Ranging in size and complexity, power distribution units (PDUs) give data center managers more control over electrical power. Some PDUs are simply power strips, while others are complex with surge protectors. Choosing the right PDUs for your data center’s immediate power management needs and anticipated future demand can be a challenge. Facility managers must carefully consider input and output factors, how the equipment will be mounted, additional features, and the overall budget.
That’s why we put together this guide to help you choose the right power distribution units for your server racks.
1. PDU Mounting
First, focus on the structural element. Do you need the PDU to be horizontally mounted or vertically mounted? Horizontally mounted PDUs take up one to two rack spaces and can be mounted anywhere in a rack enclosure while remaining plugged into a power source via a long 10- or 15-foot cord. For even more versatility, you can horizontally mount PDUs to the underside of a counter or directly to a wall.
Vertically mounted PDUs occupy zero rack spaces because they attach to the vertical rails of the rack. Most vertically mounted PDUs offer button mounting, where users slide the PDU’s mounting buttons into the mounting holes of the rack. This installation process is significantly faster and easier than mounting with screws.
2. PDU Input Phase
Once you’ve determined whether your PDU needs to be vertical or horizontal, determine its input voltage, including its amperage and the number of phases. This information influences the PDU’s plug type.
If you already have a powered rack, you can simply examine the receptacle where you will plug in the PDU to determine the right PDU input.
Consider these factors to determine your needed PDU input phase:
Building power: Ask your facility manager or an electrician whether the building’s power is single-phase or three-phase. Most offices will have either 120V or 208V single-phase power.
Application density: For a low-density rack of 1U or 2U servers, you can use a single-phase PDU. But for larger commercial racks, you may need three-phase power capabilities. If it’s available, three-phase power is more cost-effective and efficient.
3. PDU Input and Output
Next, carefully consider connectivity—both the input plug and the output receptacle. The input should connect to a generator-supported power source or a UPS system. Usually, PDUs have a detachable power cord and are rated for international use, so the user just attaches their local plug to the input. To choose the correct output receptacle, make sure the power cords match the equipment’s voltage level.
4. Select the Right PDU
Every data center has unique needs, so it’s crucial to set goals before the PDU selection process. For example, if you have a large data center with hundreds of server racks, your primary goals may be to save physical space and reduce costs. Large facilities need to be monitored for power consumption at multiple levels, so you may not find as much value in monitoring the PDUs. In these cases, basic or metered PDUs may be most helpful.
On the other hand, branch locations not staffed by onsite personnel benefit more from switched PDUs. Although these solutions are more expensive up front, they provide long-term cost savings because they eliminate the need to send IT staff to manually switch the power on and off.
Find the Right PDU With Captor Corporation
Whether your facility needs basic power distribution units, intelligent power distribution units for high-tech operations, or a large volume of power distribution units for multiple locations, Captor Corporation is here to help. We produce 100% made-in-the-USA versatile electronic and electrical equipment for commercial, industrial, and military applications. Our company is ITAR-registered and certified per ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D.
Contact us today for help choosing the right PDU or to learn more about our capabilities.
The rising prevalence of electronic devices across all industries reflects our technologically driven society as well as our increased need for electromagnetic interference (EMI) filters. Without the proper protection against EMI, critical electronic equipment can fail and result in disastrous consequences. It’s more important than ever to invest in reliable EMI filters that serve a broad range of applications.
Here we’ll discuss what EMI filters are, what causes EMI, and the common applications of this essential equipment.
What Are EMI Filters?
An EMI filter is a device typically installed around power supplies and reduces unwanted harmonic energy when the electrical current switches. The EN/CE, FCC, and other military and commercial international EMI standards regulate these filters to minimize or eliminate unintended electronic noise that could disrupt the electronic’s operation. Military applications demand filtration of conducted emissions between 10 kHz to 18 GHz, and commercial applications typically require EMI filtration between 150 kHz and 30 MHz.
EMI filters can be either passive or active and usually cover a specific range of frequencies. Most EMI filters use passive components, such as inductors and capacitors, because they can filter a broader frequency range.
What Causes EMI?
EMI is caused by conducted interference or radiated interference. Physical contact between conductors creates conducted EMI, while non-physical contact, also known as induction, creates radiated EMI. Higher frequencies are associated with radiated EMI, while lower frequencies are associated with conducted EMI.
Where and How Are Standard EMI Filters Used?
Most EMI is high-frequency noise, meaning that the signal’s sine waves are close together. EMI filters contain capacitors and inductors that suppress this noise. Capacitors limit direct current (DC), which carries most of the EMI into a device, and allows alternating current (AC) to pass through. Also called shunting capacitors, capacitors in EMI filters redirect DC within a specific high-frequency range away from a component or circuit. Shunting capacitors then feed this current into the system ground.
Inductors hold magnetic energy as electric currents pass through them, reducing overall voltage. An optimal inductor eliminates the interference completely.
EMI can come from many sources, including power lines, solar flares, power cords, appliances, and more. Thus, standard EMI filters are commonly used in:
Radio equipment
Lab equipment
Medical devices
Computers
Military equipment
How Does a Standard EMI Filter Work?
EMI in the form of radiated or conducted emissions can be minimized or eliminated by standard EMI filters. The filter’s capacitor creates a low-impedance path to redirect high-frequency signals away from the input. The noise is diverted either back to the power supply or to the ground connection.
Standard EMI Filters From Captor Corporation
EMI filters are essential in reducing electromagnetic interference in electronic devices. They block high-frequency electrical signals so that the device can function without interruption or malfunction.
At Captor Corporation, we offer a variety of custom and standard EMI filters that can help meet the needs of customers in diverse industries. Request a quote today or contact us at 937-667-8484 to learn more about our products and capabilities.
Tipp City, OH. May 2020 – Captor Corporation is excited to announce the release of our MIL-COTS EMI Filter series. The new series is available in AC Single Phase (250VAC), Three Phase Delta (120/208VAC), Three Phase Delta (254/440VAC), Three Phase Wye (254/440VAC). The different voltage levels can be supplied for 50/60 Hz or 400 Hz applications. The filters feature low capacitance to ground to meet MIL-STD-461 Navy applications.
Captor also offers the option of modifying the filters to meet your specific mechanical and power requirements. Our experienced Engineering and Manufacturing team will design the modified COTS at no extra cost to the customer and offer competitive delivery times.
“We are extremely pleased with the initial interest from our customers concerning this product line. Not only are we selling them right out of the catalog, but we have already tailored many filters to fit the exact application,” says Scott Timms, President.
Tipp City, OH. April 2019 – Captor Corporation, a leading manufacturer of EMI Filters, HEMP Filters, Tempest Filters, Cable Assemblies and Contract Manufacturing is pleased to announce Rafik Stepanian as Chief Engineer. Rafik supports the Tipp City manufacturing facility and will also maintain an office and lab in Philadelphia.
With over 25 years of experience in the EMC/EMI industry Rafik possesses an exceptional knowledge of filter design and EMI compliance testing. He has worked with all the Prime Defense Contractors offering solutions for stringent EMI compliance standards. Commercial aviation, industrial and medical customers have also routinely seek out Rafik’s expertise for their challenging projects.
Rafik’s diverse experience includes client account management, project, contract and product management as well as manufacturing process optimization. He is also available for on-site EMI consulting/training for customer engineering teams.
“Captor is excited to welcome Rafik to our team. With his vast experience and knowledge, we have expanded our ability to bring new solutions to the marketplace. This will benefit not only Captor, but all of our customers and future clients,” says Scott Timms, President.
With over 25 years of experience in the EMC/EMI industry Rafik possesses an exceptional knowledge of filter design and EMI compliance testing. He has worked with all the Prime Defense Contractors offering solutions for stringent EMI compliance standards. Commercial aviation, industrial and medical customers have also routinely seek out Rafik’s expertise for their challenging projects.