Can PoE splitters provide power for both DC and USB devices?

Yes, PoE splitters can provide power for both DC and USB devices, depending on the type of splitter used. A PoE splitter extracts power from a PoE-enabled Ethernet cable and converts it into a usable output voltage (e.g., 5V, 9V, 12V, or 24V), which can be used to power a variety of non-PoE devices, including DC-powered and USB-powered devices.

1. Understanding PoE Splitter Power Output

A PoE splitter takes power from an Ethernet cable and provides it as a separate power output. The output can be:

DC Power Output (e.g., 5V, 9V, 12V, 24V)

--- Used for devices that have a DC input, such as IP cameras, wireless access points, industrial sensors, and small networking equipment.

USB Power Output (e.g., 5V USB-A, USB-C)

--- Used for devices that use USB power, such as tablets, smartphones, IoT devices, and other USB-powered peripherals.

2. How PoE Splitters Provide Power for DC Devices

A standard PoE splitter typically has:

--- An Ethernet input (RJ45) that receives PoE power and data from a PoE switch or injector.

--- An Ethernet output (RJ45) that passes through only the data signal (without power) to the connected device.

--- A DC power output that supplies a specific voltage (e.g., 12V, 9V, or 5V), depending on the requirements of the connected device.

Example Use Case for DC Power

--- A PoE switch delivers 48V power over the Ethernet cable.

--- The PoE splitter extracts this power and converts it to 12V DC.

--- The 12V output is connected to a non-PoE IP camera that requires 12V DC power input.

3. How PoE Splitters Provide Power for USB Devices

Some PoE splitters come with built-in USB ports, such as USB-A or USB-C, allowing them to power USB devices. These splitters typically:

--- Convert the 48V PoE power into a 5V USB output.

--- Feature a USB-A or USB-C port, enabling direct connection to USB-powered devices.

--- Pass through Ethernet data via the RJ45 port for network connectivity.

Example Use Case for USB Power

--- A PoE switch provides 48V power via Ethernet.

--- A PoE to USB splitter extracts this power and converts it to 5V USB output.

--- The USB port is used to power a tablet, IoT device, or Raspberry Pi.

Some advanced PoE splitters also support USB Power Delivery (USB-PD), allowing for higher power output (e.g., 9V, 12V, 15V, or 20V) over USB-C, making them suitable for laptops and high-power USB devices.

4. Can a PoE Splitter Power Both DC and USB Devices Simultaneously?

In most cases, a PoE splitter is designed to provide one type of output at a time (either DC or USB). However, some specialized splitters offer multiple power outputs, such as:

--- DC output + USB output (5V)

--- Multiple USB ports for powering more than one USB device

These splitters allow powering both DC and USB devices simultaneously, provided the total power consumption does not exceed the available PoE power budget.

For example, an IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) splitter can provide up to 25.5W of power. If a USB device needs 5V at 2A (10W) and a DC device requires 12V at 1A (12W), the total power consumption is 22W, which is within the PoE+ power limit.

5. Choosing the Right PoE Splitter for DC and USB Devices

When selecting a PoE splitter to power DC and USB devices, consider:

If powering a DC device, choose a PoE splitter that matches the required voltage and amperage.

If powering a USB device, choose a PoE splitter with USB-A or USB-C output that provides sufficient power (5V, 2A or higher for fast charging).

If powering both, select a dual-output PoE splitter that supports both DC and USB outputs.

6. Conclusion

Yes, PoE splitters can provide power for both DC and USB devices, depending on the type of splitter used. While standard PoE splitters output DC voltage, some models include USB ports for powering USB devices.

To ensure compatibility:

--- Check the power output of the splitter (5V for USB, 12V for DC, etc.).

--- Ensure the PoE power source (switch or injector) can supply enough power for your devices.

--- Choose a dual-output splitter if you need to power both DC and USB devices simultaneously.

By selecting the right PoE splitter, you can efficiently power a variety of networking, IoT, and consumer electronics without needing additional power adapters.