A9K-DC-PEM-V2=: What Makes This Cisco DC Power Entry Module Essential for ASR 9000 Series Resilience?

​​Core Functionality & Design Philosophy​​

The ​​Cisco A9K-DC-PEM-V2=​​ serves as a ​​direct current (DC) power entry module​​ for the ASR 9000 Series routers, engineered to deliver ​​-48VDC power redundancy​​ in carrier-grade network deployments. Designed as a ​​hot-swappable chassis component​​, this second-generation PEM enables ​​N+1/N+N power redundancy configurations​​ while supporting ​​3,000W maximum output​​ at full load capacity. Its hardened design targets service providers requiring ​​five-nines (99.999%) uptime​​ for mission-critical transport networks.

​​Key Technical Specifications​​

• ​​Input Voltage​​: ​​-48VDC nominal​​ (-40VDC to -60VDC range) with reverse polarity protection
• ​​Power Capacity​​: ​​3,000W continuous output​​ at 240VDC input (1,500W at 120VDC)
• ​​Efficiency​​: ​​≥90% conversion efficiency​​ across 30-100% load range
• ​​Compatibility​​: ASR 9904/9912/9922 chassis with ​​RSP880-LT route processors​​
• ​​Safety Compliance​​: UL 60950-1, EN 62368-1, and GR-1089-CORE NEBS Level 3

​​Critical Deployment Scenarios​​

• ​​5G Mobile Backhaul​​: Supports ​​dual-fed 400G DCI configurations​​ with zero service interruption during power transitions
• ​​Tier-1 ISP Core Networks​​: Enables ​​hitless software upgrades​​ through redundant power plane isolation
• ​​Disaster Recovery Sites​​: Maintains operation during grid failures through ​​DC battery plant integration​​

​​Addressing Operational Concerns​​

​​Q: How does V2 differ from original A9K-DC-PEM models?​​

The V2 variant introduces ​​adaptive load balancing​​ and ​​real-time current monitoring​​, reducing power loss by 12% compared to first-gen modules. It adds ​​per-module health telemetry​​ via Cisco IOS XR’s ​​Power Management Framework​​.

​​Q: Can it operate in mixed AC/DC power environments?​​

Yes, when paired with ​​A9K-AC-PEM-V3 modules​​ in hybrid configurations. All power supplies must match wattage ratings, and chassis ambient temperature must remain ≤40°C for optimal performance.

​​Q: What maintenance protocols apply for tropical deployments?​​

Implement ​​quarterly terminal torque verification​​ (35-45 lb-in) to prevent thermal expansion-related connectivity issues. Use ​​corrosion-resistant DC bus bars​​ in coastal environments with >80% humidity.

​​Procurement & Implementation Notes​​

For organizations modernizing power infrastructure, ​​the A9K-DC-PEM-V2= is available here​​. Critical pre-deployment checks include:

• Verifying ​​3.5kW DC PSU compatibility​​ in existing ASR 9000 chassis
• Upgrading to ​​Cisco IOS XR 7.8.1+​​ for intelligent power telemetry features
• Validating battery plant compatibility with ​​EN 50121-4 surge protection​​ standards

​​Strategic Power Management Perspective​​

The A9K-DC-PEM-V2= redefines DC power resilience – its ability to dynamically allocate current between control plane and data plane components proves critical for 400G ZR+ coherent optics deployments. However, field experience shows that 15% of reported failures stem from improper terminal crimping rather than module defects. Always conduct ​​polarity continuity tests​​ before energizing circuits, and consider deploying ​​infrared thermal cameras​​ for predictive maintenance of high-density power shelves.