UCSB-NVMEM6-M1920= Technical Analysis: Cisco\
Core Architecture & Storage Protocol Optimization T...
Technical Profile of the HCI-PSU-6536-AC=
The HCI-PSU-6536-AC= is a 650W AC power supply unit designed for Cisco HyperFlex HX220c/M6 nodes and UCS C480 M5/M6 servers, as inferred from Cisco’s UCS chassis design documentation. This hot-swappable module supports 200-240V AC input with 94% efficiency under typical loads, meeting Climate Savers Gold standards for energy-conscious data centers. Key specifications include:
- Output Voltage: 12VDC with ±5% voltage tolerance
- Redundancy: Supports N+1 or N+N configurations in Cisco UCS 5108 chassis
- MTBF: 100,000 hours at 25°C ambient temperature
- Form Factor: 1U height, compatible with HyperFlex HX220c and UCS C-Series blade systems
HyperFlex-Specific Power Management Features
Dynamic Load Balancing
The HCI-PSU-6536-AC= employs adaptive current sharing to prevent single-point overloads:
- Priority Power Allocation: Prioritizes power to compute nodes over storage modules during brownouts
- Inrush Current Limiting: Caps peak current at 35A during cold starts to protect upstream circuits
Integrated Environmental Monitoring
- Smart Thermal Management: Adjusts fan speeds based on real-time chassis temperature (range: -20°C to 85°C)
- Predictive Failure Analysis: Monitors capacitor health via Cisco Intersight, triggering alerts when ESR exceeds 20% threshold
Addressing Critical User Concerns
“Is it backward-compatible with UCS M4 chassis?”
No. The HCI-PSU-6536-AC= requires:
- Cisco UCS Manager 4.2+ for firmware-level power sequencing
- UCS 5108 Gen 2 backplane with 12V DC bus architecture
“How does it compare to HCI-PSU-3200-AC= (3200W model)?”
| Metric | HCI-PSU-6536-AC= | HCI-PSU-3200-AC= |
|---|---|---|
| Output Power | 650W | 3200W |
| Redundancy Support | N+1/N+N | Grid Redundant Only |
| Ideal Workload | Edge HCI Nodes | Core Compute Racks |
| Power Efficiency | 94% | 92% |
“What cooling requirements apply?”
- Minimum Airflow: 200 LFM (Linear Feet per Minute) for stable operation at 40°C ambient
- Derating Curve: Output reduces by 2.5% per °C above 45°C
Procurement and Deployment Guidance
For enterprises requiring guaranteed compatibility, HCI-PSU-6536-AC= remains available through certified channels like itmall.sale. Ensure suppliers provide:
- Cisco Serviceable Component Tag (SCT) for firmware validation
- Chassis Slot Compatibility Matrix to prevent mechanical conflicts
Final Perspective
The HCI-PSU-6536-AC= exemplifies Cisco’s strategy of modular power scalability in hyper-converged environments. While its 650W rating seems modest compared to 3200W counterparts, the unit’s 94% efficiency makes it ideal for edge deployments where energy costs outweigh raw power demands. However, operators must rigorously validate airflow patterns – improper venting in compact HyperFlex Edge nodes often leads to cascading thermal throttling during peak workloads. Always cross-reference power budgets using Cisco’s UCS Power Calculator before deployment, as underestimating GPU-accelerated node requirements frequently results in unexpected capacity bottlenecks.