DC-input bulk front-end power modules

Emerson Network Power has launched four dc-input bulk front-end power modules for systems that use distributed power architectures. The DS450DC, 550DC, 650DC and 850DC modules all feature a 40 to 72 Vdc input voltage range, which is ideal for telecom and central office applications operating from 48 V battery plants. All four modules produce a main +12 Vdc output, together with an auxiliary 'always-on' +3.3 Vdc output for applications that require standby operation. The DS450DC, 550DC, 650DC and 850DC modules have power output ratings of 450, 550, 650 and 850 watts respectively. The highest power module in the series, the DS850DC, can deliver up to 70 amps at +12 Vdc from its main output and up to 6 amps from its 3.3 Vdc auxiliary output.

 All four modules offer active single-wire current sharing which operates from 10 to 100% of full load, enabling multiple modules to be easily paralleled for very high current applications. The modules are all hot pluggable, and incorporate low-loss internal ORing FETs (Field Effect Transistors) on their main 12 V output, for fault-tolerant and N+1 redundancy applications. They have no minimum load requirement, and maintain main output regulation to within ±5%. Each power module contains a serial EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) that is pre-programmed with data about the unit - including its type, serial number and date of manufacture - to facilitate replacement in the field. A built-in I2C interface, which uses the PMBus protocol, enables the data to be read back to the system under power; the interface also allows the system to interrogate the power module to ascertain various operational parameters, including input and output status, fan blocked or running under-speed, and overcurrent and overtemperature flags. The dc-input DS series power modules are compact, high efficiency units with a 1U x 2U form factor. They incorporate fan cooling and have an ambient operating temperature range of +10 to +45 degrees Celsius, with 50% derating at +70 degrees Celcius.

 The modules comply with all applicable EMC immunity standards, including EN61000-4-2, -3, -4, -5, -6 and -11. The power supplies carry UL/cUL60950-1 and EN60950-1 VDE safety approvals. Sample quantities of all four dc-input DS series power modules are available for immediate delivery. Standard lead-time is stock to 8 weeks. Pricing starts at US $418 for the DS450DC and US $498 for the DS850DC, in quantities of 250.