Isolated PoE PSE controller passes IEEE 802.3bt conformance tests

Analog Devices announces the Power by Linear LTC4291/92 isolated four-port PSE controller chipset, claimed to be the first of its kind to pass a series of IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++) PoE conformance tests administered by Sifos Technologies. PoE typically gives system and network engineers PSE evaluation challenges. PSEs are multichannel, intelligent DC power sources that are activated and deactivated through standardised processes with no disruption in traditional Ethernet data transmission. At the same time, compliance testing is complicated by demands to work over several delivery and polarity configurations. The Sifos 24-port PSA-3000 PowerSync analyser equipped with multiple two-port PSA-3202 test blades gives total automated testing and analysis of LTC4291/92-based PSEs. Uncompromising compliance test suites augmented by specialised analysis features validated the device to the IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) standard, the upcoming 802.3bt standard, and other proprietary specifications. These scalable design and test solutions produce extensive PoE knowledge and years of experience, lessening time-to-market and allowing deployment of IEEE 802.3bt PoE networks as the standard approaches ratification in 2018. The device chipset is provided in commercial and industrial temperature ranges. The LTC4291 digital controller is offered in a RoHS-compliant 24-pin 4mm x 4mm QFN package, while the LTC4292 analog controller is in a 40-pin 6mm x 6mm QFN package. The device is the company's first 802.3bt PSE controller and offers an upgrade path for the popular LTC4266 four-port 802.3at PSE controller.