Waveshare PoE HAT (B) Instruction Manual

Product Overview

The Waveshare PoE HAT (B) is a Power Over Ethernet (PoE) accessory designed for the Raspberry Pi 3B+ and 4B models. It enables both network connectivity and power supply to your Raspberry Pi through a single Ethernet cable, adhering to the 802.3af standard. This HAT integrates an OLED display for real-time monitoring and a cooling fan for optimal performance.

Key Features:

• Power Over Ethernet HAT (B) for Raspberry Pi 3B+ and 4B, 802.3af-Compliant.
• Standard Raspberry Pi 40PIN GPIO stackable header, allowing connection of other HATs.
• Provides both network connection and power supply for your Raspberry Pi in one cable.
• Features a 0.91-inch OLED display (128x32 pixels, I2C-Bus controlled) for monitoring processor temperature, IP address, and fan status in real-time.
• Includes a cooling fan with options for auto-running on power-up or programmable control, configured by a switch. The fan automatically turns on/off depending on the Raspberry Pi processor temperature.

Figure 1: Waveshare PoE HAT (B) - Top View. This image displays the compact design of the PoE HAT, highlighting the integrated fan and OLED display.

Setup Instructions

Follow these steps to correctly install and set up your Waveshare PoE HAT (B) with your Raspberry Pi.

1. Physical Installation of PoE HAT

1. Prepare your Raspberry Pi: Ensure your Raspberry Pi 3B+ or 4B is powered off and disconnected from any power source.
2. Attach the PoE HAT: Carefully align the 40-pin GPIO header of the PoE HAT (B) with the corresponding pins on your Raspberry Pi. Gently press down until the HAT is securely seated.


Figure 2: PoE HAT (B) mounted on a Raspberry Pi. The HAT sits directly on the GPIO pins, providing a compact solution.

3. Connect the Cooling Fan: The PoE HAT (B) includes a cooling fan. Connect the fan's power cable to the designated fan header on the HAT. Ensure correct polarity (red wire to 5V or 3V3, black wire to GND on RPi, depending on desired fan speed). The HAT also features a switch (EN/P0) for fan control: 'EN' for auto-running on power-up, 'P0' for programmable control.

Figure 3: Detailed view of the cooling fan and PCF8574 chip on the PoE HAT (B). The fan header and control switch are visible.
4. Optional: Install into a Raspberry Pi Case: If using an official Raspberry Pi case, the PoE HAT (B) is designed to be compatible. Carefully place the assembled Raspberry Pi and HAT into the case.

Video 1: Waveshare PoE HAT (B) Installation Guide. This video demonstrates the physical installation of the PoE HAT (B) onto a Raspberry Pi and its compatibility with the official Raspberry Pi case, as well as connecting it to a PoE switch.

2. Network and Power Connection

1. Connect to a PoE-enabled Switch/Router: Use a standard Ethernet cable to connect the Raspberry Pi's Ethernet port (now integrated with the PoE HAT) to an 802.3af-compliant Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) such as a PoE switch or router.

Figure 4: Diagram illustrating the Power Over Ethernet connection. The Raspberry Pi with PoE HAT (B) receives both data and power from a PoE-compliant switch via a single Ethernet cable.
2. Power On: Once connected, the Raspberry Pi should power on automatically via the Ethernet cable. The OLED display on the HAT will activate.

Video 2: Waveshare Mini PoE HAT (E) Overview and Connection. While demonstrating a slightly different model (PoE HAT E), this video provides a good visual of the compact design, key components like the MP8017GL-Z chip and isolation transformer, and the process of connecting the HAT to a Raspberry Pi and a PoE switch for power and network.

Operating Instructions

The Waveshare PoE HAT (B) provides real-time system information and fan control to ensure stable operation of your Raspberry Pi.

1. OLED Display Monitoring

The integrated 0.91-inch OLED display provides crucial system information at a glance:

• IP Address: Displays the current IP address of your Raspberry Pi.
• Processor Temperature: Shows the real-time CPU temperature.
• Fan Status: Indicates whether the cooling fan is currently ON or OFF.

Figure 5: Close-up of the OLED display on the PoE HAT (B), showing real-time data for IP address, CPU temperature, and fan operational status.

2. Cooling Fan Control

The cooling fan can be configured for two modes via the onboard switch:

• EN (Enable) Mode: The fan will automatically run upon power-up.
• P0 (Programmable) Mode: The fan's operation can be controlled programmatically based on the Raspberry Pi's processor temperature. This allows for dynamic fan speed adjustments or on/off thresholds to optimize cooling and reduce noise when not under heavy load.

Refer to the Waveshare product documentation or online resources for specific programming examples and scripts to utilize the P0 mode effectively.

Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Waveshare PoE HAT (B) and Raspberry Pi, consider the following maintenance tips:

• Keep Clean: Regularly clean the fan and the HAT's surface to prevent dust accumulation, which can hinder cooling efficiency. Use a soft brush or compressed air.
• Proper Handling: Always handle the HAT and Raspberry Pi by their edges to avoid touching sensitive electronic components.
• Environmental Conditions: Operate the device in a well-ventilated area and avoid extreme temperatures or humidity.
• Firmware Updates: Keep your Raspberry Pi's operating system and firmware updated to benefit from performance improvements and bug fixes.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Waveshare PoE HAT (B), try the following troubleshooting steps:

• No Power/OLED Display Off:
  • Ensure the Ethernet cable is securely connected to both the Raspberry Pi and the PoE switch.
  • Verify that your PoE switch is 802.3af compliant and is actively supplying power.
  • Check if the Raspberry Pi itself is functioning correctly by powering it via its standard USB-C power input.
• Fan Not Spinning:
  • Check the fan's connection to the HAT's fan header for proper seating and polarity.
  • If the fan control switch is set to 'P0', ensure your software configuration is correctly set up to activate the fan based on temperature thresholds.
  • If set to 'EN', the fan should spin immediately upon power-up. If not, the fan or HAT may be faulty.
• OLED Display Not Showing Information:
  • Ensure the HAT is properly seated on the Raspberry Pi's GPIO pins.
  • Verify that the I2C interface is enabled and configured correctly in your Raspberry Pi's operating system.
  • Consult Waveshare's official documentation for specific software setup instructions for the OLED display.
• Network Connectivity Issues:
  • Confirm the Ethernet cable is functional and properly connected.
  • Check your network configuration on the Raspberry Pi.
  • Ensure the PoE switch is providing both power and data correctly.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or further inquiries regarding your Waveshare PoE HAT (B), please visit the official Waveshare website or contact their customer service directly. Product support resources, including detailed datasheets, schematics, and software examples, are typically available on the manufacturer's website.

Waveshare Official Website: www.waveshare.com