FAQ-Product
1. Safety regulation certifications
2. Energy consumption levels
3. Input and output power labels
The adapter is divided into two types: desktop and wall mount. Wall mount type power supplies have plugs designed that can be plugged into the outlets on the walls, and the desktop type has power cables on both sides, making them more flexible to use. Customers can choose which to purchase according to their needs.
Smaller products such as thermal printers, small ATM machines, card swipe machines or handheld POS machines, or other products that use external power supplies in consideration of their structural designs.
FSP's PSU plus BBU is an all-in-one power solution that integrates an AC/DC power supply, DC/DC charging and discharging circuits, and a BBU (Battery Backup Unit). It functions not only as the power source for end devices but also as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) during power outages. It seamlessly switches to battery power when AC input is interrupted, providing stable power to ensure continuous operation, prevent data loss, and allow safe saving and shutdown if necessary. To learn more about FSP's PSU plus BBU solutions, check out the article "How an Innovative Power Supply with Battery Backup Unit (BBU) Improves Power Issues for ICT Equipment".
FSP’s PSU plus BBU can be used in the following devices:
A. Network equipment: such as routers and modems, to maintain stable network connections.
B. Industrial control systems: to ensure continuous operation of automated equipment and control systems in factories and production lines.
C. Home and office: to protect personal computers, home entertainment systems, and office equipment from power interruptions.
These scenarios require stable power supply to ensure uninterrupted service of end devices. FSP's PSU plus BBU provide temporary power during outages, ensuring smooth operation. For more information, refer to the article "Power Outage Fearless: Power Supplies with Battery Backup Ensure Uninterrupted Wireless and Smart Networked Devices".
FSP’s PSU plus BBU and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) fundamentally differ in product design and functionality. UPS is a product specifically designed to improve power quality issues and has been on the market for decades. It mostly uses lead-acid batteries to store power and is a widely used power backup mechanism. In contrast, FSP’s PSU plus BBU conceptually integrates UPS functionality into the power supply unit itself. It is a power solution that combines both power supply and battery backup mechanisms. For more information about FSP’s PSU plus BBU, you can refer to the article "How an Innovative Power Supply with Battery Backup Unit (BBU) Improves Power Issues for ICT Equipment" which helps you better understand this innovative power supply.
FSP’s PSU plus BBU can only provide power to dedicated end devices, unlike a UPS which typically offers multiple AC output sockets to provide emergency power backup for multiple devices. For power backup needs of a single end device, FSP’s PSU plus BBU can replace a UPS and offers specifications and functions superior to a UPS. However, in situations where multiple end devices require power backup simultaneously, using a UPS is more convenient.
FSP's PSU+BBU integrates a Switching Power Supply (SPS) and a UPS, offering a 0ms transfer time that eliminates the delay of traditional offline UPS. Featuring a smart BMS and compact size, it's the ideal choice for highly stable equipment.
Designed for a 5-8 year lifecycle of ICT equipment, it generally requires no battery replacement during its lifespan under normal use. For early failures due to extreme environments, please contact an authorized dealer.
It provides better backup times than traditional UPS units (which only offer 3-5 minutes at full load), ensuring ample time for data storage and safe system shutdown.
When the AC voltage exceeds the 42.4V peak value or the 60V stable DC voltage.
Chargers include the functions of power supplies, but chargers also have constant current and constant voltage controls inside to satisfy the charging features.
It includes transportation and industrial requirements, two-wheel/three-wheel electric vehicles, electric hand tools, weeders, drones, and unmanned handling robots, etc.
Energy storage systems play a crucial role in smart grids. Main applications include:
• Power regulation: Provide electricity during peak demand and store it during low demand to balance the load.
• Grid stability: Offer fast-response power support for sudden changes in demand.
• Renewable energy integration: Store electricity generated from solar and other renewable sources to improve energy utilization. FSP's LightUp Series inverters combined with battery systems, or the all-in-one mobile storage system EnerX 3000, effectively integrate solar generation and storage for optimized energy management and improved smart grid performance.
In energy storage systems, common units include:
• Power: Measured in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW), indicating the output capacity of the power conversion system.
• Energy: Measured in watt-hours (Wh) or kilowatt-hours (kWh), indicating the total energy stored in the battery.
• Capacity: Measured in ampere-hours (Ah), representing the amount of electric charge the battery can store.
For example, the EnerX 3000 mobile storage product has a rating of 3kW/2.5kWh, meaning it provides up to 3 kW of output and stores 2.5 kWh of energy.
FSP new energy storage system products focus on the development of distributed energy storage systems that are applied on the power load end to provide real-time backup functions, and avoid the impact of power outages caused to the grid by accidents.
The application fields include home use, residential and commercial complex, industrial plants or microgrids, etc.
For the applications mentioned above, FSP provides 10 kW to 100kW level energy storage system solutions, and takes the solar output voltage range and power feed/self-use requirements into consideration to build the electricity consumption and output power required for backup or emergency power supply.
The requirements of AC power are Single Phase, Split Phase and Three Phase.
The voltage of a single set of battery is 48V/100Ah, and can be expanded up to 10 sets.
Power supply sequence: PV has highest priority, then city mains, and then battery backup.
FSP's self-developed PCS features industry-leading Grid-Forming (GFM) technology. Unlike traditional GFL PCS, which can only follow the grid frequency: FSP's GFM PCS can independently generate stable voltage and frequency reference sources, supporting black start and independent microgrid operation. Localized advantages: The product is scheduled to obtain VPC certification, fully complying with Taiwan's grid connection regulations. This effectively reduces reliance on overseas suppliers and provides immediate local after-sales support. Modular architecture: This provides system integrators with exceptional flexibility in space utilization when designing outdoor battery cabinets.
FSP's safety protection designs include:
- Active BMS monitoring to instantly cut off circuits upon detecting anomalies.
- Air cooling to maintain optimal operating power ranges.
- Firmware and physical protection: Safe operational limits in firmware, alongside fuse protections on both AC and DC sides.
FSP's PCS offers high communication compatibility, supporting Modbus TCP/RTU and CANbus standard protocols, enabling seamless integration with mainstream Energy Management Systems (EMS). Its core functions include:
- AFC (Automatic Frequency Control): Automatically compensates power based on grid frequency changes, participating in Taipower's ancillary services.
- Integration with system EMS: Through FSP's proprietary platform, it connects with the system EMS for real-time data monitoring and executing high-level dispatch commands.
- High-precision control: Supports reactive power compensation and power quality improvement, assisting users in achieving peak shaving and reducing electricity costs.
FSP is a Power Supply Total Solution Provider. We offer:
- Integrated Design: Modular power products supporting system integrators with BMS and EMS integrations for rapid All-in-One ESS deployment, reducing installation time.
- Micro-customization & White Labeling: JDM support and localized functional ODM for global clients.
- Field Validation: FSP's Demo Site provides real-world ESS operational data and scenarios, supported by a dedicated technical team.
Flex ATX form factor (hereinafter referred to as Flex) is a power size designed for small industrial control computers. 150*81.5*40mm, some users call it small 1U. It is currently widely installed in network switches, firewalls, and related products.
A2: Since the usage environment of industrial computers are different from the environment of general home/office computers, therefore, the power’s:
1. Working temperature is 0~50 degrees Celsius
2. They operate 24-hours a day without interruption, therefore, the cooling fan needs to operate for long periods of times, so ball-bearing fans must be used
After eliminating the A2 problem, it seems that it can in the short-run. However, the life cycle of the IPC system vendor’s products must be at least 5 to 10 years, and the life cycle of the retail market powers is only two to three years and cannot satisfy the logistical requirements of IPC SE; therefore, it is not suitable.
CRPS is short for Common Redundant Power Supply; it is a power module specification applied in the server field defined by Intel together with many leading companies in the industry. The specification focuses on the demands for digitalization, high efficiency, high density, compact size and high stability; it is agreed by many system vendors and widely adopted in the industry.
Although CRPS is a shared specification, the different companies may have different applications and designs in terms of detail; therefore, it cannot be used together with CRPS power products from other companies.
FSP has complete plans for this; please refer to this.
Standby Power refers to the electric power consumed by electronic and electrical appliances while they are switched off or in a standby mode.


If the end application experiences periodic peak current (Peak Power) conditions, it is recommended to calculate and evaluate the required PSU power based on the above formula.
- T is the period time.
- I1 is the peak current, and the current duration is t1.
- I2 is the current during normal operation, and its duration is (T - t1).
- D = t / T, which represents the percentage of the cycle during which I1 occurs.
*The rated current of the power supply must be greater than or equal to the calculated value.
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IEC 60601-1 |
IEC 60950-1 |
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Leakage current |
Earth leakage current: 0.5mA Touch current: 0.1mA |
Earth leakage current: 3.5mA Touch current: 0.25mA |
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Dielectric strength test voltages (250V) |
Input to Output: 4000Vac Input to Ground: 1500Vac Output to Ground: 1500Vac |
Input to Output: 3000Vac Input to Ground: 1500Vac Output to Ground: 500Vac |
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Creepage distances / Air clearance (250V) |
Basic Insulation: 4.0/2.5mm Reinforced Insulation: 8.0/5.0mm |
Basic Insulation: 2.5/2.0mm Reinforced Insulation: 5.0/4.0mm |
When selecting a medical power supply, prioritize verifying if the product complies with both IEC 60601-1 (medical equipment safety) and IEC 62368-1 (ICT equipment safety) international standards. Furthermore, whether the manufacturer holds an ISO 13485 medical device quality management system certification is also a crucial indicator for assessing its R&D and production compliance.
In non-peak power usage environments, the power selection of Open Frame PSU is determined by the power required by the system, the temperature inside the system, and the wind flow provided by the system.
Referring to the product specifications of FSP260-P35-A12, when the power is operating under an ambient temperature of -20℃~50℃, the output power is 260W @ 18.4 CFM; and under the condition with no wind flow, it is only 150W @ Convection. If the temperature of the PSU’s working environment exceeds 50℃, you must refer to the derating curve of the power and reduce the output power as the ambient temperature rises in order to ensure the power will not enter over-temperature protection or even get damaged from overheating. If it is a peak power usage environment, please contact our business unit to have further discussions.
Inrush current occurs at the moment when an electrical device is powered on. It is caused by the rapid charging of input-side stabilization and filter capacitors. The peak current is typically much higher than the normal operating current, hence referred to as inrush current. This current lasts only for a short period and disappears once the capacitors are fully charged. There is a high slope of di/dt in inrush current. Although the time is short, the rising edge of the waveform contains numerous high-frequency components which is analyzed by Fourier transform, which can cause electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Additionally, the fuse rating (I²t, where I represents current and t represents time) must not be too low to withstand the inrush current and prevent unwanted fuse blowing. In end applications such as LED lighting, when many LED are switched on simultaneously, it may shut down the main power. Countermeasures are adjusting components in PSU or turn on LED lights sequentially.
Hold-up time is the “power hold duration ,”which refers to the period during which the system can continue operating after the AC power is interrupted.
The length of this time varies depending on the circuit design, generally around 10–20 milliseconds (mS). When AC power is interrupted, the power supply relies on internal energy storage components (usually large-capacitance electrolytic capacitors) to maintain the rated output voltage. Hold-up time affects both the cost and the physical size of the power supply. The duration of this time depends on how long the system needs to process or save data after a power interruption so that operations can resume smoothly once AC power is restored. This is particularly important for information processing in commercial and financial industries, as well as for production line operations in manufacturing.
If a longer Hold-up time is required, you can refer to FSP’s Backup Power and UPS products.
For space-constrained embedded devices, priority should be given to open frame power supplies with high power density and compact footprints (such as standard 2"x3", 2"x4", or 3"x5" inches). Furthermore, adopting power supplies with high conversion efficiency (e.g., meeting 80 PLUS requirements) can effectively reduce waste heat, providing higher power output without increasing the cooling volume.
The output power of open frame power supplies is generally divided into Convection Cooled and Forced Air Cooled. If the system lacks airflow or sufficient airflow for the PSU, the design must refer to the "Derating Curve" to ensure stable operation at high temperatures without triggering over-temperature protection.
Lacking an enclosure shield, open frame PSUs highly depend on internal Cable Routing and grounding design for EMI performance. Choosing EN 55032 Class B power supplies offers more system margin than Class A. Ensure the Protected Earth and Return have good contact with the metal chassis during installation, and separate AC input lines from DC output lines to prevent electromagnetic noise coupling.
Medical power supplies must comply with the IEC 60601-1 medical safety standard, which requires higher insulation strength (2 MOPP) and lower leakage current limits compared to the IEC 62368-1 safety standard for information technology equipment.
Choosing a PSU usually starts with selecting the form factor. Standard desktop systems commonly use ATX, while compact builds may opt for SFX or TFX. Next, you can choose the efficiency rating and determine the required wattage based on the components used.
ATX 3.0 is a desktop Power Supply Design Guide that Intel updated in 2022, in which new versions of design specifications such as CPU 12V current configuration and Peak Load requirements are included.
ATX 3.1 is a desktop power supply design guide updated by Intel in September 2023. It references the PCIe 5.1 specification and updates the 12+4 pin 12VHPWR connector to 12V-2x6.
- The 12+4 pin 12VHPWR connector has been updated to 12V-2x6 with optimized physical structure
- Hold up time (T5+T6) specification changed to >12 ms
- -12V is no longer required (Required → Recommended)
If the gaming system is not equipped with a standalone graphics card, it will have no impact.
If it is equipped with the new specification PCIe Gen 5, new optional power needs to be purchased that can provide a new version of PCIe 12V-2x6 (12VHPWR) cable and a design that allows instantaneous power to reach up to 200%.
1. FSP had started laying out and did R&D on PCIe Gen 5 powers since 2020-2021, and is now manufacturing PCIe Gen 5 power supply.
2. FSP has launched its PCIe Gen 5 power supply in Q4 of 2022. All products to comply with Intel PSDG ATX 3.0 and 12VO 2.0 specifications. Power supplies grater than 450W meet Peak Load 200% design. Power supplies less than or equal to 450W meet Peak Load 150% design. New version of PCIe 12VHPWR cable plans to be included as a standard accessory with power supplies with 750W (included) or above. For power supplies less than 750W, it will be configured according to customer’s requirements.
Prior to PCI Express CEM 5.0, the specifications did not allow any tolerance for add-in cards to exceed their rated power limits, which could trigger power supply overcurrent protection mechanisms. PCIe CEM 5.0 defines power excursion specifications, and ATX 3.0 follows the same guidelines to support next-generation graphics cards.
Evaluate based on five core metrics:
- Wattage: Aim for 1.2-1.5 times the total system power consumption.
- Standard: ATX 3.0/3.1 is highly recommended for high-end GPUs.
- Efficiency: Prioritize 80 PLUS Gold or higher.
- Build quality: Look for 105°C Japanese capacitors and DC-DC architecture.
- Cables & Size: Full modularity and chassis compatibility (ATX/SFX).
Common reasons include:
- OPP/OCP triggered by GPU power spikes.
- OTP (Over-Temperature Protection) due to poor airflow or dust.
- Voltage instability/Aging capacitors causing high ripple.
- External grid issues: Bad outlets or brownouts. If protection triggers, turn off the switch and wait 1 minute before restarting.
To ensure GPU compatibility, check:
- Voltage matching: Must support Full Range input, with a highly stable +12V rail.
- +12V capacity: The +12V wattage should be very close to the PSU's total rated power.
- Physical cables: ATX 3.1 PSUs with native 12V-2x6 cables are recommended for new GPUs.
- Power Excursion: ATX 3.0/3.1 handles 200% power spikes; older ATX 2.4 units need 200-300W of extra headroom.
Do not just look at total wattage; evaluate four aspects:
- +12V output must be close to total rated power.
- For multi-monitor power spikes, an ATX 3.1 certified PSU with native 12V-2x6 interfaces is highly recommended.
- Avoid using daisy-chained PCIe split cables.
- Choose DC-DC and Japanese capacitor designs for low-ripple, clean power.
Check the warranty. If under warranty, contact the manufacturer/dealer for repair or replacement. If out of warranty and older than 5 years, we recommend upgrading to an ATX 3.1 compliant PSU for safety and efficiency.
Absolutely not! Before replacing, verify:
- Never mix modular cables: Pinouts vary; mixing them can burn out hardware instantly.
- Check Form Factor (ATX / SFX / Proprietary).
- Check ATX standard (new GPUs need ATX 3.1).
- Do not downgrade wattage, and aim for 80 PLUS Gold efficiency level.
Evaluate based on "warranty period" and "hardware upgrades":
- Capacitor aging: Entry-level PSUs should be replaced every 3-5 years; high-end units with Japanese caps last 7-10 years.
- Hardware upgrades: When upgrading to a high-end GPU, if your PSU is >5 years old, upgrade to ATX 3.1.
- Replace immediately if you notice abnormal noises, burning smells, random reboots, or severe coil whine.
In solar power systems, solar panels generate direct current (DC), while most household appliances and industrial equipment require alternating current (AC) to operate. Therefore, the main function of an inverter is to convert the DC power from solar panels into usable AC power. FSP’s LightUp Series off-grid solar inverters can connect to the national grid and solar fields to independently generate stable and reliable AC power, making them ideal for remote areas or places with unstable power supply.
Inverters are widely used in various applications, including:
• Home use: Supply AC electricity for household appliances and maintain quality of life.
• Commercial and industrial use: Provide stable electricity for buildings and equipment.
• Remote areas: In places without grid coverage, inverters integrated with solar panels and batteries provide independent power solutions.
• Backup: During power outages, inverters combined with batteries offer emergency backup power.
FSP’s LightUp Series off-grid inverters are especially suitable for remote areas, off-grid sites, and independent power needs, offering reliable power solutions.
To choose a suitable solar inverter, consider the following factors:
• System type: Select off-grid, grid-tied, or hybrid inverter according to your needs.
• Power requirements: Determine your power usage and select an inverter with the appropriate power level.
• Efficiency: A high-efficiency inverter reduces energy loss and improves overall system performance.
• Quality and reliability: Choose a well-known brand with good reputation and after-sales support. FSP’s LightUp Series offers a range of off-grid solar inverters with different power capacities to meet various power demands, featuring high efficiency and reliability for diverse applications such as backup or remote areas.
- LightUp Series (2kW~11kW): Ideal for home/small commercial use; features pure sine wave technology, self-consumption support, and App monitoring.
- PPS (EnerX 3000 / Emergy 3K+): Highly mobile, perfect for outdoor, remote areas, disaster relief, and E-Bike microgrids.
Our modular UPS supports 30 power modules working in parallel mode, and parallel expansion up to 8 cabinets.
You can setting the UPS to work on self-aging mode. Self-aging function can test UPS under different load situation without real load, saving more than 90% of energy. Simulate different load conditions without connecting to any real load, saving 90% of energy. On site setting supported, easy for factory testing.
Yes, programmable dry contacts are available in all modular UPS. Customers can easily expand or modify the definition of each port.
a. Abundant options with three inputs and four outputs, all programmable.
b. Easy setting, just pull the drop-down menu and set.
c. Compatible with all the RM and HT33.
Capacity selection factors:
- Total equipment load: Sum up the Max. Power (W) from the rating labels of all connected devices.
- Expansion: Account for potential additional equipment over the UPS lifespan (approx. 5 years).
- Real Power (W): Consider the Power Factor (PF) difference between VA and W (e.g., Off-line is ~0.6, On-line is 0.8~1.0).
- Optimal efficiency: It is recommended to choose a UPS where the initial load is under 50% for maximum energy efficiency, longer backup time, and better battery lifespan.
Typical lead-acid batteries last 2~3 years. It's recommended to test them quarterly and replace them if backup time drops below 70%. High temperatures (>35°C) reduce lifespan. Lithium-ion UPS models last 5~8 years. For Off-line/Line-interactive UPS with hot-swappable designs, users can replace them following the manual. For On-line UPS (>3KVA), self-replacement is not advised; please contact an authorized dealer.
A UPS primarily protects loads, providing continuous power during outages to allow safe data storage and shutdown; secondary functions include voltage regulation, noise filtering, and surge protection. An SPS converts AC power from the wall into stable DC power for internal components (like motherboards), focusing on energy conversion efficiency and circuit protection.
If you notice pungent odors, physical swelling, or crystalline residue (electrolyte leakage), put on corrosion-resistant gloves, immediately disconnect the UPS input/output power, ensure good ventilation, and contact an authorized service center.
Paralleling UPS units is done for capacity expansion or N+1 Redundancy. Ensure all units are the exact same brand, model, and capacity, operating under the same power specs. They must use the same communication interface and firmware. Installation should be performed by authorized engineers, and the load must be evenly distributed.
- Fan noise: Online UPS models use fans for cooling, which run louder under high loads.
- Alarms: "Beep" sounds indicate battery mode, overload, or a fault condition.
- High-frequency buzzing: Caused by transformer vibrations or inverter operation. If constant high-frequency coil whine occurs, contact your dealer for inspection.
Most Off-line/Line-interactive UPS models produce little heat in bypass mode. However, On-line UPS units have cooling fans (usually front-to-back airflow) and require at least 30 cm of clearance at the front and back for proper ventilation.
A UPS is used to prevent data loss, service interruptions, and hardware damage from power anomalies. Common equipment includes: Desktop PCs, Servers, NAS, Routers, Switches, Surveillance Systems, POS machines, IPCs, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
Simulated sine waves are common in battery mode for Off-line/Line-interactive UPS, offering a cost-effective solution for standard equipment. Pure sine waves (found in high-end or On-line UPS) provide cleaner power, minimizing electrical noise and preventing highly sensitive equipment from crashing. Choice depends on budget and load sensitivity.
