Apparatus and method for providing power to machine measurement devices via data communication network

A machine measurement system for collecting vibration data that is indicative of operational conditions of a machine in an industrial setting, the machine including a rotating shaft supported by a bearing, the system comprising:

• a central logic unit that receives the vibration data that is indicative of the operational conditions of the machine, the central logic unit in communication with an Ethernet network;
• a Ethernet network switch in communication with the central logic unit via the Ethernet network, the Ethernet network switch comprising:
• an internal power supply for supplying power to the Ethernet network switch;
• and
• one or more Power over Ethernet (PoE) ports that are operable to communicate data and provide power to devices connected thereto;
• and
• a dual-channel measurement unit mounted adjacent the shaft and bearing of the machine, the dual-channel measurement unit comprising:
• a first sensor comprising an eddy current sensor for sensing vibration of the machine and generating a first type of vibration data that is indicative of relative shaft vibration;
• a second sensor comprising a piezo electric sensor or a seismic probe sensor for sensing vibration of the machine and generating a second type of vibration data that is indicative of absolute bearing vibration;
• and
• one or more sensor modules, each comprising:
• one or more sensor interfaces for providing an electrical connection to one or both of the first and second sensors;
• and
• a PoE port connected to one of the one or more PoE ports of the Ethernet network switch for communicating data to and receiving power from the Ethernet network switch,
• wherein the central logic unit receives the first and second types of vibration data via the Ethernet network, and calculates absolute shaft vibration according to:
• absolute shaft vibration=relative shaft vibration−absolute bearing vibration.