A power source equipment (PSE) controller exhibiting low standby levels for power over Ethernet (PoE) includes a micro-controller, a detection and classification circuitry coupled to the micro-controller to detect if a powered device (PD) is connected and determine power needed to operate the connected PD, a power control and monitor circuitry coupled to the micro-controller to power the connected PD and to monitor the power consumption of the PD. The detection and classification circuitry, the power control and monitor circuitry can be individually turned off by the micro-controller to minimize standby power, the micro-controller can be put into deep sleep if no PD is detected or can be come out of deep sleep if a PD is detected.