• • • UPS & STANDBY POWER • • •


with digital control capabilities that provide engineers easy access to data for precise control, monitoring and diagnostics. These power supplies come with various standard interfaces such as PMBus, CANopen, and RS485. Customisation options extend to replacing RS485 with RS232 or UART interfaces. Additionally, the user-friendly GUI on the


HPA/HPF units enables real-time monitoring of AC power input, allowing for early warnings of voltage variations, particularly beneficial in regions like Asia where such fluctuations are common. Moreover, these power supplies can adapt to the evolving energy landscape, supporting power distribution network power fluctuations which are more likely with the increased use of renewable energy sources like wind and solar. XP Power also offers configurable power supplies to meet specific requirements that need multiple non-standard voltages. Collaborating with power supply specialists, who have a deep understanding of both standard designs and specific application requirements can help ensure that all the necessary criteria are met.


Case study: Customised standard power solution for surgeon carts


Surgeon carts are portable surgical systems that run off battery power. They require a reliable and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to ensure continuous operation during critical procedures


such as biopsies, tumor resections and catheter placements. The UPS needs to provide sufficient power, up to 1000W with multiple outputs, including battery charging capability and an Ethernet interface for monitoring. Firmware monitoring features such as battery voltage, current, temperature, estimated minutes remaining and alarms for various battery and system statuses are essential for proactive maintenance and troubleshooting. Designing a UPS for a surgeon cart involves considerations for power capacity, output flexibility, communication interfaces and robust firmware monitoring capabilities. The design must balance factors like size, weight and power efficiency while ensuring compatibility with the surgical system’s requirements.


Efficient battery management and firmware monitoring for


surgeon and staff carts XP Power designers created a customised UPS solution, meeting the mix of fixed and variable output requirements efficiently. Additionally, the custom-designed control card with an integrated microprocessor manages the battery charging outputs by implementing charging profiles based on recommendations from the battery manufacturer. The firmware monitoring features were developed to ensure real-time visibility into battery and system health, enabling proactive maintenance and minimising the risk of


unexpected downtime due to a depleted battery, for instance.


Like the surgeon cart example, the staff cart carries essential monitoring equipment to the patient’s bed. It still requires robust battery charging capability, firmware monitoring and alarm features for proactive maintenance and system reliability but has a lower power requirement (200W) with fewer outputs. The solution incorporated a 48Vdc input with five outputs to charge the battery pack and included an Ethernet interface for remote monitoring and management.


Balancing customisation and standard solutions for optimal


power supply performance Through an exploration of various power supply options, it becomes evident that customised standard solutions emerge as a strategic middle ground. By leveraging pre-existing designs and tailoring them to specific needs, design engineers can achieve optimal outcomes in terms of compliance, time-to-market, reliability and long life. XP Power’s extensive range of programmable


AC-DC power supplies, equipped with digital control capabilities and customisable interfaces, exemplifies the versatility and adaptability required for diverse applications. Moreover, collaboration with experienced power supply specialists ensures efficient customisation processes and optimal solutions tailored to unique application needs.


Figure 2: Designing a UPS for a surgeon cart requires balancing power capacity, output flexibility, communication interfaces and firmware monitoring with size, weight and power efficiency to meet the surgical system’s requirements.


electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • NOVEMBER 2024 33


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