Microsemi Corporation announced today the full production launch of its new line of PowerDsine(r) high power Gigabit midspans and splitters that upgrade existing network infrastructures for Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications.

The new PowerDsine HiPoE(tm) midspans can inject up to 32 watts of power over existing Cat 5 Ethernet cable, allowing end devices to receive safe power on the same line they receive data. By using a high voltage output, they offer an IEEE 802.3at pre-standard solution that more than doubles the power allowed in the existing IEEE802.3af standard.

By doubling available power, the new PowerDsine midspans provide ideal solutions for Gigabit Ethernet applications that include IEEE802.11n wireless LAN access points, Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) security IP cameras, WiMAX transmitters, thin clients and video-phones requiring power levels up to 32W.

The PowerDsine launch includes 6-, 12- and 24-port HiPoE(tm) midspans in the PD-7000G Series, the PD-7001G single-port HiPoE(tm) midspan, and the PD-AS-701 Splitter Series that provides a choice of 12-, 18- and 24-volts output. The HiPoE(tm) splitter series enable the addition of PowerDsine high power capability to devices which are not PoE compliant.

"As the world's leading supplier of PoE systems and silicon solutions -- and as an active participant in drafting the upcoming IEEE802.3at standard -- Microsemi is uniquely positioned to meet the needs of the growing number of Ethernet-based device manufacturers who require higher power than allowed in the existing standard," said Steve Litchfield, Executive Vice President and Group President of Microsemi's Analog Mixed Signal Group. "PowerDsine high power midspans and splitters provide immediate, simple and safe PoE solutions, prior to ratification of the next generation standard," he said.

By utilizing existing Ethernet infrastructures, PowerDsine midspans provide the most cost-effective way to deliver power to Ethernet-connected end devices, significantly improving the return on investment from existing infrastructures -- benefits of ever greater value at a time of tight budgets.

Installation of PowerDsine high power midspans is a simple plug-and-play operation, with no downtime. There is no need to add power outlets near end devices. Advantages also include having a single universal power supply back-up point for the entire network. The high efficiency design of PC-7000G Series midspans assures low temperature operation, supporting their lifetime warranty.

The new PD-7000G multi-port units include PowerDsine's exclusive PowerView Pro(tm) management option that allows simple and efficient monitoring and control of network devices. This secure SNMPv3 application enables remote power-off/power-on, unit scheduling, UPS power monitoring and web-based monitoring.

Commenting on the launch, Litchfield added, "Microsemi is committed to supplying state-of-the-art PoE integrated circuits and midspan systems to the market. We follow progress of the IEEE standards committee closely. Having shipped more than 4.1 million midspan ports and more than 45 million PoE ports to-date, we also effectively monitor the market and leverage our portfolio to support evolving customer demands. These products are part of our road-map to support IEEE 802.3at devices beginning today. By launching our HiPoE(tm) midspans now, end-terminal vendors can arrive early to market with full-featured
higher power PoE devices."