PoE (Power Over Ethernet) Injectors

More and more devices are being utilized on local networks for use with your data acquisition systems. Many devices have their own power supplies, but some have the ability to be powered over Ethernet (PoE). The advantage to this is less cables running to equipment, decluttering the lab area.    

Currently, Neuralynx equipment that utilizes PoE are the wireless system access points, Ethernet-based camera systems and, when applicable, external sync clock. Future products will also implement this technology. PoE injectors sit between the device and local network connection, switch or computer network interface card (NIC). There are switches on the market that also act as PoE injectors, but this article focuses on the stand alone units. 

As seen in the diagram above, the PoE injector is providing power to the device and acting as a conduit for the network traffic between the device and computer NIC. Typical output voltage of a PoE injector is 48V and can power a device through an Ethernet cable up to a distance of 100 meters. PoE injectors have an AC power input and two Ethernet connections: one provides Power/Data out to the PoE device while the other provides connects to a computer for data connection to the LAN. Note: Power is only supplied in one direction, so the appropriate orientation of the Ethernet connections must be observed.  When properly connected, the Ethernet LAN status LED’s will illuminate.  

Caution – Device for investigational use in laboratory animals or other tests that do not involve human subjects.