Linear Technology Corp. introduces the LTC4270/ LTC4271 isolated 12-port Power Source Equipment (PSE) controller chipset designed for use in IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) Type 1 and Type 2 compliant Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems. The LTC4270/71 provides 12 independent PSE channels for simpler, lower component count designs, reduced board space and lower solution costs. The LTC4271 provides a digital interface to the PSE host, while the LTC4270 provides the high voltage Ethernet interface; the two ICs are then bridged by inexpensive Ethernet transformers.
The transformer-isolated communication protocol replaces up to six expensive opto-couplers and a complex isolated 3.3 V supply used in traditional designs, resulting in significant cost savings and a more robust and manufacturable design. The LTC4270/LTC4271 is suitable for a wide variety of PSE applications, including next generation switches, routers, hubs and midspans.
