The Boeing Company
Coupler for power line communication and power-over-ethernet

Abstract:

A coupler is provided. The coupler includes a power line, a PLC-to-Ethernet converter, a first transformer, and a power sourcing circuit. The power line is coupled between a first connector and a second connector. The power line is configured to conduct PLC signals. The PLC-to-Ethernet converter is configured to convert between the PLC signals and Ethernet signals. The first transformer is coupled between the PLC-to-Ethernet converter and a third connector. The first transformer is configured to condition the Ethernet signals for power-over-Ethernet transmission. The power sourcing circuit is coupled to the power line and configured to provide power to the first transformer.