Powering Access Control Systems Using Microchip mPoE

Traditionally, access control systems have been used to monitor and manage access to premises. They are meant to provide quick and convenient access to authorized personnel, while denying access to those deemed unauthorized. However, in the current COVID-19 pandemic, access control systems are gaining momentum for the enhanced safety and comfort they provide:  

● Ensure only a specific number of people can occupy a premise such as an office building or retail space at a particular time 

● Grant contactless entry/exit and eliminate physical touch points and interaction 

● Restrict access to infected people, or those who have not completed their quarantine period 

● Trigger ‘no mask’ alarms using camera-based systems  

So, what powers these systems? Power over Ethernet (PoE). PoE is a technology that enables delivery of safe and intelligent power along with data over standard Ethernet infrastructure to facilitate quick and easy installation of IP-based devices. Today, many access control systems provide the option to be powered by PoE. Powering access control systems using PoE offers many advantages: 

● PoE technology is an international power standard that delivers safe, low-voltage DC power and eliminates dependency on the AC infrastructure as well as specific regional power plugs 

● Offers cost savings as there’s no need for separate data and power infrastructures, no need to search for AC outlets and no need for certified technicians 

● Connection can be done quickly and seamlessly in any location 

● With PoE, there’s no need to physically plug/unplug the power, the control is centralized, and the power can be reset remotely 

● Power delivered over the standard Ethernet network is safe as such, it will not power up until a valid PD is detected thereby, protecting non-PoE devices 

Microchip multi-Power over Ethernet (mPoE) is the key to efficient, cost-effective and reliable powering of network access control systems: 

● Quick and seamless installation—off the shelf, ready to install (plug and play) solutions for zero time to market in the most demanding environments 

● High power—deliver up to 90W of power, enabling most comprehensive access control devices to be powered by PoE 

● Diverse applications—support a wide variety of applications using single-ports to 24-ports, indoor, outdoor and industrial rated solutions 

● Backward compatibility—leveraging a uniquely designed algorithm, the solutions are compatible with pre-standard devices while supporting all IEEE® PoE standards 

● Regulatory compliance—Microchip mPoE midspans and switches go through the necessary worldwide certifications and safety approvals 

● Vendor agnostic—support a variety of access control terminals available in the market 

Microchip mPoE offers a comprehensive end-to-end portfolio of PoE solutions comprised of PoE ICs and PoE systems (midspans/injectors and switches). To learn more about Microchip’s expertise in powering access control with PoE , please visit  Microchip mPoE.