Industrial Power over Ethernet Midspan Delivers High Power Output

The adoption of automated systems in harsh environments drives the demand for consolidated data and power deployment via industrial Power over Ethernet. Microchip Technology has introduced the PD-9601GCI, an industrial-grade single-port midspan designed to deliver power and gigabit data to factory automation and remote monitoring devices.

Standardized Power Delivery for Harsh Environments
To support high-power devices in challenging environments, the new midspan complies with the IEEE 802.3bt standard. This compliance allows the device to deliver up to 90W of power alongside 10/100/1000 Mbps data rates over a single Ethernet cable. By acting as an intermediary between non-PoE network switches and terminal equipment, the industrial PoE midspan eliminates the need for dedicated electrical outlets near edge devices, reducing installation complexity in factory settings.

The midspan also serves as a private-label option for device manufacturers, enabling them to bundle standardized power delivery directly with their proprietary industrial internet of things hardware.

Mechanical and Electrical Specifications for Industrial Reliability
Operating in remote or heavy-industrial areas requires components that withstand physical and electrical stress. The hardware features an IP30-rated sealed metal enclosure designed to resist vibrations. It functions across an extended operating temperature range of -40°C to 75°C, ensuring reliability in unconditioned outdoor cabinets or high-temperature factory floors.

For electrical integration, the midspan accommodates a dual DC power input range of 20V to 60V, providing power redundancy. Integrated industrial-grade surge protection safeguards connected equipment against voltage spikes common in industrial grids. Physical installation is supported via standard DIN rail, wall, or panel mounting configurations, facilitating integration into existing control cabinets.

Additional Context
This section details technical specifications and competitive benchmarking not included in the original product announcement.

The IEEE 802.3bt Type 4 standard defines power delivery up to 90W at the power sourcing equipment source. While commercial midspans typically target indoor office environments with restricted temperature tolerances of 0°C to 40°C and plastic housings, industrial-grade alternatives must provide ruggedized enclosures and wide-temperature components.

In comparison to existing market alternatives, such as the Antaira Technologies INJ-C201G-bt-H-T, both devices deliver up to 90W of IEEE 802.3bt power and operate within the -40°C to 75°C range. However, the Antaira model features a dual 12V to 48V DC input range, whereas the Microchip PD-9601GCI supports a higher dual DC input range of 20V to 60V. This broader upper voltage limit allows the Microchip midspan to integrate more seamlessly into standard 48V and 56V industrial battery backup systems without risking overvoltage damage during charging phases.

Edited by Evgeny Churilov, Induportals Media - Adapted by AI.

www.microchip.com