PMIC - Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Controllers are specialized Integrated Circuits (ICs) designed to facilitate the transfer of electrical power, along with data, over standard Ethernet cables. These controllers are primarily responsible for managing and distributing the power to devices such as wireless access points, IP cameras, and VoIP phones, allowing them to operate without the need for separate power supplies. They ensure efficient power delivery by detecting the connected devices, determining their power requirements, and protecting the network infrastructure from overloads or short-circuits.
The main uses of PoE Controllers include their integration into networking equipment that needs to supply power over Ethernet cables, as well as their deployment in various enterprise and residential applications where there is a need to minimize the complexity and cost of electrical wiring. Characteristics of these products include automatic detection and classification of powered devices, programmable power limits, and thermal management features. Several manufacturers of PMIC - Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Controllers include Texas Instruments, Microchip Technology, Silicon Labs, and Analog Devices, among others.