Offering an industrial-grade solution is Microchip Technology's goal as it expands its range of PoE solutions with one or more ports and introduces its PD-9601GCI midspan, designed to meet the IEEE 802.3bt standard for industrial applications and their harsh environments.
“In a market where many existing networks aren’t fully compatible with convenient single-cable PoE models, our industrial PD-9601GCI midspan makes it easier for our customers to power their equipment in their factories and industrial environments,” said Charlie Forni, corporate vice president of Microchip’s Networking and Connectivity business unit. “Our customers also have the option of using our midspans as a branded power solution, allowing them to differentiate their products by offering a simpler, more integrated power solution.”.
Microchip's PD-9601GCI midspan stands out from its existing single-port indoor PoE midspan, the PC-9601GC, due to its industrial-grade design. It's designed to simplify electrical installations and reduce the need for additional power outlets, while delivering up to 90W of power and 10/100/1000 Mbps data transmission speeds over a single Ethernet cable.
The device provides the features and performance required for reliable operation in remote locations or harsh environments, such as factories or outdoors, to minimize downtime and support issues:
• Hermetically sealed, vibration-resistant metal housing with IP (Ingress Protection) rating: IP30.
• Extended temperature range: designed to operate in temperatures from -40°C to 75°C.
• More power input options: supports dual DC input between 20V and 60V.
• Enhanced protection against voltage spikes in industrial environments: Increases protection against voltage spikes in industrial settings.
• Industrial mounting: Can be mounted on a DIN rail, wall, or panel.
• Compatibility testing with industrial automation devices: Helps manufacturers minimize integration and reliability issues.
Midspans connect downstream of the network switch, where they feed an Ethernet line to supply both power and data. These devices provide a practical and cost-effective solution for deploying PoE in remote or challenging environments. When combined with an IoT device, midspans allow manufacturers to offer a plug-and-play solution designed to power the entire network.
