Power-over-Ethernet switch for PoE lighting applications

“Our new PoE switch is a unique offering from Microsemi, as it is differentiated from enterprise switches by enabling lighting fixtures and other Ethernet terminals to receive power and data over standard Ethernet cables in the most efficient manner possible,” said Sani Ronen, Director of product management for Microsemi's PoE systems. “Leveraging our leadership position in PoE technology, the device’s high-power efficiency results in minimal losses to ensure the support necessary for digital ceiling applications, enabling installation of connected lighting systems that offer improved lighting experience, new features and power savings.”

Microsemi’s new PDS-208G PoE switch, which was installed in multiple successful beta sites in 2017, is well-suited to a number of applications within the LED lighting and enterprise markets, such as smart buildings. The 240W fanless switch supports full-power mode by providing 30W for eight ports simultaneously and any individual port can operate at up to 72W. The device is also able to perform software upgrades while keeping PoE ports active.

According to market research firm MarketsandMarkets, the total smart lighting market size is expected to reach a value of $19.47bn by 2022, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.1%. In terms of volume, it expects the market size to reach 1.27 billion units by 2022, at a CAGR of 71.3% during the forecast period. With growing demand for energy-efficient lighting systems expected to be the major factor driving the market, Microsemi’s PDS-208G PoE switch is suited to capitalise on this growing demand.

The highspeed PDS-208G PoE switch offers Layer 2 management capabilities, and the device’s eight 10/100/1,000 megabits per second (Mbps) ports with PoE capabilities are based on Microsemi’s energy-efficient four-pair PoE technology, enabling 50% power loss savings on the Ethernet cables when compared to similar installations using an Ethernet switch. It also features two Gigabit ports which can be used for uplinks and can be remotely managed through Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and the web.