Switch Acts as PoE Tester for up to 6 Powered Devices

Sifos Technologies recently introduced a Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch that can act as a test tool in the field to evaluate as many as 6 powered devices (PDs) at a time for PoE capability. Sifos describes the MPD-600 Evaluating PSE as “a very unique PoE switch specifically designed for verifying interoperability of powered devices for any connection environment.”

It has the capability to evaluate the powered devices for their ability to receive Class 0 through Class 8 PoE. It can simulate long, medium, and short cable lengths, and testing begins automatically when a PD is plugged in.

When used by a technician as a troubleshooting tool, the MPD-600 tests individual PDs for detection and class signature values, min/max/average current, and power draw with user-specified power policing.

“The MPD-600 is functionally an 802.3-compliant PSE with full capability to assess PD compliance to 802.3 powering specifications associated with any PD Class—0 to 8—while operating at both minimum (43VDC) and maximum (55VDC) voltage extremes,” Sifos Technologies explains in the product’s data sheet. “Stated another way, the MPD-600 is the most demanding PSE a PD will ever encounter.

“Powering specifications such as inrush loading, average power draw, peak transient power, and DC MPS loading are monitored independently and simultaneously in real time to all PDs under test,” the company continues. “PD responses to power demotions and user-specified power policing limits are readily obtained. Detection and classification signature parameters are easily accessible.”

The company emphasizes the MPD-600 overcomes the limitations of the PoE-test methods and technologies. “Use of PoE injectors is a convenient, low-cost way to power a PD and then manage the PD across the LAN. However, commercial PoE injectors introduce severe limitations as they don’t necessarily represent a compliant PSE and have no ability to police power draw near to or at the 802.3 standard boundaries where PDs should be tested. Further, injectors don’t support PD input voltage extremes such as low voltage where current levels are maximized.

“Test strategies that add long cable spools between PSE and PD may add to peace of mind, but the truth is there is nothing calibrated about a 100-meter spool of cable in line with an uncharacterized PSE.”

You can find out more about the MPD-600 and Sifos Technologies here.