BotBlox has launched a redesigned version of its PoEBlox hardware, reducing the size of the Power over Ethernet (PoE) daughterboard for use in drones, robotics, and embedded industrial systems where space and weight are limited.
The new PoEBlox Rev D measures 50 mm by 50 mm and is designed to pair directly with the company’s GigaBlox Nano. Together, the two modules create an ultra-compact four-port Gigabit Ethernet switch with full active PoE capability, enabling both data and power delivery through a simplified embedded networking architecture.
Designed for compact autonomous and mobile platforms, the hardware integrates an active PSE controller, onboard power FETs, and high-power RJ45 connectors to deliver up to 90W per port, with a total system power budget of 360W across all four ports.
The platform supports IEEE 802.3af, 802.3at, and 802.3bt Type 3 and Type 4 PoE standards, enabling compatibility with a wide range of connected devices, from lower-power sensors to more demanding edge systems. According to BotBlox, the system automatically negotiates power requirements with connected hardware before supplying power, ensuring compliance with active PoE standards. As a result, the board does not support passive PoE systems that inject voltage without negotiation.
PoEBlox requires no manual configuration. Users assemble the daughterboard with GigaBlox Nano, apply an input voltage between 48V and 60V, and connect downstream devices, after which the system automatically allocates power to each connected port.
To support deployment out of the box, each board ships with four 0.3 m Molex PicoBlade-to-RJ45 eight-way data cables and one 0.3 m Molex PicoBlade-to-tinned-leads four-way power cable.
