According to abbreviationfinder, UPS is an uninterruptible power supply or uninterruptible power backup.
Utility
It is a device that connects to the domestic socket, it integrates a special circuitry that allows to feed a set of internal rechargeable batteries while supplying electrical energy to the computer.
In the event of a power outage in the home network supply, the batteries automatically continue to power the computer for a certain period of time, avoiding loss of information. It is important to mention that there are also large UPS capable of simultaneously supplying electrical power to a large number of computers, air conditioners, servers and lamps for blackouts in companies.
General characteristics of the UPS
- It was initially designed to support the work that is being done at the time the blackout occurs, later the ability to allow work to continue for a certain time was added.
- Depending on the model, it allows you to connect from 1 to several computers.
- There are those to continue working on the computer for 15 minutes up to 270 minutes (4.5 hours).
- They are basically for connecting the monitor(computer screen) and the cabinet (CPU).
- They are not designed to connect power-hungry devices such as a printer, laser printer, or plotter.
- Some models include a built-in voltage regulator to prevent power surges from reaching the Computer.
- Optionally it can have a port to communicate with the Computer and control some functions through Software.
- Another option is to have a connector for protection of the telephone line or the modem.
Parts that make up the UPS
Internally it has special circuits and batteries to automatically supply electrical energy to the computer in case of a power failure, externally it has the following parts:
- Button Panel – Controls the digital power-on (“stand by”) and load diagnostic test.
- Indicators: Show if it is operating from ACoutlet power, using backup batteries, and power on.
- Cover: protects the internal electronic elements and gives aesthetics to the “no brake”.
- Air Inlets – Bring fresh air into the UPS, as batteries tend to overheat.
- Power On- Turns the power to the UPS on or off completely.
- RJ11 connectors: supplies stabilized telephone signal.
- RJ45 connectors: supplies stabilized signal for the data network.
- Fan: expels the heat generated internally and prevents wear of electronic elements.
- Plugs with 3 terminals: it allows supplying stabilized electricity to the equipment to be connected.
- Port: is responsible for connecting to the computer and sending information such as charge level, voltage, variations, etc.
- Power cable: supplies the electricity to be regulated from the domestic socket.
UPS connectors and ports
The most important connectors are those intended for the connection of the computer, this connector consists of three legs:
- Phase:is the connector responsible for powering the device.
- Neutral:is responsible for returning the electricity used.
- Earth:it has the function of effectively diverting the current in case of an overload in the electrical line and avoiding damage to the devices.
Specific uses of the UPS
Previously they were used only in large companies that handle critical information, since losing it is extremely expensive, but now it has been integrated into the domestic environment, since prices have decreased, especially so as not to lose user information while working with some office automation application and even in medical hardware, since there are readings that cannot stop with a sick patient. In the case of industrial UPS, they are used in data processing centers, banks, self-service stores, etc.
Types
DC UPS (Active): The loads connected to the UPS require a DC power supply, therefore they will transform the Alternating Current from the commercial network into DC and use it to power the load and store it in their batteries. Therefore they do not require converters between the batteries and the loads.
Alternating current UPS (Passive): These UPS obtain an alternate signal at their output, so they need an inverter to transform the continuous signal that comes from the batteries into an alternate signal.
