base stations.

PoE Trends with the MP8030

The MP8030 is a flyback/forward controller for the new generation of PoE-powered devices (PD). It is compliant with IEEE 802.3af/at/bt specifications.

Figure 3 shows the typical application of the MP8030.

Figure 3: MP8030 Typical Application Circuit

The features of the MP8030 include:

Powered Device (PD):

Compliant with 802.3af/at/bt specifications
Internal hot-swap MOSFET for ≤51W designs
External FET with GATE1 for >51W designs
GATE2 N-channel MOSFET driver for adapter supply
Automatic maintain power signature
Supports automatic classification

DC/DC Design:

Supports flexible DC/DC topologies:

Primary-side regulation (PSR) flyback
Secondary-side regulation (SSR) flyback
SSR active-clamp forward

Current source capability: 2A GATE driver, 0.8A SYNC driver
15ms soft-start time (t_SS)
EMI-optimized for conducted emissions (CE) and radiated emissions (RE) testing

The MP8030 has many advantages for design, performance, and safety requirements, which we will explore in further detail below.

Simplified Design

By integrating the bt power level of a PD and a DC/DC converter in a small QFN-32 (5mmx6mm) package, the MP8030 reduces PCB layout and eliminates the need to select PoE PDs. In addition, the terminal isolation step-down circuit works. These factors can mitigate complicated post-processing considerations.

MPS also provides custom reference designs for peripheral circuits and power supplies according to the system requirements.

High-Efficiency Performance

Figure 4 shows the efficiency curve of the MP8030 under the following test conditions: V_IN = 54V, V_OUT = 12V, and I_OUT = 6A.

Figure 4: MP8030 Efficiency Curve

The MP8030 can reach a maximum efficiency of 93.8%. The market solution is typically a diode. However, the diode’s voltage drop reduces system efficiency. The MP8030’s built-in N-channel MOSFET Driver (GATE2) drives low on resistance (R_DS(ON)) N-channel MOSFET (Q4) to replace the diode, effectively addressing the challenge to system efficiency.

Flexible Isolation Design Options

There are three topologies that the MP8030 can support simultaneously: PSR flyback, SSR flyback, and SSR active-clamp forward. These topologies can be divided between two modes of voltage control: PSR mode and SSR mode.

PSR Mode

Compared to traditional flyback topologies with optocoupler feedback, the MP8030 in PSR mode can detect the auxiliary winding voltage from the FB pin during the secondary-side output diode conduction period. This mode supports flyback topology.

SSR Mode

Meanwhile the COMP pin detects the VOUT feedback signal in SSR mode. The MP8030 maintains fixed frequency while the COMP voltage regulated peak current until triggering power saving mode (PSM). This mode supports both flyback and forward topologies.

Excellent Thermal Performance

Figure 5 shows the MP8030's thermal perfomance.

Figure 5: MP8030 Thermal Performance

At 72W of output power, the transformer has the highest heat generation. The transformer’s final temperature rise is 41°C, from 25.8°C to 67.4°C.

EMI Compliance

Figure 6 shows how the MP8030 successfully passed both conducted emissions (CE) and radiated emissions (RE) tests for EMI.

Figure 6: MP8030 CE and RE Results

Among the available bt solutions, the MP8030 can support up to 71W and offers features that significantly outpace comparable products in the market. Table 1 shows a comparison between the MP8030 and other bt solutions in the market.

Table 1: MP8030 vs. Other bt Solutions

Parameter	MP8030	Other bt Solutions
Integration	PD + DC/DC	PD + DC/DC
Maximum power	71W (Class 8)	51W (Class 6)
Detection	Built-in	External
Hot-swap MOSFET	0.35Ω built-in MOSFET for 51W	0.3Ω built-in MOSFET for 51W
Hot-swap MOSFET	External MOSFET for 71W	N/A
Built-in MOSFET driver for adapter auxiliary power supply	Yes	No
Automatic maintain power signature characteristics	Yes	Yes
Automatic power identification (AutoClass)	Yes	No
Gate drive sink/source capability	1.7A/2A	0.85A/0.5A
Current sampling	0.16V (low power loss)	0.25V (high power loss)
EMI optimization	Frequency jittering	Frequency jittering
Package	QFN-32 (5mmx6mm)	VSON-45 (5mmx7mm)

Conclusion

This article covered the evolution of the PoE standard and the features offered by the MP8030, such as IEEE 802.3af/at/bt functionality. The MP8030 is an excellent bt solution with benefits including simplified design, high efficiency, flexible isolation design options, excellent thermal performance, and EMI compliance.