Power-over-Ethernet for avionic networks

Avionic networks are to an increasing extent based on Ethernet physical layer implementations due to economical and technical motivations. While conventional Ethernet-based systems are built up in star topologies, the physical layer can also be used to establish linear networks. Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) uses Ethernet data cabling for the transmission of power. Existing technology however is not able to transmit sufficient power for many avionic applications, particularly for such implemented in a linear topology. With a customized PoE approach, the power capabilities of PoE links can significantly be increased to more than 100 W. With an adequate fail-safe concept, the reliability of a linear Ethernet implementation can be increased, reducing the immanent safety drawback of a linear topology. The presented methods offer the potential to significantly reduce cost, complexity and weight of Ethernet-based system installations, aiming at greener avionics for future aircraft.