Two new dc UPS compact modules from Bicker Elektronik ensure the uninterruptible power supply of dc loads including low-power embedded IPCs, motors, gateways, cameras, sensors, or actuators in the field of industrial control, process and automation technology, laboratory and medical applications as well as safety equipment.
For protection against voltage fluctuation, brownout, flicker or power failure, the modules UPSIC-1205D (12Vdc, 5A) or UPSIC-2403D (24Vdc, 3A) are equipped with ultracapacitors (supercaps) as maintenance-free energy storage and have intelligent charging and control electronics. All of the components are in a robust aluminum chassis with a DIN rail bracket for fast DIN rail mounting in control cabinets.
Supercaps as maintenance-free energy storage
The company notes that unlike batteries, which store energy resulting from a chemical reaction, supercaps are based on electrophysical principles and are charged and ready for use within a short period.
They can operate in a wide temperature range and offer high current-carrying capacity, power density, and reliability. Due to the high cycle stability of more than 500,000 charge and discharge cycles, the company says that dc UPS systems with supercaps are virtually maintenance-free and have a particularly long service life.
For the supplied system, this translates to an increase in long-term availability while minimizing maintenance. The high-quality supercaps are fully charged in a maximum of 60 seconds and Bicker Elektronik designed them for fanless 24/7 continuous operation in the extended temperature range of -20°C to +70°C.
Intelligent charging and control electronics
In typical operation, the μC-controlled system electronics of dc UPS modules UPSIC-1205D/UPSIC-2403D pass the input voltage, reduced by a voltage drop of 0.3V/0.2V (@ full load), to the output. At the same time the supercaps are charged and the voltage thresholds at the input are monitored.
If the input voltage falls below the defined voltage threshold, the system switches to the UPS backup mode within fractions of a second and ensures an uninterruptible and regulated power supply at the output.
The intelligent distribution of the charging currents (PowerSharing) ensures that the upstream ac-dc power supply does not have to be oversized, but the input power is kept constant and distributed accordingly to the supplied load and the SuperCap charger. With less load at the output, more energy flows into supercap charger and vice versa.
Front-side interfaces
All inputs and outputs are positioned on the front of the compact dc UPS module. In addition to the connections for input and output voltage with control LEDs, these include a relay contact (PowerFail), an RS232 communication interface (DSUB) and shutdown signal outputs. The DC UPS modules are also outfitted with active reverse polarity protection and are protected against overload (shutdown with automatic restart).
Software connection and data monitoring
With the aid of the HID Battery Parameter Software, settings can be made on the dc UPS. The software is available for free download on the manufacturer's website for each product.
In addition, a comprehensive instruction set enables the setting of parameters, and the direct readout of sensor values. Continuous operational data collection allows real-time data monitoring. The data is temporarily stored in the module and the RS232 interface forwards the data to the host. The open communication protocol allows possible individual connections to their own system.
Integrated IPC reboot function
With the aide of the integrated reboot function, the automatic restart of a supplied computer system can be activated after the power supply voltage returns during the shutdown or at a later time. The start function of the mainboard can be activated directly via BIOS when the input voltage is present. For example, self-sufficient computer systems can be shut down in a controlled manner after a power failure and then restarted independently, without the need for human intervention.
Controlled release of output voltage
Optionally, an additional function can be activated for the output voltage release, which ensures that the output of the dc UPS is not enabled until the supercaps have reached at least 90% of their capacity. Therefore, the safe shutdown of a supplied computer system always reliably guaranteed.
Software independent operation
The dc UPS modules UPSIC-1205D and UPSIC-2403D can also be operated without software at the host. The time values for PowerFail and Shutdown/Reboot timers can be easily configured with an externally accessible DIP switch.
Extensive service and support
In addition to backing the dc UPS with a three-year device warranty, Bicker Elektronik GmbH guarantees a long-term availability of at least 5 years for the new compact dc-UPS modules UPSIC-1205D and UPSIC-2403D.
UPSIC-1205D / UPSIC-2403D
Features at a glance
- Compact DC UPS modules in aluminum chassis
- Quick and easy DIN rail mounting
- Uninterruptible dc power supply for 12V/24V
- Regulated voltage during backup operation
- Maintenance-free SuperCaps as energy storage
- High cycle stability >500 000
- Charging time <60sec at maximum charging current
- Extended temperature range -20°C to +70°C
- Active reverse polarity protection
- Power fail signal via relay contact/RS232 interface
- Integrated IPC reboot function
- Operation of UPS without software possible
- Output enable from 90% SuperCap capacity
- High-quality industrial grade components
- Suitable for 24/7 continuous operation
- Individual design-in-consultation
- Excellent service & support
- Long-term availability at least 5 years
- 3-year warranty
UPSIC-1205D
- Input voltage: 12Vdc (11.6V to 16V)
- Output UPS operation: 12Vdc
- Normal operation output: Vin to 0.3Vin
- Output current: 5A
UPSIC-2403D
- Input voltage: 24Vdc (22.5Vdc to 30Vdc)
- Output UPS operation: 24Vdc
- Normal operation output: Vin to 0.2Vin
- Output current: 3A
