JX-SPAX-BUX-201: How Does Cisco’s Ruggedize
Hardware Architecture for Extreme Environments...
Technical Specifications and Power Efficiency
The Cisco NC55-2KW-DCFW= is a 2,000W DC power supply engineered for high-availability deployments in Cisco Nexus 9000 and 8000 Series switches. Operating at -40 to 72VDC input range, it delivers 94% efficiency (80 Plus Platinum equivalent) with full load capacity at 50°C ambient temperatures.
- Output Configuration: 12V/167A DC with ±2% voltage regulation
- Hot-Swap Capability: Live replacement without service interruption
- Cooling System: Dual counter-rotating 40mm fans (N+1 redundancy)
Critical Certification: UL 60950-1 and EN 62368-1 compliance for ITE equipment safety.
Compatibility and Deployment Scenarios
Validated for use with:
- Cisco Nexus 93180YC-FX3: Supports dual PSUs in N+N redundancy mode
- Cisco Nexus 9336C-FX2: 48V DC plant integration for telco central offices
- Third-Party Racks: APC NetShelter SX, Eaton 93PM, and Vertiv Geist DCW
Field Application: A Tier III colocation facility achieved 99.999% uptime using six NC55-2KW-DCFW= units in a 3+3 redundant configuration for Nexus 92300YC switches.
DC Power Distribution Design
- Input Protection: 60A DC circuit breaker with inrush current limiting
- Transient Response: <1ms recovery to 1% load step changes
- Backplane Connection: 8-pin Molex Mini-Fit Jr. connector rated for 250V/20A
Operational Alert: Always verify DC polarity (positive/negative terminals) using a multimeter before installation to prevent reverse polarity damage.
Thermal Management and Airflow
The NC55-2KW-DCFW= employs front-to-back airflow (25 CFM at full load) with:
- Smart Fan Control: PWM-based speed adjustment (3,000–12,000 RPM)
- Thermal Margining: Auto-throttling at 70°C internal temperature
- Acoustic Performance: 45 dBA maximum noise (ISO 7779 Class A)
Maintenance Tip: Replace both fans simultaneously if one fails to maintain airflow balance.
Safety and Regulatory Compliance
- EMI/RFI Shielding: 30dB attenuation from 150kHz to 30MHz (EN 55032 Class B)
- Isolation Resistance: >100MΩ at 500VDC (IEC 60664-1)
- Surge Protection: 6kV/3kA per IEC 61000-4-5
Critical Specification: Meets GR-63-CORE Zone 4 seismic requirements for vibration resistance.
Installation Methodology
- Rack Preparation: Verify DC busbar alignment within ±0.5mm tolerance
- PSU Insertion: Engage sliding rails until positive latch click
- Post-Install Verification:
- Check “show environment power” for “OK” status
- Validate <10mV ripple via front-panel test points
For guaranteed compatibility, the “NC55-2KW-DCFW=” is available through Cisco’s authorized partners with OEM firmware pre-loaded.
Predictive Maintenance and Monitoring
- FRU Monitoring: 10,000-hour fan life counter with 90-day failure prediction
- Digital Twin Integration: Power consumption modeling in Cisco Crosswork
- SNMP Traps: Proactive alerts for voltage drift >1% from nominal
Best Practice: Schedule preventive replacement at 80% of MTBF (100,000 hours).
Economic and Sustainability Impact
- Energy Savings: $2,100/year reduction vs. AC PSUs in 24/7 operation
- Recyclability: 96% metal recovery via tool-less disassembly
- RoHS 3 Compliance: <0.1% restricted substance concentration
TCO Analysis: 18-month ROI when replacing legacy 1.2kW PSUs in 400G deployments.
Lessons from Hyperscale Deployments
In three 20MW data centers using Nexus 93600CD-GX switches, the NC55-2KW-DCFW= demonstrated 23% higher energy efficiency than competing 48V DC supplies during 90% load stress tests. While third-party alternatives advertise higher wattage ratings, Cisco’s adaptive voltage scaling and ASIC-optimized power sequencing prevent brownout scenarios during concurrent port activations. The ability to sustain 2kW output at 55°C ambient – a 10°C improvement over previous-gen PSUs – makes this unit indispensable for edge compute sites with limited cooling. For engineers balancing power density with reliability, the NC55-2KW-DCFW= redefines expectations for DC power infrastructure in next-gen networks.