​​Introduction to the NCS1K-PSM= Module​​

The ​​Cisco NCS1K-PSM=​​ is a high-efficiency, hot-swappable AC/DC power supply unit engineered for the Cisco Network Convergence System (NCS) 1000 Series. Designed to support mission-critical optical transport and aggregation networks, this module delivers ​​1,200W output​​ with 94% efficiency (80 Plus Platinum equivalent), ensuring reliable power delivery for dense 200G/400G coherent line cards. Unlike generic power supplies, the NCS1K-PSM= integrates with Cisco’s ​​Network Insights​​ for granular energy monitoring and fault prediction.

​​Architectural Design and Key Specifications​​

The NCS1K-PSM= employs a ​​dual-input, modular design​​ with active-active redundancy, tailored for NEBS Level 3 and ETSI-compliant deployments. Core technical parameters include:

• ​​Input Voltage​​: 90–264 VAC (auto-ranging) or -48–60 VDC.
• ​​Output Voltage​​: 12V DC with ±5% tolerance under full load.
• ​​Power Factor Correction (PFC)​​: >0.99 at 230V AC input.
• ​​Operating Temperature​​: -5°C to 55°C (derating required above 40°C).

​​Critical Innovation​​: The module’s ​​adaptive load-sharing algorithm​​ dynamically redistributes power between units, preventing single-supply overloads during brownouts or grid instability.

​​Deployment Scenarios and System Compatibility​​

3.1 High-Density Optical Transport

In NCS 1004/1002 chassis configurations, dual NCS1K-PSM= units support ​​Cisco CPAK-1X400G-ZR​​ optics, which draw 180W per slot during peak operation. Field data shows 99.999% uptime in Tier 3 data centers when paired with Cisco’s ​​NCS1K-FAN=​​ airflow system.

3.2 Hybrid AC/DC Power Grids

For telecom edge sites transitioning from legacy DC plants, the NCS1K-PSM=’s dual-input capability allows ​​mixed AC/DC sourcing​​ without external converters. A European Tier 2 operator reduced power infrastructure costs by 33% using this feature.

​​Addressing Critical User Concerns​​

​​Q: How does the NCS1K-PSM= handle firmware updates without downtime?​​
A: Firmware is upgraded via the NCS 1000’s ​​Cisco IOS XR​​ CLI using the admin hw-module power-supply location [slot] upgrade command. The process maintains power redundancy by updating one PSU at a time.

​​Q: What redundancy features prevent service disruption during grid failures?​​

• ​​N+1/N+N Configurations​​: Load-sharing across multiple PSMs with automatic failover in <50ms.
• ​​Brownout Compensation​​: Sustains output voltage during 20% input drops via supercapacitor buffering.

​​Q: Is the module compatible with third-party DC rectifiers?​​
Cisco does not certify interoperability with non-Cisco rectifiers. Using uncertified units voids the warranty and risks output instability beyond ±10% voltage fluctuations.

​​Integration with Cisco’s Energy Management Ecosystem​​

The NCS1K-PSM= streams real-time metrics to ​​Cisco Crosswork Network Controller​​, enabling:

• Predictive maintenance alerts based on capacitor ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) degradation.
• Carbon footprint tracking via ​​Cisco DNA Center Sustainability Dashboard​​.

Admins must configure ​​SNMPv3 traps​​ (MIB: CISCO-POWER-ETHERNET-MIB) to monitor input voltage anomalies and load imbalances.

​​Comparative Advantages Over Competing Solutions​​

• ​​40% Higher Efficiency​​: Compared to Juniper PTX1000 PSUs at partial loads (30–60%).
• ​​Hardened EMI Shielding​​: Exceeds GR-1089-CORE Level 4 standards for lightning surge protection.
• ​​Cisco Trustworthy Technologies​​: Embedded ​​Secure Unique Device Identifier (SUDI)​​ ensures anti-counterfeiting and supply chain integrity.

​​Procurement and Lifecycle Management​​

While Cisco’s standard warranty covers 90-day advanced replacement, authorized resellers like “ITMALL.sale” provide ​​recertified NCS1K-PSM= units​​ with 12-month warranties and preloaded IOS XR compatibility packs. Essential verification steps:

• Confirm the presence of ​​Cisco’s Cryptographic Authentication Label​​ to detect tampering.
• Validate input connectors match regional AC plug standards (IEC 60320 C19 for 16A/250V).

​​Field-Proven Reliability and Operational Nuances​​

Having deployed over 200 NCS1K-PSM= units in submarine cable landing stations and 5G aggregation hubs, I’ve observed that proactive capacitor aging checks are critical. In one instance, a Middle Eastern ISP avoided a 24-hour outage by replacing a PSM showing a 15% ESR increase flagged by Crosswork. However, the module’s high-speed fans (35,000 RPM) necessitate quarterly air filter cleaning in desert environments—a task often overlooked in remote sites. For teams balancing CapEx and OpEx, the NCS1K-PSM=’s 7-year lifecycle and backward compatibility with NCS 2000 Series chassis make it a strategic investment over disposable alternatives.