Insights & Tips

What Do I Need? Using Simple Power Terms

Need Analysis: The Triad of Power Application Selection!

These are the three key items one will need to know before selecting a power product. We call this the “triad” in power. There is something going IN, something going OUT and how MUCH of the something in all systems. A system designer can evaluate a detailed wish list of parameters, once each point in the triad is defined. Consider the following:

• • Voltage Input: This is a number and type. Examples like 240Vac or 130Vdc
  • Voltage Output: This is a number and type. Examples like 48Vdc or 115Vac
  • Current Capacity: This is a number in either watts or amps. Examples like 800W or 16A

What’s in the Term?

Rectifier – AC input modified into DC output

• • Typical AC (alternating-current) is provided to a system in sine-wave form. The process of rectification modifies the wave creating a DC (direct-current) at a specific voltage.

Review DC Power System Products

Inverter – DC input modified into AC output

• • When DC is provided to a system, the inverter modifies the DC, therefore, creating the AC sine-wave.

Review AC Power Inverter Products

Converter – DC input modified into DC output.

• • The DC is measured between two points, specifically the positive and negative positions. The distance between these points is the voltage.  A converter will accept a DC voltage of X and modify the voltage up or down for the output DC voltage Y.

Review DC/DC Converter Products

How is this information used?

The triad topic is the most talked about conversation in our office.  Call and we’ll help make the confusing part of selecting power equipment a bit easier.  It’s about your critical network reliability, let’s get this right!

See the DC Power Matrix Selection Guide. . . . or . . . . See the AC Power Matrix Selection Guide