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POE+/12VDC

Thread Summary

The user inquired about using the LTC9105 with a 12 VDC auxiliary source for an ESP32-based industrial monitoring gateway, but the LTC9105 is not suitable for voltages below 37V. The support engineer recommended the MAX5996C for 12V auxiliary inputs, which provides telemetry via the MEC pin, and suggested using the MAX5974B/D as a DC-DC converter. The user confirmed this approach aligns with their requirements and requested a specific evaluation/reference schematic for the MAX5996C + 12V auxiliary design.
AI Generated Content
Category: Hardware
Product Number: LTC9105

We initially became interested in the LTC9105 for an ESP32 based industrial monitoring gateway because of its I²C telemetry and PoE power-allocation reporting. However, its datasheet shows a higher-voltage input/AUX architecture that does not appear to directly accommodate a 12 VDC auxiliary source. Is that indeed the case? Alternatively, we reviewed the LTC4278 because its auxiliary input range appears much better suited to a 12 VDC source, although it does not appear to provide the same telemetry capabilities. For our application, we are particularly interested in power telemetry. Ideally, the host processor could determine:

• Whether the active source is PoE+ or external 12 VDC
• Input voltage, current and power consumption
• PoE classification/allocated power, if practical
• Presence/status of the alternate power source

Edit Notes

corrected post
[edited by: Rob1887 at 4:56 PM (GMT -4) on 20 Sep 2026]
  • Hello,

    The LTC9105 was not intended to operate with auxiliary inputs less than the standard PoE voltage range, 37V to 57V. It requires an input voltage that exceeds VON (37V max) for I2C communication. You may use an auxiliary that is diode OR'd to the Hotswap output like Figure 17 in the datasheet, but the circuit requires modification and there would be no response from the LTC9105 while the auxiliary supply is less than 37V.

    Another option with telemetry would be the MAX5996C. This supports 12V auxiliary inputs, but only provides an auxiliary present signal via its MEC pin. Telemetry and power allocation is also provided via duty cycle encoding with the MEC pin. You should pair either PD with a DC-DC converter that supports your 12V input. I recommend the MAX5974B/D as a starting point.

    Best Regards,

    Eric

  • Thanks Eric, the MAX5996C + MAX5974B/D approach sounds well aligned with our requirements. Our intended system uses either IEEE 802.3at PoE+ or nominal 12 VDC external power, with approximately 12 V system output and a downstream 5 V/2 A rail.

    For a new design, would you recommend the MAX5974B or MAX5974D topology for this application, and is there a specific ADI evaluation/reference schematic you would recommend we use as the starting point for the MAX5996C + 12 V auxiliary design?

  • Hello,

    ADI's PoE PD DC-DC reference designs are listed here: https://wiki.analog.com/resources/eval/poe-dc-dc-controller-reference-designs-for-pds

    We only have one wide input design with the MAX5974D, but it's only rated for 5V/2.3A. There is a LTC4278 (5V/5A) design as you mentioned in your post, as well as LT4276's DC2047A-A (12V/1.9A). Both of these would be good starting points for a MAX5974B/D design as they are all synchronous flyback converters.

    I would recommend the MAX5974B if the transformer has a third winding for no-opto feedback. Otherwise, I would use the MAX5974D with opto-coupler feedback.

    Best Regards,

    Eric

  • Eric, thank you for making time to provide some guidance here. This was extremely helpful and got me pointed in the right direction. Much appreciated! I tried to give kudos and verify the answer but im not sure it worked as intended!

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