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Technical Centre
Application Related FAQ
Select question from the list below or return to faq categories.
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What is a traditional distributed power solution?
Traditional systems tuck AC‑DC supplies outside the main board, adding bulk that’s unacceptable for outdoor, space‑limited equipment. Discover how next‑generation AC‑DC power products deliver PFHC, high efficiency, and support distributed DC‑DC converters while dramatically reducing enclosure volume.
Read the full article to see the options that let you pack more power into less space.
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What are the types of Distributed Power Architectures?
Compact DC-DC converters in millions of devices rely on AC front-end boxes now required to include Power Factor and Harmonic Correction (PFHC) by international regs. Discover the design implications.
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How have power distribution methods improved?
Power distribution now uses PCB‑mountable AC‑DC front‑end “bricks” with PFHC near DC‑DC converters, reducing size and wiring, enabling robotic assembly and fanless cooling
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Why is there a need for redundant power supplies?
Redundant power supplies prevent costly unplanned downtime—if one fails (e.g., on a conveyor line), the other keeps systems running so repairs can occur during routine maintenance.
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What Frequently Used Terminology is used for redundant power supplies?
Common redundant power‑supply terms: N+1 (capacity/redundancy), hot‑swap (live replacement), ORing diodes (prevent backfeed), current share (balance load). Click below to view detailed definitions and examples.
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How do you implement Fault Tolerance?
Implement fault tolerance with DIN‑rail diode ORing modules or rack‑mount hot‑swap systems: learn wiring tips, alarm use, and rack solutions for scalable, high‑availability power.
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What are the key differences between Conduction, Convection and Radiated Cooling?
Conduction, convection and radiation remove heat differently: conduction uses direct contact to sinks, convection uses air movement (natural or forced), and radiation transfers energy electromagnetically—learn which suits your design.
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What is Droop Mode Current Share?
Droop-mode current sharing lets parallel-capable supplies slightly lower output voltage as load increases, automatically equalizing current between units. Learn required settings, voltage differences, and best practices for reliable paralleling.
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What is Remote Sensing?
Remote Sense connections regulate voltage at the load by compensating for cable voltage drop (typically 0.3–1.0V). Learn correct wiring, polarity, noise mitigation, and when to use local sense.
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Why do Power Supplies have Wide Range Adjustable Outputs?
Wide-range adjustable outputs let you tune voltage via control-voltage, potentiometer, or serial digital control—enabling programmable, remotely adjustable power for varied applications. Click below for methods, diagrams, and product examples.
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What is Over Current Protection (OCP) and why do Power Supplies & Converters need it?
Over‑current protection limits output when currents exceed ratings (typically 10–20%), preventing overheating, capacitor stress and PCB damage; many supplies auto‑recover. Click below to learn protection types, behaviors and safety precautions.
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Why you need to know the maximum remote sense compensating range
Check your supply manual: remote‑sense typically compensates 0.25–0.75V; exceeding its range leaves the load unregulated—learn how to calculate cable voltage drop and remedies (length, gauge) to prevent power loss.
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Why you need to know the adjustment range and OVP set-point
Know your supply’s adjustment range and OVP set‑point to avoid remote‑sense boosting the output into an overvoltage trip—always adjust and verify voltage at the load to prevent unexpected shutdowns.
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How to avoid picking up radiated noise on the remote sense wires
Prevent remote‑sense noise by twisting +/− sense pairs, shielding the leads, and using distinct-coloured light‑gauge wires for polarity clarity—view practical wiring tips and examples in the full article linked below.
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Ways to avoid cross-connection of remote sense wires
Ensure correct remote‑sense polarity—connect +Sense to +Vload and −Sense to −Vload—to prevent sense‑line currents that can burn internal R‑sense resistors and disable the supply. Click for wiring precautions.
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Why a switch or fuse shouldn’t be used on the output wires
Installing switches or fuses on output lines while remote‑sense remains connected can drive current through the sense leads, burning internal R‑sense resistors. Learn safe wiring practices and proper isolation methods.
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What to do if you are not using the remote sense feature
If you’re not using remote sense, don’t leave sense leads open—use local‑sense jumpers or connect +/− Sense to +V/−V outputs. See step‑by‑step setup and wiring diagrams.
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