IIoT: The Future of Manufacturing.
The transformative application of IoT technology in industrial processes and applications is known as the IIoT. Connection of machinery, network devices, smart sensors, and software, the IIoT gathers, enables the exchange and analysis of data at every stage of the production process. As a result, seemingly unrelated information becomes valuable insights that can be acted upon, inspiring a new era of productivity. By enhancing visibility, the IIoT also helps businesses identify potential inefficiencies – such as underperforming machinery, excessive power consumption, or processes causing bottlenecks – to reduce downtime. Examples of the IIoT in action include automation, predictive maintenance, quality assurance, smart logistics, and product development, among countless others.
PoE is an IIoT Game-Changer.
The evolution of PoE standards from 802.3af (PoE) and 802.3at (PoE+) to the latest ultra-high power 802.3bt (PoE++) is a testament to the technology’s adaptability and future potential. With maximum power support of 90 watts, PoE now applies to a broader range of industrial verticals, bringing the following benefits:
- PoE can slash overall installation costs by up to 50 percent by eliminating the need for separate electrical wiring, conduit, safety equipment, and power outlets. This also expands options for how and where end-devices can be mounted.
- PoE systems offer stability since they adhere to the strict regulations of the IEEE for more reliable network connections and smoother operation. These standards also incorporate mechanisms that ensure compatibility between devices and protect those devices that do not support PoE.
- PoE improves employee safety by eliminating the requirement for high-voltage power cables. PoE operates at a lower voltage, typically 48VDC, which is considered safe for handling. Conversely, 120VAC is 2.4 times higher than 48VDC, plus AC is generally considered more dangerous because its alternating current can disrupt the electrical signals in the human body, especially the heart.
- PoE opens up new opportunities for scalability. PoE-enabled IIoT devices can be installed in remote areas without available local power or easily relocated up to 100 meters from power-sourcing equipment. Cable length can also be extended beyond 100 meters using a repeater or another industrial PoE switch.
- PoE allows for centralized power management.
- PoE improved the continuity of power delivery by offering backup power options.
Another plus for PoE is that its power can be automatically shut off or reduced for non-essential devices when they are not in use. If the power budget is overdrawn, PoE switch ports can be configured to receive power from higher-priority devices. All these advantages make PoE a game-changer for IIoT.
Power Delivery Process.
Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE), which can be either an industrial switch, router, or other network device that supports PoE, provides DC power over an Ethernet cable to Powered Devices (PDs). Typically, the power supply is 48V-55V DC, although some devices may support higher or lower voltages depending on their specific needs.
Ethernet cables are the backbone of PoE technology. These cables contain four twisted pairs of copper wires, which are used to carry both the data signals and the DC power required by powered devices. To ensure reliable and efficient transmission, the Ethernet cable must be Category 5e (Cat 5e) or higher. However, note that using Cat5e to power Class 3 or Class 4 PD devices may cause them to overheat. Cat 6A is therefore recommended, especially for longer distances. Proper connectivity is also crucial; the Ethernet cable must be securely connected to both the PSE and the PD to maintain a stable and reliable connection.
Standard Configurations Simplify Installation.
The 802.3af, 802.3at, and 802.3bt standards of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) regulate PoE. These standards outline the requirements for both the PSE and the PD, including the maximum amount of power that can be supplied and the signaling mechanisms used to negotiate power requirements. Typically, the configuration process involves setting up the PSE to supply power to the PD, with the PD communicating its power needs to the PSE through a standardized protocol, also known as the handshake. This negotiation process is usually automated, ensuring that the PD receives the appropriate amount of power without manual intervention. Adhering to these standards ensures compatibility across different PoE devices.
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| The Antaira LNP-C501G-SFP-bt |
High availability and redundancy are essential in industrial applications to minimize downtime and achieve continuous operation. PoE technology addresses these needs by allowing for redundant power supplies and dual power input configurations. Redundancy helps the device remains operational even in the event of a power source failure.
Redundant power supplies enable a device to continue operating even if one power supply fails, while dual power input allows the device to be powered from two separate power sources. By incorporating these features, PoE enhances the reliability and resilience of networked systems, making it a robust solution for critical industrial applications.
Smarter PoE Switches for the IIoT.
Antaira PoE Ethernet switches adhere to IEEE standards, serving as foundational PSEs for IIoT networks. Beyond compliance, their industrial PoE switches incorporate patented technologies that add intelligence to networks. Let’s explore how these innovative features work:
- Safe PoE Disconnect: To meet the rising number of high-power PoE cameras, wireless and LIDAR installed in various applications, Antaira developed the patented Safe PoE Disconnect technology supported by unmanaged IEEE 802.3bt industrial ethernet switches. Safe PoE Disconnect is a hardware safety feature that lets engineers easily turn on/off power to a single 802.3vt PoE++ port using a front panel DIP switch. Turning off the DIP Switch allows the end device to be safely discovered.
- Persistent PoE: During a switch firmware update, persistent PoE enables their industrial switch to reboot while continuing to provide PoE power to a connected PD. It keeps connected devices powered on to avoid the end device reboot, which otherwise can result in several minutes of device downtime.
- Power Remote Reset Technology (PRRT): Available on Antaira LNP-C501G-SFP-bt-T and IMP-C1000-SFP-bt-T series products, PRRT allows a user to reset a PD at a remote site without physically visiting the location, helping to save on travel costs and minimizing powered device downtime.
- iPoE Budget Control: To protect connected devices in applications where input voltage varies, Antaira has designed an automatic mechanism -- “Intelligent PoE” or “iPoE” for short -- with patents in the USA and Taiwan.
- This technology further confirms the power input voltage of the PSE before determining the safe maximum power output budget to allocate to the PD. For example, when 12VDC is powering the industrial switch, the switch auto-senses the voltage input and limits the PoE power budget to 90 Watts. In contrast, if the voltage input increases to 24VDC, it would increase the PoE power budget up to 150 Watts.
- Low-Voltage PoE: Although not a patented technology, Antaira low-voltage PoE opens up new opportunities in network design. Adding an internal DC-to-DC power boost to select models allows low-voltage PoE to power up to 90W bt PoE++ from a low-voltage input, such as 9VDC, 12VDC, 24VDC, or 36VDC.
Partner in IIoT for Industrial PoE Switches.
PoE helps network engineers start fast, scale easily, and evolve IIoT projects to meet changing market dynamics. The diversity of possibilities the IIoT offers means that organizations may have multiple IIoT projects ongoing simultaneously, in a mix of small and large, some internally focused and others externally. Antaira offers an extensive range of PoE solutions, including managed and unmanaged Ethernet switches in IEEE PoE at/af/bt standards, alongside PoE injectors and media converters.
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