Microsemi announces Green PoE certification program

IRVINE, USA: Microsemi Corp., leading manufacturer of high performance analog/mixed signal ICs and high reliability semiconductors, has launched its program designed to provide standardized energy efficiency ratings for Power over Ethernet (PoE) equipment.

The Microsemi Green Power over Ethernet Certification program mirrors the Energy Star format used for consumer appliances, awarding "green" certification to PoE switches and midspan equipment having efficiency ranked in the 75th percentile and above of equipment on the market.

"The goal of our new certification program is to stimulate network users to purchase more energy-efficient PoE power sourcing equipment," said Daniel Feldman, the program administrator and Director of Marketing for Telecom products at Microsemi's Analog Mixed Signal Group.

Feldman said the new Green Power over Ethernet Certification program will be proposed to electric utilities as the basis for potential new rebate programs.

"Pacific Gas and Electric Company is following the development of IT industry energy efficiency standards, such as Microsemi's work on PoE devices, as the basis for expanding the reach of our industry-leading portfolio of programs and services for data centers," said Mark Bramfitt, Principal Program Manager, Customer Energy Efficiency at PG&E.

Feldman expects Microsemi's Green PoE certification to benefit Ethernet users, who can compare operating costs of different PoE equipment in order to choose the most efficient solutions. He sees PoE equipment manufacturers benefiting as the market is encouraged to purchase newer, more efficient equipment, both for cost savings in electricity and to contribute to improving the environment. With lower power consumption, utilities will have reduced requirements for increasing power production and delivery capacity.

Any manufacturer of PoE equipment can participate in this program at no cost. Test results will be published only with full manufacturer consent. Complete details of the Green Power over Ethernet Certification methodology can be found at www.microsemi.com/GreenPoE.asp!

Microsemi, with its acquisition of PowerDsine Ltd in 2007, is the leading developer of Power over Ethernet technology and a major contributor both to the existing IEEE 802.3af PoE standards and to the upcoming high power IEEE802.3at standards.