Microchip Launches 8-Port Switch Compliant with New IEEE 802.3bt Power over Ethernet (PoE) Standard to Enable Cost-Effective Smart Lighting Systems

As businesses and institutions work to improve building energy efficiency and improve building operating costs, commercial smart lighting systems are becoming more common. These systems are increasingly using Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology to manage power and data through a single Ethernet cable, providing the system with a reliable, easy-to-install solution. To drive the scale and efficiency of lighting systems, Microchip Technology Inc. today released a cost-effective 8-port PoE switch, the PDS-408G PoE switch, through its subsidiary Microsemi Corporation. The new switch ensures 60W of power for 8 ports at the same time, making it suitable for digital ceiling installations. The new product complies with the IEEE 802.3bt standard and features a fanless design that does not generate noise when operating.

The PDS-408G switch is designed for enterprise connected lighting applications, integrating different systems such as lighting, sensors, HVAC, Wi-Fi® access points, etc. on the same switch. This switch has 8 PoE ports (the optimal number of ports for networked lighting) and saves additional cost for terminal applications through energy saving and reduced operating costs. It complies with the IEEE 802.3bt standard and provides a total power of 480W, with a maximum power of 90W for a single port and 60W when all 8 ports are powered simultaneously.

The flame retardant rating of the PDS-408G switch is plenum-rated and can be installed in any ventilation space, making it the best choice for digital ceiling installation. The PDS-408G switch adopts a fanless design, which can fully meet the needs of buildings with high requirements for quietness and reliability, such as offices, hospitals, and hotels. In addition, it also has other advantages of PoE, such as safe power supply, simple installation, flexible deployment, and support for remote power management.

“The demand for Power over Ethernet (PoE) in connected lighting systems continues to increase, and our new PoE switches are purpose-built for this application,” said Rich Simoncic, senior vice president of Microchip’s analog, discrete and power products business unit. “The PDS-408G continues Microchip’s leadership in PoE technology with an IEEE 802.3bt-compliant solution that can deliver nearly six times the power specified in the previous PoE standard.”

The PDS-408G switch is part of Microchip's end-to-end PoE solution portfolio. Developers can use the PDS-408G switch and Microchip's wide range of 8-bit and 32-bit PIC® and AVR® microcontrollers in end nodes. To help developers accelerate PoE design, Microchip provides a number of easy-to-use hardware and software tools, including a PIC18 PoE motherboard with a PIC18 microcontroller, ATECC608A security device and MIC28512 buck regulator. For more information on Microchip's Ethernet solutions, click here.

Availability and Pricing

The PDS-408G PoE switch is available now, priced at $980. For more information or to purchase this product, please contact a Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor.

Note: The Microchip name and logo and the Microchip logo are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are property of their respective companies.

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