Cisco AIR PWRADPT Power Adapters Datasheet

In environments where reliable power delivery is paramount for networking infrastructure, understanding the nuances of power adapters is crucial. Cisco offers a range of power solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of their networking portfolio. This document delves into the specifics of two particular power adapters, the AIR-PWRADPT-RGD2 and the AIR-PWRADPT-RGD2U, shedding light on their design, specifications, and key differences. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview valuable for networking professionals and enthusiasts seeking to ensure optimal power delivery for their Cisco equipment. The choice of the right power adapter directly impacts the operational stability and longevity of connected devices, making this a critical aspect of network design and implementation.

Product Overview

The Cisco AIR-PWRADPT series represents a family of external power adapters designed to provide reliable DC power to various Cisco devices, often in scenarios where integrated power solutions are not feasible or additional power is required. These adapters play a vital role in ensuring consistent and stable power delivery, which is essential for the continuous operation of networking equipment such as access points, switches, and other devices. The focus of this overview is on the AIR-PWRADPT-RGD2 and AIR-PWRADPT-RGD2U models, which are specifically tailored for certain applications or geographical regions due to their differing AC input connectors. Understanding the intended use and limitations of each model is key to selecting the appropriate power solution for a given deployment scenario.

The core function of these adapters is to convert standard AC utility power into the required DC voltage and current for the connected Cisco device. This conversion process needs to be efficient and reliable to minimize power loss and ensure the safe operation of the equipment. While the fundamental power conversion technology is similar between the RGD2 and RGD2U models, their external configurations diverge to accommodate different power outlet types and installation practices. This distinction highlights Cisco’s attention to regional power standards and user-specific wiring requirements, offering flexibility in deploying their networking hardware in various locations and environments.

Product Definition and Technology

The Cisco AIR-PWRADPT-RGD2 and AIR-PWRADPT-RGD2U are external AC-to-DC power adapters. Their primary function is to receive alternating current (AC) from a power source and convert it into direct current (DC) at a specific voltage and current suitable for compatible Cisco networking devices. These adapters are designed for specific power requirements, ensuring that the connected equipment receives a stable and clean power feed necessary for optimal performance and reliable operation. The internal circuitry of these adapters incorporates power conversion components, filtering, and regulation to achieve the desired DC output characteristics. This ensures that fluctuations in the AC input do not negatively impact the connected device.

The technology employed in these adapters is standard for switched-mode power supplies (SMPS), which are highly efficient at converting power with minimal energy loss. SMPS technology allows for compact and lightweight designs while delivering robust power output. Key components within the adapter include rectifiers, filters, switching transistors, and control circuitry that regulate the output voltage and current. The efficiency of the conversion process is a critical factor, as it impacts both power consumption and heat dissipation. High-efficiency adapters like the AIR-PWRADPT series contribute to reduced energy costs and improve the reliability of the overall system by minimizing thermal stress on the adapter and the connected device.

Furthermore, these adapters are designed to meet various safety and regulatory standards, ensuring their safe operation in a wide range of environments. This includes protection against overvoltage, overcurrent, and short circuits, which are essential features for preventing damage to both the adapter and the connected Cisco equipment. The design also considers electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) to minimize interference with other electronic devices. The robust nature of these adapters makes them suitable for deployment in various settings, from office environments to more demanding industrial or outdoor locations, depending on the specific model and the environmental ratings of the connected Cisco device they are powering.

Product Model Comparison

As highlighted in the product summary provided by Cisco, the primary difference between the AIR-PWRADPT-RGD2 and the AIR-PWRADPT-RGD2U lies in their AC power entry mechanism. The RGD2 features a “pig tail,” which is essentially a set of wires intended for hardwiring the adapter directly to an AC power source. This configuration is often preferred in industrial settings, outdoor enclosures, or installations where a standard plug is not suitable or where the power connection needs to be integrated into a more complex wiring system. The wired connection provides a secure and often more robust power link, reducing the risk of accidental disconnection.

In contrast, the AIR-PWRADPT-RGD2U comes equipped with a NEMA 5-15P plug assembly. This is the standard three-prong grounded plug used in North America for most household and office electrical outlets. The RGD2U is designed for convenience and ease of deployment in environments where standard power receptacles are available. This plug-and-play approach simplifies installation and allows for quick deployment of Cisco devices. The choice between the two models is dictated by the available power infrastructure at the installation site and the specific wiring requirements of the deployment scenario.

Beyond the AC input, it is important to note that, as stated in the provided document, these are “essentially the same power adapters with different connectors.” This suggests that their core internal power conversion circuitry and output specifications are identical or very similar. Therefore, the decision between the RGD2 and RGD2U is primarily a matter of how the adapter will be connected to the AC power source, rather than a difference in their power delivery capabilities to the connected Cisco device. Both models are designed to provide the necessary DC output to power compatible Cisco equipment effectively.

Product Technical Specifications

Understanding the technical specifications of the AIR-PWRADPT-RGD2 and AIR-PWRADPT-RGD2U is crucial for ensuring compatibility with the target Cisco device and the power source. While the provided document indicates that the core specifications are largely the same despite the different AC connectors, outlining these parameters is essential for proper system design and deployment. These specifications define the electrical characteristics of the adapter, its physical attributes, and potentially its environmental operating limits. Adhering to these specifications is necessary to guarantee the safe and reliable operation of both the power adapter and the connected Cisco equipment.

Key technical parameters typically include the AC input voltage range, input frequency, output DC voltage, output DC current, power output capacity (wattage), efficiency, operating temperature range, storage temperature range, humidity tolerance, and physical dimensions. These specifications provide a detailed picture of the adapter’s operating envelope and its capabilities. For example, a wide AC input voltage range allows the adapter to be used in regions with varying power standards, while a specific output voltage and current are necessary to match the power requirements of the connected Cisco device. The power output capacity (wattage) indicates the maximum amount of power the adapter can reliably deliver.

Furthermore, environmental specifications such as operating and storage temperature ranges, as well as humidity tolerance, are important considerations when deploying these adapters in various locations. Cisco designs its equipment, including power adapters, to operate reliably within specified environmental limits. Exceeding these limits can lead to performance degradation, premature failure, or even safety hazards. Therefore, careful consideration of the deployment environment in relation to the adapter’s specifications is essential. The physical dimensions and weight are also relevant for installation planning, especially in space-constrained environments.

Hardware Architecture and Parameters

The hardware architecture of the AIR-PWRADPT-RGD2 and AIR-PWRADPT-RGD2U revolves around a switched-mode power supply (SMPS) design. This architecture is chosen for its high efficiency, compact size, and ability to provide regulated output voltage under varying load conditions. The fundamental components of the SMPS include an input rectifier and filter to convert incoming AC to pulsating DC, a switching element (typically a transistor) that rapidly switches the DC on and off, a transformer to step down the voltage, an output rectifier and filter to convert the switched DC back to smooth DC, and a control circuit that monitors the output voltage and adjusts the switching frequency or duty cycle to maintain regulation.

The specific parameters associated with this hardware architecture are critical for its performance. While the explicit list of all parameters is not fully detailed in the provided snippet, we can infer some key aspects based on the context of power adapters for networking equipment. The AC input parameters, such as voltage range and frequency, define the types of power sources the adapter can accept. For typical IT equipment, a wide-range input (e.g., 100-240V AC) is common to support global deployments. The output DC voltage and maximum current are specified to match the power requirements of the compatible Cisco devices. These values are critical and must align with the device’s power input specifications to avoid damage.

Other important hardware parameters include efficiency, often expressed as a percentage, which indicates how effectively the adapter converts input power to usable output power. Higher efficiency means less energy is wasted as heat, leading to lower operating costs and potentially a longer lifespan for the adapter. The power factor, which measures how effectively the adapter uses the input AC power, is also a relevant parameter, particularly in larger installations. Protection mechanisms, such as overvoltage protection (OVP), overcurrent protection (OCP), and short circuit protection (SCP), are built into the hardware to safe guard the connected equipment and the adapter itself from electrical faults. Transient voltage suppression (TVS) may also be included to protect against power surges.

While the specific values for output voltage, current, power, and environmental ranges are not provided in the snippet, they are critical aspects of the hardware architecture. These values are determined by the power requirements of the Cisco devices these adapters are intended to support. For instance, if the adapter is designed to power a device that requires 48V DC at 0.5A, the output specifications would be tailored accordingly, providing a power output of 24 watts (48V * 0.5A). The gross weight and shipping dimensions are physical characteristics that are important for logistics and installation planning but do not directly relate to the electrical performance of the adapter.

Software Architecture and Management

Power adapters like the Cisco AIR-PWRADPT-RGD2 and AIR-PWRADPT-RGD2U are fundamentally hardware devices with no embedded software that would require separate management or configuration. Their operation is governed solely by the principles of electrical engineering and the fixed circuitry within the adapter. There is no operating system, management platform, or user interface associated with these power adapters themselves. Their function is purely to convert AC input power to DC output power according to their designed specifications.

Therefore, there is no software architecture to elaborate on for these specific products. They do not run Cisco IOS, NX-OS, ACI, or any other network operating system or management software. Any “management” related to these power adapters is handled indirectly through the management interface of the Cisco device they are powering. The connected Cisco device might report information about its power status, potentially indicating whether an external power source is connected and the power drawn by the device, but this reporting is a function of the device itself, not the adapter.

The simplicity of the power adapter’s architecture contributes to its reliability. With no software to manage or update, the potential for software-related issues is eliminated. This makes them robust and dependable components within a network infrastructure. While there are no software components in the adapter, ensuring that the connected Cisco device is running compatible software that correctly utilizes the provided power is important for overall system stability and functionality. Any interaction or configuration related to power management within the network is performed on the powered device itself, not on the power adapter.

Ordering Information

For those looking to procure the Cisco AIR-PWRADPT-RGD2 or AIR-PWRADPT-RGD2U power adapters, specific product IDs are used for ordering purposes. These product IDs are unique identifiers within Cisco’s ordering system and ensure that customers receive the correct model with the desired AC power entry. Ordering the correct adapter is essential for ensuring compatibility with the existing power infrastructure and the Cisco device that requires external power.

The ordering information typically includes the product ID and a corresponding description that clearly indicates the model and any relevant characteristics, such as the type of AC connector. For example, the description for the AIR-PWRADPT-RGD2U would explicitly mention the NEMA 5-15P plug, while the description for the AIR-PWRADPT-RGD2 would note the “pig tail” wiring configuration. These descriptions help customers verify that they are selecting the appropriate adapter for their specific needs.

To purchase these or other Cisco networking products, including a wide range of routers, switches, access points, and firewalls, customers are encouraged to visit authorized Cisco partners or distributors. For potential global discount offers on Cisco equipment, including these power adapters when available, you can explore options from reputable online marketplaces. For example, you can consider checking https://www.itmall.sale for potential availability and pricing.

When placing an order, it is always advisable to confirm the compatibility of the power adapter with the specific Cisco device you intend to power. While these adapters are designed for use with certain Cisco equipment, verifying the power requirements of your device against the adapter’s output specifications is a critical step in the ordering process. Consulting the documentation for both the Cisco device and the power adapter is recommended to ensure a perfect match and reliable operation.