The DAK-86 is a new reference design kit for Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) Powered Devices (PDs). The rapid growth of the PoE PD market is being driven by the wide adoption of network appliances, wireless LANs, and VoIP telephones. The reference design combines a multi-class PoE interface and DC-DC switching circuit built around the monolithic DPA-Switch family of ICs.

The reference design kit supports the design of all current classes of PoE PDs (Class 0 to Class 3) and a power range up to 12.95 W. You can change the class of a design by replacing a single resistor. The design carries out PoE signature and classification functions, while the integrated DPA-Switch device manages all the primary DC-DC switching and control functions. The complete circuit requires only 16 components and costs about one-third less than designs based on integrated PoE interface/controller ICs.

Using a comprehensive suite of power sending equipment, the University of New Hampshire Interoperability Consortium (UNH-IOC) tested the PI circuit design. It was shown to meet IEEE 802.3af requirements in all cases. Copies of the UNH-IOC test reports, along with complete information on the DPA-Switch family of ICs, are available at www.powerint.com.

The PoE Class 2 PD Reference Design Kit (DAK-86) costs $100. The kit contains a 3.3-V, 2-A Class 2 power supply, samples of the DPA-Switch family and design software plus a comprehensive engineering report including a circuit description and schematic, test results and transformer design information.

Power Integrations, Inc.
www.powerint.com