Cherokee Offers Front End/Rectifier For Data-Center & High-End Datacom Equipment

Cherokee International announced its 2500W CAR2512 front end intended for low profile, 12-volt (V) distributed power architecture applications, such as high-performance enterprise and service-provider switches and routers, mid- to high-end servers, and storage equipment.

Packaged in a small, 1U-high footprint and measuring 1.65 by 4 by 14.88 inches, the CAR2512 hits an ultra-high power density of 25W per cubic inch. The CAR2512 delivers 208A, supporting 12V bus architectures that power point-of-load (POL) converters. As a standout feature, the CAR2512 can achieve 90% efficiency at just 20% of load, with a peak efficiency of 91.5% – enabling it to surpass today’s application-orientated efficiency standards such as the 80 Plus® Gold Standard.

The small form factor is suitable for space-constrained applications where system real estate is at a premium. Up to four units can be mounted side-by-side to deliver 10,000W of power in just 1U height. Protection features on the rectifier include input over and under voltage, output over voltage, over temperature and over current. In addition, a microprocessor-based design allows for automatic fan speed control, which is ideal for optimizing noise levels of sensitive office-environment applications. This model is also available with full I²C communications, providing intelligent monitoring and control of critical parameters.

"Improving data-center efficiency is a key goal for IT, and Cherokee International has designed the new 12V, 2500 watt CAR2512 front-end with efficiencies up to 91.5% and has placed particular emphasis on light-load conditions where sever applications truly operate," said Mike Wagner, Vice President of Marketing for Cherokee International. "As an example, we’ve improved the power efficiency through the use of patent-pending circuitry and an innovative thermal management approach to allow us to recover almost 80% of the energy normally dissipated on the secondary side as heat."

The CAR2512 is priced at $395 in OEM quantities. Samples and low order quantities are available now.