Ethernet Alliance Announces New Power over Ethernet (PoE) IEEE 802.3bt Standard and New Certification Program

The Ethernet Alliance, the global consortium dedicated to the continued success and advancement of Ethernet technologies, hailed the ratification of IEEE 802.3bt, IEEE Standard for Ethernet - Amendment 2: Power over Ethernet (PoE) over 4 Pairs. Among other additions, the newly ratified specification introduces four new classes and increases maximum power levels supplied by a factor of three. The new standard sets stage for robust Power over Ethernet market growth as the consortium readies second-generation product certification program.

ProCo Sound is now shipping its AoD Ouput Module. Designed to ensure studio-quality, low-latency audio transport over any Dante network, the AoD Output Module features a Dante audio input and two channels of analog output from a rugged aluminum extrusion housing. ProCo also confirmed its intention to expand the range of Dante solutions with new multi-input and output stage-boxes.

As many manufacturers including Apple, Google, and Samsung standardize on USB Type-C (USB-C) with the new Power Delivery (PD) protocol, CoolGear and PoE Texas have joined forces to combine USB-C with PD and Power Over Ethernet, significantly lowering the cost of adopting USB-C by eliminating the need for new electrical infrastructure. In early 2018, PoE Texas will launch the POE-USBC-Kit and the AT-USBC-Kit with everything needed to use USB-C PD over Ethernet.

The 2017 InfoComm trade show saw Yamaha Commercial Audio launching several significant new products in its Commercial Installation Solutions (CIS) range, including paging stations, flexible control options and Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) L2 switches. In parallel with the introduction of the new VXL1 range of column loudspeakers, Yamaha promoted the new networked installation solutions at its own booth plus two audio demo rooms.

Discrete, logic and analog semiconductor specialist Diodes has introduced a raft of new ICs for consumer electronics and networks, together with new voltage converters and regulators targeting a range of interesting applications for the audio industry. The new AZV5001 headset detection IC is particularly interesting.