Is The POE Power Supply Suitable For POS Machines?

POE power supply for POS machines

Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology has become increasingly popular in networking, allowing devices like IP phones, wireless access points, and network cameras to receive both data and power through a single Ethernet cable. While PoE provides convenience for many IP-based devices, the question arises: is PoE suitable for powering POS machines?

What is Power Over Ethernet (PoE)?

PoE (Power Over Ethernet) refers to the transmission of data signals along with DC power over standard Ethernet cables. It eliminates the need for separate power supplies for devices, making it an efficient solution for powering networked devices such as IP cameras, wireless LAN access points (APs), and IP phones. This technology is especially useful in situations where it is difficult or expensive to run separate power lines.

PoE Power Supply Standards and Parameters

The PoE power supply for POS Machines system adheres to specific standards that define its voltage, current, and power supply capabilities. Below are the main parameters of PoE:

1. Voltage Range: 44V to 57V, with a typical value of 48V.
2. Maximum Current: 550mA.
3. Operating Current: 10mA to 350mA.
4. Power Supply Levels: PoE provides power levels between 3.84W and 12.95W, with a maximum output of 13W.

Power Requirements of POS Machines

POS machines, particularly those with modern hardware like the J1900 processor, have much higher power demands compared to typical IP-based devices. Let’s break down the power requirements of a standard POS system:

1. Processor Power Consumption:
   For example, a POS machine with an Intel J1900 processor consumes around 10W of power.
2. Motherboard Voltage and Current:
   The J1900 motherboard typically requires a voltage between 12V and 24V and a current exceeding 3A. The power consumption of the motherboard alone can reach 15W to 22W.
3. Peripheral Power Consumption:
   POS peripherals like thermal printers and barcode scanners further increase the power requirements. Each device can add several watts to the overall power consumption, pushing the total demand far beyond what PoE can supply.

Can PoE Support POS Machine Power Requirements?

Given the power demands of a POS system, especially when peripherals are connected, PoE falls short in providing adequate power. Let’s compare:

• PoE Maximum Power:
  PoE provides a maximum of 13W (with the IEEE 802.3af standard), which is insufficient for most POS machines.
• POS Machine Power Needs:
  A POS system with a J1900 processor alone can consume up to 22W, and this figure increases when peripherals like printers and scanners are connected.

From this comparison, it’s clear that PoE cannot meet the power needs of POS machines, especially those with additional peripherals. The voltage, current, and overall power capacity provided by PoE simply do not align with the requirements of a typical POS terminal.

Alternative Solutions for Powering POS Machines

Since PoE is not suitable for powering most POS machines, businesses should explore other options:

1. Direct Power Supply:
   POS machines are typically powered via direct power connections, using adapters that supply the necessary voltage (12V to 24V) and current (over 3A).
2. UPS Systems:
   For uninterrupted power, businesses can use Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems. UPS units provide backup power during outages and ensure smooth operation of the POS terminal.
3. Custom Power Solutions:
   Depending on the setup, businesses may need to invest in custom power solutions that can handle higher wattage demands, especially when integrating multiple POS peripherals.

Conclusion: PoE is Not Suitable for POS Machines

While PoE is an efficient solution for many network devices, its limitations in power output make it unsuitable for POS machines. The high power demands of modern POS systems, especially those with additional peripherals like printers and scanners, far exceed the capabilities of the PoE standard.

For most businesses, direct power connections remain the most reliable way to ensure consistent and adequate power supply to POS machines. For more detailed specifications on PoE and its applications, you can refer to this guide on PoE standards.