AN956: Using the Si3402-B PoE PD Controller in Isolated and Non-Isolated Designs

AN956
U SING T H E Si3402-B P O E PD C O N T R O L L E R
I N I SOLATED AND N O N - I SOLA TED D E S I G N S
1. Introduction
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is an IEEE standard (IEEE 802.3-2012) for delivering power through Ethernet cables.
The first PoE standard (IEEE802.3af) was ratified in 2003. This standard defined power classes 0-3 with maximum
cable current of 350 mA and 15 W power delivery capability. This was extended to 30 W (class 4) by the
IEEE802.3at standard in 2009. According to the revised standard, the maximum cable current is 600 mA. The PoE
devices were divided in to two types:

Type 1 devices which are compatible with the 802.3af standard.
Type 2 devices which are compatible with the newly-defined Class 4 power class. These devices are also called
PoE+.
The 802.3at standard is backward compatible with the 802.3af version, and the latest published IEEE802.3-2012
standard contains the 802.3at specification.

Two configurations of connection of PSEs to PDs are shown in Figures 1 and 2.The option shown in Figure 1 must
be used for “midspan equipment”, which injects power on the Ethernet connection of an existing Ethernet link.
Endpoint equipment, such as an Ethernet switch, can use either option.
POWER SOURCING
EQUIPMENT (PSE)
POWERED DEVICE
(PD)
4
4
5
5
SPARE PAIR
+
1
TX
48 V
2
3
_
RX
1
2
SIGNAL PAIR
6
RX
DC/DC
Converter
3
6
TX
SIGNAL PAIR
7
7
8
8
SPARE PAIR
Figure 1. Power Delivered over Spare Pair (Midspan)
Rev. 0.1 3/16
Copyright © 2016 by Silicon Laboratories
AN956
AN956
POWER SOURCING
EQUIPMENT (PSE)
POWERED DEVICE
(PD)
4
4
5
5
SPARE PAIR
±
48 V
±
TX
1
1
2
2
3
RX
SIGNAL PAIR
6
RX
DC/DC
Converter
3
6
TX
SIGNAL PAIR
7
7
8
8
SPARE PAIR
Figure 2. Power Delivered over Signal Pair
2
Rev. 0.1
AN956
The IEEE802.3-2012 Type 1 compatible Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) supplies 44 to 57 VDC and must be
isolated from earth ground. The powered device (PD) must not consume more than 12.95 W (PD input power for
class 3), which translates to no more than 350 mA (Type 1) of steady state input current, allowing for 20  of
cabling resistance between the PSE and PD. This means that with practical conversion efficiencies, approximately
10 W of regulated power is available to PD applications, making PoE a preferred alternative for powering devices,
such as VoIP phones, wireless routers, and security devices, because it eliminates the need for a local power
source, greatly simplifies installation, and allows easy power backup through an uninterruptible power source
(UPS) on the PSE end. The advantages of IEEE 802.3-2012-compliant equipment include:

This standard provides a standard way for the PSE to recognize that the PD side is PoE-enabled and not supply
power unless a valid signature is detected, thus eliminating the possibility of damaging equipment that is not
PoE-enabled.
 This standard provides a method of allowing the 802.3af PD device to supply classification information to the
PSE so that the PSE can determine the load requirements of the multiple pieces of PD equipment it is
powering.
 This standard ensures interoperability of PSE and PD devices from different manufacturers.
The Si3402-B device is a highly-integrated, efficient IC with both a Power over Ethernet PD interface and PWM dcdc converter. It is fully-compatible with IEEE 802.3-2012 Type 1 specification, and has a two-step inrush currentlimiting feature to allow PD designs that are compatible with pre-standard PSE equipment. It supports PD designs
that require isolation between the Ethernet cables and powered equipment as well as the lower-cost option without
isolation for fully-enclosed devices.
This application note covers the basic operation of the Si3402-B as well as design equations and selection criteria
for signature resistors and capacitors, dc-dc converter power train, input filter, output filter, feedback and
compensation, soft-start, duty cycle limits, and switcher current limit. The Si3402-B also feature integrated surge
protection.
Rev. 0.1
3
A2
K2
K1
L2
PWR1
MX1+
CT/MX1MX1-
MX0+
CT
MX0-
L3
7
4
5
6
1
2
3
L4
L5
330 Ohm
330 Ohm
330 Ohm
330 Ohm
LED_K2
PWR5
11
LED_A2
PWR4
10
LED_K1
PWR3
9
At least one pair of CT1/CT2 or
SP1/SP2 should be connected.
TP5 NI
TP6 NI
TP2 NI
TP3 NI
TP4 NI
49.9K
330
14
Vneg
SP1
Vpos
CT2
Si3402B
NC
Vdd
NC
EROUT
4
3
2
1
Vss
L1 33uH
D1
PDS5100
C19
NI
R7
47K
C7
1nF
C20
NI
C8
0.1uF
FB
NI = Not Installed
FB1
30 Ohm
560uF
+ C5
Figure 3. Non-Isolated Buck Configuration for Si3402-B-EVB (5 V Output)
Vneg is a thermal plane as wel as ESD and EMI.
Use thermal vias to at least 1 inch square plane
on backside 1 to 1.2mm pitch 0.3 to 0.33mm diameter.
Vneg
11
12
13
CT1
U1
+
Vpos
Vpos is a EMI and ESD plane. Use top layer.
C1
1uF
A1
LED_A1
PWR2
8
SWO
R2
D11
C4
1uF
RJ-45
C10
1nF
D15
SS2150
C11
1nF
C12
1nF
D13
SS2150
C13
1nF
D12
SS2150
D14
SS2150
Optional bypass diodes for >7W applications are
in parallel with C10-C17
J1
C17
1nF
D8
SS2150
C16
1nF
D9
SS2150
C15
1nF
D10
SS2150
C14
1nF
Rev. 0.1
SS2150
0.1uF
C18
C2
12uF
10
20
C3
1uF
15
Vssa
SP2
16
NC
Vneg
9
17
NC
18
SWO
48.7
R3
RCL
8
HSO
7
19
VSS2
6
FB
nploss
5
RDET
24.3k
R4
R5 3.24K
8.66K
R6
4
22uF
J12
BND_POST
100
R9
BND_POST
J11
5V
Connect inductor and
output filter caps
together minimizing
area of return loop
and then connect
to output ground plane.
C6
R1
AN956
2. Typical Application Schematics
Figures 3 and 4 show the basic application circuits for the Si3402-B evaluation board.
Notes:
1. The external diode bridge (D8–D15), built from Schottky type diodes, is recommended for high power levels (Class 3
operation). For lower power levels, such as Class 1 and Class 2, the diodes can be removed.
2. When the Si3402-B is used in external diode bridge configuration, it requires that at least one pair of the CTx and SPx
pins be connected to the PoE voltage input terminals (to the input of the external bridge).
K2
11
LED_K2
PWR5
A2
LED_A2
K1
MX0+
CT
MX0TDP
TDN
4
5
6
7
RDP
CT
RDN
1
2
3
RJ-45
At least one pair of CT1/CT2 or
SP1/SP2 should be connected.
TP6 NI
TP7 NI
TP3 NI
TP4 NI
TP5 NI
R2
49.9K
12uF
1uF
11
12
13
0
Vss
1uF
C3
Si3402B
1uF
C4
NC
Vdd
NC
EROUT
4
3
2
1
1nF
2
1
NI
Vss
TP2
swo
FA2924
T1
10:4 secondary
C19
C20
10
9
7
8
3.3nF
C9
GNDI
0
R8
+
J12
C5
1000uF
5V
BND_POST
R5
36.5K
R6
12.1K
BND_POST
VO618A-3X017T
U2
C6
100uF
1uH
L1
J11
400 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX
78701, United States
1nF
U3
TLV431
R11
4.99K
R7
2.05K
10
470pF
GNDI
R10
C7
PDS1040
D3
Vout pos plane for EMI
Figure 4. Isolated Flyback Configuration for Si3402-B-ISO-EVB (5 V Output)
Vneg is a thermal plane as well as ESD and EMI.
Use thermal vias to at least 1 inch square plane
on backside 1 to 1.2mm pitch 0.3 to 0.33mm diameter.
C18
0.1uF
SP1
Vpos
CT2
CT1
U1
+ C2
C1
14
Capacitors C10-C17 are for ESD immunity..
Place optional bypass diodes for high power applications (>7W) in parallel.
L2 330 Ohm
L3 330 Ohm
L4 330 Ohm
L5 330 Ohm
PWR1
MX1+
CT/MX1MX1-
PWR3
9
PWR4
10
LED_K1
A1
LED_A1
PWR2
8
15
J1
D15
SS2150
1nF
C10
1nF
C11
D14
SS2150
1nF
C12
D13
SS2150
1nF
C13
16
9
Vssa
SP2
10
NC
anode
R3
19
cathode
Vposs
NI
RCL
8
D12
SS2150
Connect transformer and
input filter caps together
minimizing area of return
loop and then connect
to Vpos plane.
48.7
Vneg
17
NC
18
SWO
HSO
7
VSS2
D1
D2
TP1
5
24.3k
RDET
6
R4
20
FB
nploss
1N4148W
DFLT30A-7
Vpos is an EMI and ESD plane. Use top layer.
0.1uF
C22
J1:A1, K1 must be isolated from A2,K2
1nF
C14
D11
SS2150
D10
SS2150
1nF
C15
D9
SS2150
1nF
C16
D8
SS2150
1nF
C17
R12 0
15nF
Rev. 0.1
C21
R1
330
AN956
5
AN956
3. Basic Detection, Classification, and Power Sequencing
The circuit configurations in Figures 3 and 4 have the same operation during detection, classification, and power
sequencing. A full power cycle is shown in Figure 5.
57 V
Switcher must turn on
42 V
Voltage
Switcher must turn off
30 V
20.5 V
15.5 V
10 V
Time
2.8 V
Detection
Classification
Apply Power
Turn off
Figure 5. Full Power Cycle
As will be described in more detail below, a low voltage is used to detect a valid PD; a higher voltage is used to
classify the power level of the PD, and full power operation starts at a voltage of 42 to 57 V.
3.1. Detection
During the detection phase, the PSE applies two voltages between 2.8 and 10 V dc and measures the current (with
a current limit of 5 mA). The slope of the I-V characteristic of the PD must be between 23.75 and 26.25 k. This
slope is set by the resistor, RDET (R4 in Figures 3 and 4). 24.3 k 1% resistor ensures valid detection in all
conditions. Additionally, the input capacitance must be between 50 and 120 nF, which is set by the capacitor, CDET
(C18 in Figures 3 and 4).
The low voltage and current applied in the detect phase as well as the requirement for specific values of resistance
and capacitance makes it unlikely that non-PoE enabled equipment will be recognized if plugged into PSE
equipment that supports PoE.
3.2. Classification
During the classification phase, the PSE applies a voltage between 15.5 and 20.5 V, current-limited to 100 mA, and
determines the maximum output power requirement: PD requested Class, based on the current consumed by the
PD.
6
Class
Power Level that the PSE Must Support
0
15.4 W
1
4.0 W
2
7W
3
15.4 W
Rev. 0.1
AN956
Over the range of 14.5 to 20.5 V, the PD current during the classification stage must be as shown in Table 1.
Table 1. Classification Stage PD Current
Class
Minimum
Current
Maximum
Current
Units
0
0
4
mA
1
9
12
mA
2
17
20
mA
3
26
30
mA
The classification current for the Si3402-B is set by the resistor, Rclass (R3 in Figures 3 and 4).
3.3. PoE Power Clarification
Per the IEEE standard for type 1 configuration, the maximum allowed cable resistance is Rmax = 20  between
the PSE and PD. Additionally, the standard defines the following magnitudes: PSE maximum output current
(Iout_max PSE), PSE minimum output voltage (VPSE_out_min), and PSE output power (PPSE_out).
Figure 6. Power Clarification in Class 3 Example
Figure 6 represents an example for type 1, class 3 option. Due to the resistance of the Ethernet cable, by
increasing the PSE output current, a significant power loss can occur in the cable. In worst case (20 Ω cable
resistance + maximum PSE output current I=350 mA for class 3), it means almost 2.5 W of cable losses. By
reducing the cable length this loss can be decreased, but it is strongly recommended to include the reduction into
the calculations. Table 1 includes a brief summary of power magnitudes required and allowed by the IEEE
standard.
Rev. 0.1
7
AN956
Table 2. Power Magnitudes by PoE Classes with Maximum Allowed Cable Resistance
PD
Pinmax
[W]
PD Pout max ŋ =
80%
[W]
Type
2.45
12.95
10.36
1
87.27
0.15
3.69
2.95
1
44
147.50
0.44
6.05
4.84
1
20
44
350.00
2.45
12.95
10.36
1
12.5
50
600.00
4.50
25.50
20.40
2
Class
PSE Pout
Max
[W]
Rcable
Max
[Ω]
PSE Vout
PSE
Max Cable
Min
Iout Max
Loss
[V]
[mA]
[W]
0
15.40
20
44
350.00
1
3.84
20
44
2
6.49
20
3
15.40
4
30.00
3.4. Powerup
During detection and classification, the PD must isolate the switcher input filter and not apply power to the load.
After completion of this phase, the PSE ramps up to between 44 and 57 V, and PD turns on by closing the internal
hot swap switch.
The PD must turn on at an input voltage of 42 V. After turning on, this voltage can drop to 37 V due to cabling
resistance.
The Si3402-B hot swap switch has a two-step current limit. The input filter capacitor is first charged to within about
1.3 V of its final value at a typical current of 150 mA. When the filter input capacitor is nearly charged, the current
limit is increased to over 400 mA, and the switcher is allowed to turn on. The hot swap switch operates at the
higher current limit as long as the input filter is charged to about 30 V to allow for any switcher startup transients.
The Si3402-B is designed so that the hot swap switch current limit is generally not the limitation in terms of the
amount of power the PD can draw. This limit is intended to be set by the switching regulator and load or by the
power sourcing equipment.
However, to limit inrush current as the switcher turns on, the switcher design supports integrated dynamic soft-start
operation, which is further described in the detailed switcher descriptions of this application note.
Figure 7 shows the input current and output voltage vs. time when 48 VDC is suddenly applied to the PD circuit.
The initial current spike is due to the charging of the 0.1 µF input capacitor. For this particular device, the filter
capacitor charges up with a current limit of 141 mA in 5 msec. At this point, the current limit increases, and the
capacitor is allowed to fully charge the last 1.3 V.
8
Rev. 0.1
AN956
V_pd_out
I_pd_in
Figure 7. Typical Startup Waveform with 2.5  Load
3.5. Maintain Power Signature (MPS)
The PSE detects the dc current to the PD by either looking for the low ac impedance of the input filter or making
sure that it is drawing current.
For this reason, the input filter capacitor must be >5 µF, and the load must be such that the input current is >10 mA.
Since the Si3402-B is designed to be very efficient and dissipate very little power, there is a minimal load current
requirement of 250 mW (50 mA at 5 V output) so as to draw >10 mA from the input supply. It has also been
observed that if the switcher is operated with no load, the switcher tends to pulse on and off, which may be
undesirable. For this reason, it is recommended that a 250 mW load always be present.
3.6. Turn Off
The minimum input voltage level at which the PD is required to turn off is 30 V.
The Si3402-B has approximately 4 V of hysteresis between turn-on and turn-off with respect to the voltage across
the switcher input filter capacitor so that inrush current at startup will not cause the part to turn off.
Additionally, the Si3402-B has an early power loss feature where the voltage on the cable side of the diode bridge
is sensed. If Vpos becomes 1.5 V higher than Vct or Vsp, the power loss signal (PLOSS) is asserted. This allows
for early detection of power removal while the switcher input capacitor is still charged.
Rev. 0.1
9
AN956
3.7. Signature Resistors and Capacitors and Component Selection Criteria
The Si3402-B is designed to meet IEEE 802.3 signature requirements with RDET (connected to pin
RDET) = 24.3 k±1%.
Recommended resistor values for RCLASS (connected to pin RCL) are listed in Table 3.
Table 3. RCLASS Recommended Resistor Values
Class
Requested PSE Power
Level
RCLASS ±1%
0
15.4 W
Open circuit
1
4.0 W
140 
2
7W
75 
3
15.4 W
48.7 
The voltage across these resistors is limited so that 0603 or larger surface mount resistors may be used.
C18 should be a 100 V X7R type surface mount with tolerance of ±10%. While this type of capacitor exhibits a
strong voltage and temperature dependence, the 50–120 nF requirement of IEEE 802.3 will be met.
3.8. Input Filter
IEEE 802.3 requires that the input filter capacitor be greater than 5 µF. Additionally, the ripple at the RJ-45 input at
the switching frequency of approximately 350 kHz must be less than 150 mV. To reduce the chance of conducted
or radiated emissions due to induced common-mode voltage on the Ethernet cable pairs, it may be desirable to
further reduce the input ripple.
To maintain the >5 µF input capacitance, an aluminum electrolytic capacitor, such as a Sanyo 100ME12AX or
Panasonic EEUFC120, is used. This capacitor has an ESR of up to 0.4  and results in excessive input ripple
because of the ripple current from the switcher, which can be as much as 3 A. To keep input ripple down, it is
recommended that additional X7R surface mount capacitors be used in parallel (for example, a 1 µF, 100 V, X7R
1210 capacitor with an ESR of less than 0.6 is available from several vendors).
The input filter capacitor also helps absorb surge current. If the input capacitor is too large, the reaction time of the
hot swap switch current limit function increases. An input filter capacitor of 15 µF total has been found to be a good
compromise.
10
Rev. 0.1
AN956
4. DC-DC Converter Operation
There are two basic configurations for the dc-dc converter: buck and flyback. Additionally, the converter may be
designed so that its power output is electrically isolated from the power input. Isolation is required per IEEE 802.3
when the PD does not provide the isolation.
In the non-isolated case, the buck topology is generally used, and, in the isolated case, the flyback topology is
generally used. It is possible to use the flyback topology in the non-isolated case, although this is not described in
detail in this application note.
The equations used for determining all of the components surrounding the switching converter are briefly described
below.
4.1. Non-Isolated Buck Design
Under most conditions, the current through the inductor (L1 in Figure 3) is continuous, and the voltage across the
inductor switches from positive to negative as shown in Figure 8.
V
Vin- Vout
t
Vout+Vf
D/f
(1- D)/f
I
Iout
Iripple
Figure 8. Voltage Polarity
The average voltage across the inductor must be zero; so, the duty cycle is:
D   V in – V out  =  1 – D    V out + V f 
Where Vout is the desired output voltage; Vf is the forward drop of the diode (D1 in Figure 3), and Vin varies with the
PD input voltage, which is generally 42–55 V. Solving:
 V out + V f 
D = ------------------------- V in + V f 
The ripple current that has to be supported in the output filter is:
 V in – V out    V out + V f 
I ripple = --------------------------------------------------------------  V in + V f   L  F 
Rev. 0.1
11
AN956
Where L is the inductance.
L = 33 µH, Vout = 5 V, Vin = 53 V, Vf = 0.7 V
F is the internally-set switch frequency of approximately 350 kHz.
Iripple = 441 mA
This is the ripple current into the output filter. The peak-to-peak ripple current that must be handled by the input
filter is equal to the average current delivered to the output plus half of the ripple current in the inductor.
The rectifier diode in the non-isolated design must be rated for at least the input voltage. Generally, a 100 V diode
is chosen for margin. A Schottky diode is preferred to avoid the large voltage drop and excess power associated
with stored charge. Typical part numbers are PDS5100 from Diodes Incorporated or the equivalent UPS5100 from
Microsemi. Note that these 100 V diodes have a larger forward drop than the lower voltage diodes used for the
non-isolated design below.
Overall efficiency is determined by dividing the output power by the input power including conduction losses in the
inductor, rectifier, switching FET, input bridge, and hot swap switch, as well as bias and switching losses.
4.1.1. Output Voltage—Non-Isolated Design
The output voltage in the isolated case is determined by R5 and R6 according to the following equation:
V out = 1.35   1 + R6
--------

R5
For example, for a 5 V output, values of 8.66 k for R6 and 3.24 k for R5 are recommended.
The supported minimum output voltage in non-isolated buck topology is 3.3 V.
4.1.2. Output Filter and Loop Stability—Non-Isolated Design
Generally, the current in the output inductor is continuous (does not return to zero). The current becomes
discontinuous for very light loads, but the continuous mode of operation is most difficult to stabilize due to the LC
filter resonance that occurs in this case.
The output filter section has a resonant frequency described by the following equation:
1
-----------------------------2    LC
The circuit will be critically damped with a resistance of:
L2  --C
For a typical 33 µH inductor and 560 µF filter cap, the resonant frequency is 1170 Hz, and the resistance for critical
damping is 0.48 .
The damping resistance is a combination of capacitor ESR, inductor series resistance, and switch and diode
resistance. It has been found that the combination of switcher FET resistance and Schottky diode effective series
resistance results in an effective 0.5–1  in series with the inductance for the recommended applications circuit.
This damps the output resonance and allows for the use of low ESR filter capacitors without stability concerns.
The network of Rc and Cc stabilizes the feedback loop by introducing a zero in the feedback loop. It has been
found that values of 1 nF (C7 in Figure 3) and 47 k (R7 in Figure 3) work well. This translates to a zero at 3.3 kHz.
For designs that must operate below 0 °C, it has been found that a low ESR 560 µF capacitor such as the
Panasonic EEU-FM0J561 gives better results with the same stability network.
12
Rev. 0.1
AN956
4.1.3. Soft Start Non-Isolated Case
Si3402-B has an internal dynamic soft-start circuitry, which further reduces BOM costs. The dynamic soft-start
function adapts the rise time to the load attached to the output at start-up. At light load conditions, the rise time is
very short, typically 5-10 ms. With heavy load conditions at start-up, the rise-up time is much longer to ensure safe
power-up and no overshoot voltage on the output.
A typical startup waveform on the buck-based EVB board with a 2.5  load is shown in the figure below.
V_pd_out
I_pd_in
Figure 9. Typical Startup Waveform on the Buck-based EVB Board with a 10 W Load, Rise Time:
35 ms
Rev. 0.1
13
AN956
Figure 10. Typical Startup Waveform on the Buck-based EVB Board without Load-Rise Time =
9 ms
4.2. Isolated Flyback Design
For the isolated design, a flyback transformer approach is used. In a flyback transformer, the primary inductance is
"charged" when the main switcher FET turns on, and the energy stored in this inductance is delivered to the
secondary when the switcher FET turns off. This type of circuit may be designed to operate in either the continuous
or discontinuous mode. In the continuous mode, current always flows in either the transformer primary or
secondary. In the discontinuous mode, the secondary current drops to zero before the next cycle of primary
current. Typical waveforms are shown in Figure 11.
14
Rev. 0.1
AN956
Vo+Vf
0
Vin/N
Vin
V
V
N*(Vo+Vf)
N:1
Vs
0
Ipr
Isw
P = Vz*Idt
Isnuber
T = Ipeak*Ll/(Vz-N*(Vo+Vf)
Figure 11. Typical Waveforms
A transformer with a turns ratio of N:1 is used to help reduce peak currents.
In the discontinuous mode, the output power, I0 x V0, must be supplied by the ½ x LI2 energy stored in the
transformer with some margin for switching losses. If  is the margin for switching losses (typically 90%), then:
2
P0 = I0  V0 = 1
---  I p  L m  f  
2
Where P0, I0, and V0 are output power, current and voltage, and Ip, Lm, and f are transformer primary peak current,
magnetizing inductance, and operating frequency.
The portion of the switching waveform where the FET is on d1 is:
f
d 1 = I p  L m  -----Vp
Where Vp is the input voltage.
The time, d2, where current flows in the secondary is:
d1
d 2 = V p  ------------------------------------- N   V0 + Vf  
Where Vo is the output voltage (plus diode drop), and N is the transformer turns ratio.
Rev. 0.1
15
AN956
Solving with the constraint that d1+d2 = 1 gives the following:
2
V0 + Vf
N
I 0 =   -----------------------------  ------------------------------------------------ 2  f  Lm 
V 0 + V f 
 1 + N  ---------------------
Vp 
For a given power transformer magnetizing inductance, turns ratio, output voltage, frequency, and input voltage,
this gives the output current at which the current becomes continuous and always flows in either the transformer
primary or secondary.
Lm = 40 µH gives a good compromise between transformer size (larger Lm gives a larger transformer) and peak
current (larger Lm gives smaller peak current at the input and output).
Plugging in V0 + Vf = 5.7 V, Vp = 48 V, N = 3, Lm = 40 µH,  = 0.9, and f = 350 kHz gives:
I0 = 0.85 A
Above this current, the transformer current becomes continuous in that there is always current flow in either the
transformer primary or secondary.
For larger output current, the duty cycle stays fairly constant at
 Vo + Vf 
D = N  --------------------------------------------- Vp + N  Vo + Vf  
In the continuous mode, the average current while the switcher FET is on is determined by setting the average
input power after an efficiency, , to equal the average output power:
I avg  V p    D = I O   V o + V f 
In this mode of operation, there is a change in primary current while the FET is on
Vp  D
I = ------------------ Lm  f 
The peak current that the transformer must handle is
I peak = I avg + I
----2
For the same transformer above with IO = 3 A, the peak transformer current is 1.85 A.
Increasing the turns ratio decreases peak current, particularly on the primary side. However, the secondary voltage
is reflected back to the primary, and the increased turns ratio also increases the voltage on the switcher FET.
Additionally, transformer leakage inductance causes an additional spike of voltage on the switcher FET, which must
be clamped by a snubber.
The FET maximum drain voltage is 120 V, and the maximum voltage at Vpos is about 57 V; so, the snubber must
clamp to 63 V.
A Zener diode and fast recovery diode are recommended to clamp the output at less than 40 V above VPOS to
have around 20 V margin.
16
Rev. 0.1
AN956
Increasing the turns ratio will increase snubber power. Therefore, there is an optimal turns ratio that compromises
between high peak current at a low turns ratio and high snubber power at a high turns ratio.
Silicon Laboratories, Inc. has partnered with Coilcraft to develop flyback transformers that are optimized for
Si3402-B at 3.3, 5, and 12 V output. The recommended part numbers are:


FA2924-AL for 3.3 V and 5 V output voltages (40 μH and 1:0.3 turns ratio)
FA2805-CL for 12 V output voltages (40 μH and 1:0.4 turns ratio).
Note: For Si3402-B, follow the recommendation from this document, not from the Coilcraft data sheet. FA2805-CL can be
used for 5 V output as it was recommended for the obsolete Si3402-A. For new designs with Si3402-B, Silicon Laboratories, Inc. recommends FA2924-AL for 5 V output for better efficiency and FA2805-CL for 12 V output voltages. Contact
Silicon Labs for other output supply configurations and recommendations.
The rectifier for 3.3 or 5 V output does not need as high a voltage rating because the transformer turns ratio limits
the reverse voltage to ((1/N) x Vin) + Vout. The PDS1040 from diodes incorporated or the equivalent UPS1040 from
Microsemi can be used, and these parts have much lower forward drop and overall loss due to their lower voltage
rating of 40 V. For 9 V and 12 V output voltages, the PS5100 is recommended.
4.2.1. Output Voltage—Isolated Design
In the isolated design, a TLV431 (U3 in Figure 4) is used as an isolated reference voltage. The TLV431 is available
from many suppliers and regulates at a reference voltage of 1.24 V; so, the output voltage is:
Vout = 1.24 x (1+R5/R6)
An opto-isolator, such as VO618A (U2 in Figure 4), which is also available from many suppliers, is used to couple
the error signal back to the Si3402-B.
4.2.2. Output Filter and Loop Stability—Isolated Design
In the flyback design, even if the transformer current always flows in the transformer primary or secondary (i.e. is
continuous), the secondary current does not flow during the time that primary current flows; thus, there is always a
large ripple current in the output that must be filtered. For the isolated design, it is recommended that a pi-section
filter be used with a 1.0 µH inductor, such as Coilcraft D01608-102ML.
The feedback compensation for the isolated case was chosen to be type 2 for improved load transient response.
A typical Bode plot is shown in Figure 12 5 V output at the worst case (minimum Vin and max Iload) conditions.
Typical Bode plots are shown in Figure 12 for the continuous case operation.
By setting C21 = 15 nF, R12 = 0 , and C9 = 3.3 nF, R8 = 0  a high dc gain has been achieved with unity gain
frequency at around 3.3 kHz. 60° of phase margin and ~17 dB of gain margin results stable output voltage with
good transient response. Figures 12 and 14 show the transient response of the converter, where the output starts
with light load (discontinuous case) and ends with a heavy load (continuous case). Further optimization of this
result is possible with larger or lower ESR output filter capacitors.
4.2.3. Soft Start Isolated Case
Si3402-B employs a dynamic soft-start described under section “4.1.3. Soft Start Non-Isolated Case”.
Rev. 0.1
17
AN956
75ƒ
75G%
750DJ *DLQ I+]
753K DVH *DLQ Figure 12. Bode Plots for Minimum Input Voltage, and Maximum Output Current; (Blue – Phase,
Red – Gain)
Notice that measurement by breaking the loop with the injection signal will give the phase margin directly, without
having to measure it from -180 °. That is because the measurement test setup includes an extra inversion that was
not part of Bode’s original theory for loop gains.
V_pd_out = 5 V
I_pd_in
Figure 13. Step Load Transient from 2.5 W to 10 W
18
Rev. 0.1
AN956
V_pd_out = 5 V
I_pd_in
Figure 14. Step Load Transient from 10 W to 2.5 W
Rev. 0.1
19
AN956
5. General Guidelines for Selecting Output Filter Capacitor
5.1. Non-Isolated Case Output Capacitor Selection
In the non-isolated case, the peak-to-peak ripple current is generally low enough that a single electrolytic capacitor
can be used for the output filter with reasonable output ripple voltage.
Generally, the main selection factor for the output filter is load transient response.
The change in output voltage for a load step of ∆I is:
K -
V = I   ESR + ----------------------
Cout  B
Where ESR is the output capacitor ESR; Cout is the output capacitor value, and B is the loop bandwidth and
experimentally, K ~ 0.3.
Higher values of Cout and lower values of ESR generally result in lower loop bandwidth. As discussed in "4.1.2.
Output Filter and Loop Stability—Non-Isolated Design" on page 12, it has been found that, due to the stabilizing
effects of the switch and rectifier resistance, even ultra-low ESR capacitors do not give a large peaking in the
feedback loop. For this reason, lower ESR capacitors and higher values of capacitance always give better load
transient response despite the reduced bandwidth.
Standard designs from Silicon Laboratories, Inc. have been optimized for a load transient response of about ±5%
for 10% to full load or full load to 10% load. For optimal load transient response, the low ESR designs are
recommended.
In general, it can be expected that, for low ESR designs, the load transient response is dominated by:
K
V = I   ------------------------
 Cout  B
and the bandwidth is decreased as the square root of capacitance; so:
1
V = I  ----------------Cout
When varying the output capacitor, it is important to optimize and verify the loop stability.
5.2. Isolated Case Output Capacitor Selection
For the isolated case, the output ripple current is much larger and a pi section filter is used.
The first capacitor is used to reduce most of the ripple. Generally, very low ESR ceramic capacitors are used in the
first section of the filter because of their small size and excellent ripple handling capability. Two 0805 capacitors in
parallel are generally adequate.
A small inductor of about 1 µH is used in the pi filter to avoid saturation and also to avoid inductive resonance with
the output filter capacitor.
The final capacitor for the pi filter is chosen based on load transient response.
As with the non-isolated case, the change in output voltage for a load step of ∆I is:
K -
V = I   ESR + ----------------------Cout  B
Where ESR is the output capacitor ESR; Cout is the final output capacitor value; B is the loop bandwidth, and,
experimentally, K ~ 0.3. Higher values of Cout and lower values of ESR generally result in lower loop bandwidth.
20
Rev. 0.1
AN956
Standard designs from Silicon Laboratories, Inc. have been optimized for a load transient response of about ±5%
for 10% to full load or full load to 10% load. For optimal load transient response, the low ESR designs are
recommended.
In general, it can be expected that, for low ESR designs, the load transient response is dominated by:
K
V = I   ------------------------
 Cout  B
and the bandwidth is decreased as the square root of capacitance; so:
1
V = I  ----------------Cout
When varying the output capacitor, it is important to optimize and verify the loop stability.
5.3. Steady State Failure Rate
The MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure) value is a quantitative measure of component reliability. The output
capacitor determines overall loop stability, output voltage ripple, and, more importantly, load transient response.
The life of aluminum electrolytic capacitors is very dependent on environmental and electrical factors.
Environmental factors include temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, and vibration. Electrical factors
include operating voltage, ripple current, and charge-discharge duty cycle. Among these factors, temperature
(ambient temperature and internal heating due to ripple current) is the most critical to the life of aluminum
electrolytic capacitors, whereas conditions, such as vibration, shock, and humidity, have little affect on the actual
life of the capacitor. The electrolytic capacitors are evaluated by accelerated life tests. The acceleration tests
contain three factors: temperature, voltage, and ripple current, which are shown by following equation:
LB = LA  AT  AV  AR
Where:
LB = Lifetime under a certain condition, "B"
LA = Lifetime under a certain condition, "A"
AT = Temperature acceleration factor
AV = Voltage acceleration factor
AR = Ripple current acceleration factor
In case of Si3402-B based flyback designs, the output filter stage typically consists of a two-stage LC filter or a
simple Pi filter. In both these cases, the capacitor close to the output rectifier diode should have the lowest ESR
and be able to absorb most of the ac current ripple. The second-stage capacitor is meant to have high capacitance
in order to give good transient response; therefore, ESR does not become a critical factor. The location of the
second-stage capacitor is also not critical and can be moved away from heat dissipating components. In most of
the designs, the first-stage capacitor is a ceramic capacitor with very low ESR, and the second stage capacitor is
aluminum electrolytic with high capacitance. Generally, the temperature acceleration factor (AT) is between 1.7 ~
2.3.
Voltage within the allowed operating range has little effect on the actual life expectancy of a capacitor. However, in
certain applications or misapplications, the applied voltage can be detrimental to the life of an aluminum electrolytic
capacitor. When capacitors are used at or below their rated voltage, the acceleration factor (AV) is equal to 1.
Finally, compared with other types of capacitors, aluminum electrolytic capacitors have a higher dissipation factor
Tan Delta and, therefore, are subject to greater internal heat generation when ripple currents exist. To assure the
capacitor's life, the maximum permissible ripple current of the product is specified.
Rev. 0.1
21
AN956
When ripple current flows through the capacitor, heat is generated by the power dissipated in the capacitor
accompanied by a temperature increase. Internal heating produced by ripple currents can be represented by:
2
W = I R  R ESR + V  I L ........(1)
Where:
W = Internal power loss
IR = Ripple current
RESR = Internal resistance (Equivalent Series Resistance)
V = Applied voltage
IL = Leakage current
The ripple current multiplier (AR) dependency on the frequency is attached here.
Table 4. Typical Values for Working Voltage <100
Nominal Capacitance (µF)
Frequency (Hz)
50/60
100/120
300
1K
10K
50K
4.7 or below
0.65
1.00
1.35
1.75
2.30
2.50
10 to 47
0.75
1.00
1.25
1.50
1.75
1.80
100 to 1,000
0.80
1.00
1.15
1.30
1.40
1.50
For Si3402-B based designs, the aluminum electrolytic capacitor is normally operated at a voltage much lower than
its rated voltage, and it does not absorb much of the ripple current.
The output filter capacitor value for a given output voltage and the converter configuration must be close to the
value specified in the Si3402-B-EVB and Si3402-B-ISO-EVB users guide available on the Silicon Laboratories, Inc.
web site:
http://www.silabs.com/products/power/poe/Pages/PoweredDevices.aspx
For users who would like to use the Si3402-B dc-dc converter as an add-in module to a system that has its own
input capacitance, the total output capacitance of the Si3402-B dc-dc converter including the input capacitance of
the system should not exceed the specified value.
22
Rev. 0.1
AN956
6. Surge
The Si3402-B has an input clamp that will protect it against surges as spelled out in IEEE 802.3.
IEEE 802.3 specifies a 1000 V surge with 0.3 µsec rise time and 50 µsec fall time applied to each conductor
through a series resistance of 402 . Because this pulse is generally applied to all conductors, the differential
current at the input is generally very limited.
The Si3402-B is designed to handle a 50 µsec, 5 A pulse that would result from applying the surge to either both
Tx or Rx pairs and grounding the other pair. This is accomplished by turning on the hot swap switch while disabling
the switcher if current flows in the input clamp. During the 50 µs transient, a large portion of the input energy is
redirected to the switcher input capacitor. For this reason, a 15 µF minimum input capacitor is recommended.
The Si3402-B is also required to survive the application of telephony ringing voltage. IEEE 802.3 specifies 56 V dc
+ 175 V peak ringing applied through 400  source impedance at a frequency of 20 to 60 Hz. In this case, when
the voltage reaches 100 V, the telephony switch turns ON, protecting the controller.
Continuous application of such a large ringing signal will damage the Si3402-B (although it will not cause a safety
hazard). However, such a large ringing signal should also cause a "ring trip" or apparent off-hook indication at the
central office within 200 msec. It has been found that the Si3402-B can withstand application of telephony ringing
for over one second before damage occurs; so, in general, telephony ringing will not cause damage.
In some applications, up to 16 kV of system-level ESD immunity is required. The standard Si3402-B EVB designs
meet this requirement when the input is not powered. However, when the input is powered and the Si3402-B is
producing an output through the dc-dc converter, damage may occur to the input diode bridges for ESD events
above 4 kV when applied to the output terminals if C10 to C17 are not used. Capacitors C10 to C17 allow passing
system-level ESD events in excess of 16 kV.
For isolated applications that require a high level of system-level ESD immunity, the capacitors are recommended.
For non-isolated applications, it is generally not possible for an ESD event (at the output supply) to occur because
the output terminals of the dc-dc converter are generally not accessible while input power is applied. However,
even for non-isolated designs, there is a possibility for large ESD events may reach the power supply terminals, in
which case these capacitors (C10 to C17) are also recommended.
Rev. 0.1
23
AN956
7. Use with an Auxiliary Power Supply
In some applications, it is desirable to be able to use either the power from the RJ45 Power over Ethernet or from
a low-cost auxiliary power supply. This is very easy to do with the Si3402-B, and a 48 V auxiliary supply is shown in
Figure 15.
Diode
>100V 1A
Surge limiting resistor
+
Aux Power
48VDC

Vposf
CT1
CT2
SP1
SP2
Ethernet
transformer
and RJ45
Si3402
Vneg
Figure 15. 48 V Auxiliary Supply
The auxiliary power source must supply between 41 and 56 V and at least 15 W for class 0 or 3 equipment (less if
the equipment is class 1 or 2). It must also have output that is isolated from earth ground. To prevent damage from
hot insertion suddenly charging the 0.1 µF input capacitor, a 2  surge limiting resistor in series with the auxiliary
power supply is recommended.
This provides a very simple and inexpensive means of providing auxiliary power. The diode bridges in the Si3402B ensure that no power is fed back to the PSE.
The auxiliary power source always provides the power if it is plugged in first because the PSE will not successfully
complete the detection and classification cycle. If the PSE is plugged in first, the auxiliary power or the auxiliary
power source could provide the power, whichever has the greater output voltage. If the auxiliary power source
provides the power, the PSE will generally sense a disconnect.
The Si3402-B PLOSS signal indicates whether power is being provided from the auxiliary power source.
It is also possible to use a lower-voltage auxiliary power source, such as 12 V by diode OR at the output of the
switching converter, as shown in Figure 16.
+
Aux
Power 12
VDC _
Optional 4.7 k
Vposs
12V +
Isolated or
Non-Isolated
power train
Si3402-B
Vss
Figure 16. 12 V Auxiliary Supply
24
Rev. 0.1
Post
Regulator
AN956
This option may be preferable when a post regulator is required for generation of very low voltages, such as 1.8 V,
or when the post regulator is required for low noise.
With the post regulator option, the larger output voltage will again supply the power. In this case, the Si3402-B will
attempt to go through the detection and classification cycle, but if the AUX supply is providing the power, the
Si3402-B will not draw enough dc current, and the PSE may disconnect and cycle continuously. To prevent this, it
is possible to add a 4.7 k, 1 W resistor from VPOSF to VSS of the Si3402-B to ensure >10 mA power drain from
the PSE. If this resistor is added, the PSE will always have >10 mA power drain and will stay connected even if the
auxiliary power source is providing the load current.
In this option, the PLOSS indicator will not be active when the auxiliary power source is providing the power and
the PSE is not present.
Rev. 0.1
25
AN956
8. Layout, EMI, and EMC Considerations
Refer to the files located at www.silabs.com/PoE under the documentation page for examples of recommended
PCB layouts in the evaluation board user’s guides. Silicon Labs strongly recommends adhering to the layouts
shown in these designs to avoid potential performance issues. In general, four-layer PCB designs yield the most
robust design, as shown in the evaluation board user’s guides. Two-layer PCB designs must be carefully
considered. Silicon Labs strongly recommends all two-layer PCB designs be reviewed before fabrication.
Submit PCB schematics and layout files to [email protected] for feedback and recommendations on these
designs.
8.1. Thermal Considerations
The thermal pad of the Si3402-B must be connected to a heat spreader. Generally, a 2 in2 bottom plane connected
to the thermal pad of the Si3402-B and electrically connected to Vneg is recommended. While the heat spreader
generally is not a circuit ground, it is a good reference plane for the Si3402-B and is also useful as a shield layer for
EMI reduction.
With the 2 in2 thermal plane on an outer layer, the thermal impedance of the Si3402-B was measured at 44 °C/W.
As an added data point, 54 °C/W was measured with a 1 in2 plane on an inner layer.
Due to heating of the ambient air from the Schottky diode etc., the effective thermal impedance can be
considerably higher than this. It is not unusual for the Si3402-B junction temperature to rise 70 °C. The Si3402-B is
rated up to a junction temperature of 140 °C, with thermal shutdown to 160 °C typical. If such a high junction
temperature is a concern, it can be reduced by bypassing the on-chip diode bridges. Diode bridge bypass for fullpower applications should also be considered in a two-layer design where it is difficult to include such a large
thermal plane.
8.2. Voltage Considerations
Since the Si3402-B is not exposed to dc voltages over 60 V dc, it is generally considered to be a safety-extra-lowvoltage (SELV) circuit, and there are no particular spacing requirements other than those of high-yield board
manufacture.
8.3. Current Considerations
Pins CT1, CT2, SP1, SP2, HSO, and VPOSF carry up to 325 mA dc. 12 mil traces have been found to be adequate.
Pins SWO and VSS carry current spikes of up to several amps, although the dc current is no more than 325 mA,
and 25 mil traces are used for these pins. Output current can be up to 3 A depending on output voltage, and 50 mil
traces are recommended in the output section.
8.4. Minimum Load Considerations
To ensure the switcher does not pulse on and off when no load is on the output, Silicon Labs recommends a
250 mW load be present. See "3.5. Maintain Power Signature (MPS)" on page 9 for more information.
9. Conclusion
This application note has covered the basic operation and design equations for the Si3402-B, allowing the design
of highly-integrated and efficient PDs for PoE applications.
As mentioned earlier, reference designs are also available at www.silabs.com/PoE to assist in the easy design-in
process for the Si3402-B. The evaluation boards and reference designs are documented separately and include
example layouts and BOM lists.
26
Rev. 0.1
Smart.
Connected.
Energy-Friendly.
Products
Quality
Support and Community
www.silabs.com/products
www.silabs.com/quality
community.silabs.com
Disclaimer
Silicon Laboratories intends to provide customers with the latest, accurate, and in-depth documentation of all peripherals and modules available for system and software implementers using
or intending to use the Silicon Laboratories products. Characterization data, available modules and peripherals, memory sizes and memory addresses refer to each specific device, and
"Typical" parameters provided can and do vary in different applications. Application examples described herein are for illustrative purposes only. Silicon Laboratories reserves the right to
make changes without further notice and limitation to product information, specifications, and descriptions herein, and does not give warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of the
included information. Silicon Laboratories shall have no liability for the consequences of use of the information supplied herein. This document does not imply or express copyright licenses
granted hereunder to design or fabricate any integrated circuits. The products are not designed or authorized to be used within any Life Support System without the specific written consent
of Silicon Laboratories. A "Life Support System" is any product or system intended to support or sustain life and/or health, which, if it fails, can be reasonably expected to result in significant
personal injury or death. Silicon Laboratories products are not designed or authorized for military applications. Silicon Laboratories products shall under no circumstances be used in
weapons of mass destruction including (but not limited to) nuclear, biological or chemical weapons, or missiles capable of delivering such weapons.
Trademark Information
Silicon Laboratories Inc.® , Silicon Laboratories®, Silicon Labs®, SiLabs® and the Silicon Labs logo®, Bluegiga®, Bluegiga Logo®, Clockbuilder®, CMEMS®, DSPLL®, EFM®, EFM32®,
EFR, Ember®, Energy Micro, Energy Micro logo and combinations thereof, "the world’s most energy friendly microcontrollers", Ember®, EZLink®, EZRadio®, EZRadioPRO®, Gecko®,
ISOmodem®, Precision32®, ProSLIC®, Simplicity Studio®, SiPHY®, Telegesis, the Telegesis Logo®, USBXpress® and others are trademarks or registered trademarks of Silicon Laboratories Inc. ARM, CORTEX, Cortex-M3 and THUMB are trademarks or registered trademarks of ARM Holdings. Keil is a registered trademark of ARM Limited. All other products or brand
names mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective holders.
Silicon Laboratories Inc.
400 West Cesar Chavez
Austin, TX 78701
USA
http://www.silabs.com