Power-over-Ethernet specs have changed over the years — PoE devices have gotten more powerful, and so Ethernet cables are starting to become more like a power line. Silicon Labs’ John Wilson recently did a short video with us about four new power device ICs built with higher PoE power levels in mind. John reviewed demonstrations that range from the SI3404, a 15-W PoE PD chip, and a highly efficient SI34061, a 30-W capable, highly efficient power device. All of these products says Wilson, are bringing new levels of efficiency and of integration.

Chips in the demo address the IEEE802.3AT type one and type two specifications. There’s a new specification in 2018 being ratified called IEEE 802.3BT. Silicon Labs participated in the IEEE committee. The new spec is expected to be ratified mid-year, and Silicon Labs expects to have products later this year that address that specification. All in all, the wireless access points and other endpoints the makeup PoE PD technology is enabling the wired internet of things.