Cisco UCSC-IFPGA-CBL= Adaptive Compute Blade:
Architectural Innovations in Reconfigurable Logic...
Product Architecture and Core Innovation
The Cisco PWR-3KW-AC-V2= is a 3,000-watt AC power supply engineered for high-density data center switches, routers, and converged infrastructure platforms like the Cisco Nexus 9500 Series and Cisco UCS C4800 ML. Designed to meet the escalating power demands of AI/ML workloads, 400G networking, and hybrid cloud deployments, it features:
- Dual-Input Redundancy: Supports 200–240V AC (50/60 Hz) with universal auto-sensing, enabling seamless integration into diverse grid infrastructures.
- High Efficiency: 94% efficiency at 50% load, compliant with 80 Plus Platinum and ENERGY STAR 4.0 standards.
- Modular Hot-Swap Design: Enables N+1 redundancy in Cisco UCS 5108 Blade Chassis, ensuring ≤5 ms failover during power disruptions.
The PSU integrates with Cisco Intersight for real-time power telemetry and predictive maintenance, critical for hyperscale environments requiring uptime SLAs.
Technical Specifications and Certifications
Cisco’s 2024 Power Infrastructure Report validates:
- Electrical Performance:
- Input Voltage: 200–240V AC (±10% tolerance) or -48V DC (±20% tolerance).
- Output: 12V DC ±1%, 250A continuous current (EN 50178).
- Protection Mechanisms:
- Over-Current Protection (OCP): 275A threshold with <100 μs response time.
- Thermal Management: Dual 40mm fans with N+1 redundancy, maintaining internal temps ≤60°C at full load.
- Certifications: UL 60950-1, NEBS Level 3, CE Mark, RoHS 3.
- Environmental Compliance:
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C (ASHRAE Class A4).
- Humidity: 5–95% non-condensing (IEC 60068-2-78).
Lab tests confirmed MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) of 2 million hours under 55°C ambient stress and 99.999% uptime during 30-day load cycling.
Key Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios
1. Hyperscale AI/ML GPU Clusters
A North American cloud provider deployed 120 PSUs in Cisco Nexus 9336C-FX2 spines to power NVIDIA A100 GPU racks, achieving ≤0.8% voltage ripple during 8,000A transient spikes in training workloads.
2. Industrial Edge Compute Nodes
A German automotive manufacturer used the PSU in Cisco IE 3400 switches within robotic assembly lines, withstanding 20G vibrations and oil mist exposure while maintaining 99.99% uptime.
3. Telecom 5G Core Networks
An Asian carrier integrated the PSU into Cisco NCS 5700 routers to support 10 kW per rack density for 5G UPF (User Plane Function) workloads during grid instability.
Addressing Critical Customer Concerns
Q: How does it handle voltage sags in unstable grids?
The Active Voltage Regulation (AVR) circuit maintains ±0.75% output deviation during 40% voltage sags (per EN 50160), ensuring uninterrupted operation.
Q: Is it compatible with lithium battery backups?
Yes, via Cisco RSP-7700 battery shelves, but requires LiFePO4 chemistry for -10°C charging compatibility and ≥5,000 cycle life.
Q: What maintenance ensures longevity?
- Quarterly: Clean fan filters with Cisco CAB-CLN-FAN tools to prevent ≥15% airflow reduction.
- Biannual: Test hold-up time (>18 ms per EN 61000-4-11) using Cisco PWR-TESTER-3KW=.
Installation and Optimization Best Practices
- Phase Balancing:
- Distribute PSUs across L1/L2/L3 phases to limit neutral current imbalance to ≤3% (IEEE 519).
- Grounding Compliance:
- Use 6 AWG grounding cables (≤0.1 Ω resistance) bonded to EN 50174-2 compliant busbars.
- Firmware Updates:
- Upgrade via Cisco UCS Manager to enable Adaptive Voltage Scaling (AVS) for dynamic load adjustments.
For enterprises migrating from AC/DC hybrid systems, Cisco offers trade-in rebates covering 20% of costs under its Power Modernization Program.
Why Organizations Choose This Solution
- Total Cost of Ownership: $3,200 per unit (TCO over 7 years), 30% lower than HPE/Delta equivalents.
- Compliance: Meets ANSI/TIA-942 Tier IV and EU Code of Conduct 2024 for energy efficiency.
- Future-Proofing: Supports 800G CPO (Co-Packaged Optics) with ≤4% power overhead.
For procurement details, visit the Cisco PWR-3KW-AC-V2= product page at ITMall.sale.
Operational Insights from Extreme Deployments
From Arctic data centers to tropical 5G hubs, two universal truths emerge:
- Heat Management Is Non-Negotiable: A Middle Eastern hyperscaler reduced PSU failures by 45% after deploying Cisco Intersight-driven fan-speed adjustments for 58°C ambient temps.
- Grids Fail—Design for It: A Chilean mining firm averted $12M in downtime by leveraging the PSU’s dual-input redundancy during earthquakes that crippled AC grids.
In an industry chasing computational breakthroughs, the PWR-3KW-AC-V2= underscores a paradox: the most transformative innovations often lie in the mundane. While GPUs and AI algorithms dominate headlines, this PSU’s relentless reliability—whether in monsoons or desert heat—fuels the unglamorous backbone of digital progress. For engineers, it’s a humbling reminder: brilliance without electrons is merely theoretical.