Integrated Connector Unit

Abstract

According to one embodiment of the invention, an integrated jack unit is provided. The integrated jack unit includes a housing. The integrated jack unit also includes a jack positioned at least in part in the housing. The integrated jack unit also includes a power controller positioned in the housing and coupled to the jack by a line. The line is designated for coupling with a transformer. The integrated jack unit also includes a pin protruding outwardly from the housing. The pin is electrically coupled to the jack through the power controller and the line. The pin is positioned to receive power for the jack from a printed circuit board.

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       31 . An integrated jack unit, comprising: 
 a housing;    a jack positioned at least in part in the housing;    a power controller positioned in the housing and coupled to the jack by a line; and    a pin protruding outwardly from the housing, the pin electrically coupled to the jack through the power controller and the line.    
   
   
       32 . The integrated jack unit of  claim 31 , and further comprising a termination having one or more direct current blocking capacitors, the termination positioned in the housing and coupled to the line.  
   
   
       33 . The integrated jack unit of  claim 31 , and further comprising a power converter positioned in the housing, the power converter coupled to the pin and the power controller.  
   
   
       34 . The integrated jack unit of  claim 31 , and further comprising a power converter positioned in the housing, the power converter coupled to the pin and the power controller, wherein the power converter is operable to receive power through the pin and in response provide electricity having a level of 48 volts to the power controller.  
   
   
       35 . The integrated jack unit of  claim 31 , and further comprising a power converter positioned in the housing, the power converter coupled to the pin and the power controller, wherein the power converter is operable to receive alternating current through the pin and in response provide direct current.  
   
   
       36 . The integrated jack unit of  claim 31 , and further comprising a power converter positioned in the housing, the power converter coupled to the pin and the power controller, wherein the power converter is operable to receive alternating current through the pin and in response provide direct current having a level of 48 volts.  
   
   
       37 . The integrated jack unit of  claim 31 , wherein the jack is a RJ-45 jack.  
   
   
       38 . An integrated RJ jack unit, comprising: 
 a housing means;    an isolation means;    means for receiving an RJ plug positioned at least in part in the housing means and coupled to the isolation means;    means for controlling power coupled to the line and located in the housing means; and    a conductive means for receiving power, the conductive means protruding outwardly from the housing means and electrically coupled to the means for receiving the RJ plug by the means for controlling power and the line.    
   
   
       39 . The integrated RJ jack unit of  claim 38 , and further comprising means for supplying power coupled to the conductive means and the means for controlling power, the means for supplying power positioned in the housing means.  
   
   
       40 . The integrated RJ jack unit of  claim 38 , wherein the predetermined level is 1.5 kilovolts.  
   
   
       41 . A method for providing inline power using an integrated jack unit, comprising: 
 coupling a jack to at least one transformer;    coupling a power controller to the line;    coupling a pin to the power controller; and    packaging the jack, the transformer, the line, and the power controller in a housing.    
   
   
       42 . The method of  claim 41 , and further comprising positioning a termination in the housing and coupling the termination to the line.  
   
   
       43 . The method of  claim 41 , and further comprising: 
 providing a termination having one or more direct current blocking capacitors;    positioning the termination in the housing; and    coupling the termination to the line.    
   
   
       44 . The method of  claim 41 , and further comprising positioning a power converter in the housing and coupling the power converter to the pin and the power controller.  
   
   
       45 . The method of  claim 41 , and further comprising: 
 positioning a power converter in the housing;    coupling the power converter to the pin and the power controller;    using the power converter, receiving alternating current; and    using the power converter, converting the alternating current to direct current.    
   
   
       46 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the jack is a RJ-45 jack.  
   
   
       47 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein the termination is a BOB SMITH termination.  
   
   
       48 . The method of  claim 44 , and further comprising coupling a isolation barrier to the power converter.  
   
   
       49 . The method of  claim 41 , and further comprising receiving, at the pin, a direct current from a printed circuit board.