Lincoln-based manufacturer VxI Power has introduced a 170W switch-mode power supply that is designed to be used in conjunction with a single backup battery to provide standby power for low-power systems.

Available in two versions offering outputs of either 12V or 24V, the Oracle II-170 is primarily aimed at mission-critical applications such as fire panels, security systems and process-control equipment.

The PSU features a main output for powering the load, together with a second output for charging an external battery.  In the event of a mains failure, the battery supplies power to the load via an internal feed-forward diode.

The power supply incorporates protection against overload, short-circuit, reverse polarity, and over- and under-voltage conditions.  Four LEDs provide visual indication of input fault, charger fault, battery low and battery fault, and a volt-free relay board is available as an optional accessory.

Deep discharge of the backup battery is automatically prevented by circuitry built into the power supply, and the use of temperature sensing and float charging ensures that cells are always at peak capacity.  In addition, the PSU is designed to allow an external TTL signal to reroute charging power to supply the main output during periods of intense use when greater load currents may be required.

As well as carrying EN60950 approval, the new Oracle PSU is CE marked and complies with the EN50081-2 and EN50082-2 standards for electromagnetic emissions and immunity.

The power supply has an operating temperature range of –20 to 70°C, derating by 2.5%/°C above 50°C.  Overall dimensions are specified as 230 x 110 x 59mm, and the unit can be supplied with an optional DIN-rail mounting kit if required.

A detailed datasheet on the Oracle II-170 power supply can be found at the VxI Power website, www.vxipower.com