IXIA Power over Ethernet Load Modules

This chapter provides details about Power over Ethernet (PoE) Load Modules specifications and features.

Ixia's Power over Ethernet (PoE) Load Modules are used to test Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) in accordance with IEEE Std 802.3af. The PoE Load Modules emulate Powered Devices (PDs) with programmable characteristics, and include data acquisition circuits for measuring voltage, current, and time.

The PoE Load Modules are intended to be used in conjunction with Ixia's line of Ethernet traffic generator/analyzer load modules. The PoE Load Modules handle the detection, classification, and power loading aspects of 802.3af, while passively conveying Ethernet data between the PSE and the traffic generator/analyzer load modules.

Ixia offers two models of PoE Load Modules. The basic model (PLM1000T4-PD) is rated for 20 Watts continuous power dissipation per port. The advanced module (LSM1000POE4-02) is rated for 30 Watts per port, and has several additional advanced features, including configurable ZAC2 settings. Both models include 4 independent and isolated PD emulators on a single-slot load module.

Figure: PLM1000T4-PD Load Module

Figure: PLM1000T4-PD Load Module Face Plate

Part Numbers

The part numbers are shown in the following table. Items without a Price List Name entry are no longer available.

Part Numbers for Gigabit Modules
Load Module Price List Name Description

PLM1000T4-PD

PLM1000T4-PD

4-port PoE Load Module, 20W/Port, emulating Powered Devices.

LSM1000POE4-02

LSM1000POE4-02

4-port PoE Load Module, 30W/Port, emulating Powered Devices.

Specifications

The load module specifications are contained in the following table. The limitations of -3, Layer 2/3, and Layer 7 cards are discussed in Ixia Load Modules.

PoE Load Module Specifications
  PLM1000T4-PD LSM1000POE4-02

# ports

4

4

Data Rate

10/100/1000 Base-T

10/100/1000 Base-T

Connector

RJ-45

RJ-45

R_SIG Range/Resolution

2–45k/200 Ohms

2–45k/200 Ohms

C_SIG Range/Resolution

0–220nF/10nf

0–220nF/10nf

I_CLASS Range

–60mA

0–60mA

I_CLASS Resolution/Accuracy

0.25mA

0.25mA

DC MPS Range/Resolution

0–60mA/0.25mA

0–60mA/0.25mA

AC MPS R_PD Range/Resolution

Zac1: 10–45k/200 OhmsZac2: Fixed/ > 4 Ohms

Zac1: 10–45k/200 OhmsZac2: 200–1200k/ 8k

AC MPS C_PD Range/Resolution

0–220nF/10nF

0–220nF/10nF

Data Acquisition Sample Rate

5MSPS

5MSPS

Data Acquisition Voltage Range/Resolution/Accuracy

0–64V/10 bits/0.5%

0–64V/10 bits/0.5%

Data Acquisition Current Range/Resolution/Accuracy

0–1024mA/10 bits/0.5%

0–1024mA/10 bits/ 0.5%

Data Acquisition Power Readback Accuracy

100mW

100mW

Maximum Continuous Power

20W per port

30W per port

Load Modes

Constant Current (CC)Power (CP)

Constant Current (CC)Power (CP)

Pulse Modes (CC only)

Single, Continuous, Inrush

Single, Continuous, Inrush

Programmable Pulse Parameters

Amplitude, Width, Duty, Slew Rate

Amplitude, Width, Duty, Slew Rate

Port LEDs

Each port incorporates a set of LEDs, as described in the following table.

PoE Load Module Port LEDs
LED Label Usage

Detect

When green, indicates the PSE is in the detection process.

Classify

When green, indicates the PSE is in the classification process.

Powered

When green, indicates the PSE is powering the emulated PD.

Fault

When red, indicates the PSE has performed an illegal operation. PoE disconnects under a fault condition until the PSE resets.

Test Monitor Output Ports

There are two test monitor output ports on each PoE module, used to measure the power/current into a selected port. These ports can be used in conjunction with an oscilloscope to view input characteristics. The ports have the following scale:

Test Monitor Ports
Factor Measurement

DC Measurements

62.5mV out/Volts input

DC Current

4mV out/ mA Input

AC Measurement

.05V out/Volts Input (Planned Feature)

Statistics

Statistics counters for PoE cards are available in Description of Statistics.