7.4.2.8 Adapter ORing

Many PoE-capable devices are designed to operate from either a wall adapter or PoE power. A local power solution adds cost and complexity, but allows a product to be used if PoE is not available in a particular installation. While most applications only require that the PD operate when both sources are present, the TPS23751 and TPS23752 supports forced operation from either of the power sources. Figure 30 illustrates three options for diode ORing external power into a PD. Only one option would be used in any particular design. Option 1 applies power to the TPS23751 and TPS23752 PoE input, option 2 applies power between the TPS23751 and TPS23752 PoE section and the power circuit, and option 3 applies power to the output side of the converter. Each of these options has advantages and disadvantages. Many of the basic ORing configurations and much of the discussion contained in the application note Advanced Adapter ORing Solutions using the TPS23753 (SLVA306), apply to the TPS23751 and TPS23752.

Figure 30. ORing Configurations

The IEEE standards require that the Ethernet cable be isolated from ground and all other system potentials. The adapter must meet a minimum 1500 Vac dielectric withstand test between the output and all other connections for ORing options 1 and 2. The adapter only needs this isolation for option 3 if it is not provided by the converter.

Adapter ORing diodes are shown for all the options to protect against a reverse voltage adapter, a short on the adapter input pins, or damage to a low-voltage adapter. ORing is sometimes accomplished with a MOSFET in option 3.