Protection Features
Desktop power supply units (PSUs) include several protection features to safeguard both the PSU itself and the connected PC components (motherboard, CPU, GPU, drives, etc.). These protections prevent damage from electrical faults, overloads, or abnormal conditions.
| OCP (Cold @ 27°C) | 12V: 132.4A (132.4%), 12.165V 5V: 35.3A (141.2%), 5.002V 3.3V: 34.6A (138.4%), 3.299V 5VSB: 6.4A (213.33%), 5.004V |
| OCP (Hot @ 38°C) | 12V: 132A (132%), 12.174V 5V: 35.1A (140.4%), 5.001V 3.3V: 34.5A (138%), 3.299V 5VSB: 6.3A (210%), 5.004V |
| OPP (Cold @ 27°C) | 1595.71W (132.98%) |
| OPP (Hot @ 40°C) | 1491.06W (124.25%) |
| OTP | ✓ (135°C @ secondary side) |
| SCP | 12V to Earth: ✓ 5V to Earth: ✓ 3.3V to Earth: ✓ 5VSB to Earth: ✓ -12V to Earth: ✓ |
| PWR_OK | Proper operation |
| NLO | ✓ |
| Fan Failure Protection | ✗ |
| SIP | Surge: MOV Inrush: NTC Thermistor & Bypass relay |
The OCP triggering points are not highly set at 12V, but the difference between high and normal operating temperature is low, just 0.4A. To effectively protect the PSU, OCP triggering points need to be notably lower at high temperatures. The same is the case on the minor rails, which have high OCP triggering points and minimal differences between normal and high operating temperatures.
The over power triggering points are correctly set, with enough difference between normal and hot conditions. The rest of the essential protection features are present and function well, except for fan failure protection, which is not implemented. Manufacturers have to quickly realize that fan failure protection is crucial and start implementing it in their designs.
EMC Pre-Compliance at a Glance
Every electronic device, including PSUs, can be an EMI source, which, depending on the amount of EMI emitted, can affect the proper operation of nearby devices. EMI can, in some extreme cases, even render them unusable. Some standards have been established to minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI) noise. The corresponding standards for IT (Information Technology) products are CISPR 32 and its derivative, EN 55032, which applies to products sold in the EU. In the EU, every product bearing the “CE” marking must comply with the EN 55032 standard. CISPR 32 and EN 55032 standards categorize devices into two classes: A and B. Class B equipment is intended for domestic environments. Hence, its permitted EMI emissions are significantly lower than those of A-class devices.
Our equipment for EMI readings:
- Rohde & Schwarz FPC1500 (loaded with all options)
- Tekbox TBLC08 LISN
- Tekbox TBFL1 transient limiter
- Tekbox EMCview software
| CISPR 32 / EN55032 Limits | ||
| CISRP 32 / EN 55032 Class A Conducted EMI Limit | ||
| Frequency of Emission (MHz) | Conducted Limit (dBuV) | |
| Quasi-peak | Average | |
| 0.15 – 0.50 | 79 | 66 |
| 0.50 – 30.0 | 73 | 60 |
| CISPR 32 / EN 55032 Class B Conducted EMI Limit | ||
| Frequency of Emission (MHz) | Conducted Limit (dBuV) | |
| Quasi-peak | Average | |
| 0.15 – 0.50 | 66 – 56 | 56 – 46 |
| 0.50 – 5.00 | 56 | 46 |
| 5.00 – 30.00 | 60 | 50 |
| CISRP 32 / EN 55032 Class A 10-Meter Radiated EMI Limit | ||
| Frequency of Emission (MHz) | Field Strength Limit (dBuV/m) | |
| 30 – 88 | 39 | |
| 88 – 216 | 43.5 | |
| 216 – 960 | 46.5 | |
| > 960 | 49.5 | |
| CISRP 32 / EN 55032 Class B 3-Meter Radiated EMI Limit | ||
| Frequency of Emission (MHz) | Field Strength Limit (dBuV/m) | |
| 30 – 88 | 40 | |
| 88 – 216 | 43.5 | |
| 216 – 960 | 46.0 | |
| > 960 | 54.0 | |
Please note that the ATX spec allows a 4 dB margin for conducted and radiated emissions. This means that if a PSU exceeds the limits but stays within the 4 dB margin, it meets the corresponding ATX spec requirement (8.1 Emissions).
EMI Results
The PSU’s EMI emissions are under control.
