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.
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.
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 |
245k/200 Ohms |
245k/200 Ohms |
C_SIG Range/Resolution |
0220nF/10nf |
0220nF/10nf |
I_CLASS Range |
60mA |
060mA |
I_CLASS Resolution/Accuracy |
0.25mA |
0.25mA |
DC MPS Range/Resolution |
060mA/0.25mA |
060mA/0.25mA |
AC MPS R_PD Range/Resolution |
Zac1: 1045k/200 OhmsZac2: Fixed/ > 4 Ohms |
Zac1: 1045k/200 OhmsZac2: 2001200k/ 8k |
AC MPS C_PD Range/Resolution |
0220nF/10nF |
0220nF/10nF |
Data Acquisition Sample Rate |
5MSPS |
5MSPS |
Data Acquisition Voltage Range/Resolution/Accuracy |
064V/10 bits/0.5% |
064V/10 bits/0.5% |
Data Acquisition Current Range/Resolution/Accuracy |
01024mA/10 bits/0.5% |
01024mA/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.
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:
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.