What are the requirements for ITHD (Input Total Harmonic Distortion) in 80 PLUS® certification?

The 80 PLUS® certification program does not specify pass/fail thresholds for Input Total Harmonic Distortion (ITHD). ITHD is measured across various load conditions and reported in the test data set to assess power quality. The testing methodology follows IEC 62301 for general test conditions and standby power measurements, with harmonic measurements, including ITHD, conducted per IEC 61000-4-7 to ensure accurate and consistent harmonic distortion analysis.

How do we ensure accurate and comprehensive data capture during power supply testing?

We take pride in our rigorous data capture process, ensuring that every aspect of power supply performance is thoroughly monitored. Here’s an overview of how our data collection works, broken down by different measurement types and their corresponding data points:

How are derating factors determined for multi-rail power supplies with subgroup limits?

Reference: Generalized Test Protocol for Calculating the Energy Efficiency of Internal Ac-Dc and Dc-Dc Power Supplies, section 6.1.1 Proportional allocation method for loading multiple and single-output ac- dc and dc-dc power supplies.

For this specific power supply, we have a sub-group current limited factor in the railing system

What should I do if my desktop or server's power requirements exceed these limitations?

If your desktop or server's power requirements exceed the limitations of our test bench, we recommend contacting our support team to discuss alternative testing strategies. In some cases, it may be possible to adjust the test setup or use multiple phases strategically to accommodate higher power requirements. Our team is here to help you find the best solution for your testing needs.

How do these limitations affect my testing for servers?

Understanding these limitations is vital for effectively planning and conducting your server tests. The LISN rating, in particular, restricts the maximum power that can be tested per phase, which may require adjustments to your testing setup or the distribution of power across different phases to stay within the safe operating limits of the test bench and load banks.

Server Test Bench and Load Capabilities

Our Server Test Bench is designed to accommodate a wide range of testing scenarios with an input source capacity of up to 45kVA/45kW. However, it's important to note that there are specific limitations related to the Line Impedance Stabilization Network (LISN) and the total power that can be distributed across the phases during testing.

Input Source Limitation: 
The Server Test Bench can handle an input source of up to 45kVA/45kW, providing robust testing capabilities for a variety of server units.

Do all power supplies fit the same loading criteria?

No, not all power supplies adhere to the same loading criteria. The capability of our load bank setup to test these supplies varies depending on several factors, including the output voltage and current ratings of the unit being tested. It's important to understand that different output voltages can affect both the power and current capabilities of our testing process

To help you understand how the output voltage impacts our testing capabilities, we've provided a table below. This table outlines the power capabilities of our load bank setup at various output voltage levels.

What is the maximum power capacity that our desktop test bench can handle?

Our desktop test bench is equipped to test units with a power capacity upwards to a maximum of about 3kW. This robust capability allows us to support a broad spectrum of desktop units, offering comprehensive testing for a variety of models and specifications to meet diverse testing needs.

Input Line Impedance Stabilization Network (LISN) Rating Limitation:
The LISN is single-phase and is rated for 20A.