What is an uninterruptible power supply for a computer?

In any store that sells computationalequipment, on the windows you can see the sources of uninterruptible power for the computer. Only a dozen years ago, such devices were considered the prerogative of serious server and scientific systems.

Uninterruptible power supply for computerwas present only in portable models - laptops. But it will not be possible to find it in the instructions. The reason is banal - different names for the same electrical solution are used.

One of the differences between stationary personalcomputer from the laptop is that the latter has the ability to work for a certain time without having to connect to an external power network - from the built-in battery pack. Actually, this is precisely what explains its portability. But computers in this respect are completely dependent on the presence of voltage in the outlet. Even a momentary violation of its submission leads to a reboot and the loss of all unsaved work results. Such operations as flashing the new version of the system BIOS, burning a CD, working with hard drive partitions require the uninterrupted supply of the system with electricity. Violation of this condition is unacceptable.

The output is found ...

The solution, nevertheless, existed - the sourceuninterruptible power supply for the computer, however, as mentioned above, this device was not implemented through the sales network, but was available only to some. The reason is high cost (the technology of battery production is imperfect, the capacity is impressive, the computing power is enormous). Over time, these restrictions were overcome, and the market began to offer an uninterruptible power supply for the computer. In fact, it is the same battery pack that is installed in laptops, only external. When the voltage in the network disappears, the controller circuitry automatically switches to battery power. Switching occurs so quickly that the reboot does not happen. Theoretically, an uninterruptible power supply for a computer can provide unlimited system operation time.

Types of uninterruptible power supplies

As always, the simple idea "overgrown" with a lot of nuances over time, therefore, in order to choose an uninterruptible power supply for the computer, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the main varieties.

The most simple solution is OffLine devices.The principle of operation is extremely simple: when the voltage drops below a certain level, the internal circuit disconnects the external 220 V line and uses the internal battery with the inverter.

More expensive Line-Interactive devicesrepresent the same OffLine with an additional function of the voltage regulator. That is, before switching to the battery, an attempt is made to reduce / increase the incoming voltage to 220.

The most technological solution is OnLinedevice. Their internal circuit first converts the incoming 220 volts into a constant voltage, which is then inverted again into an alternating voltage. In this case, automatic control of parameters based on feedback is used at each stage. This solution provides the highest stability of power supply and more rational use of battery resources (when switching to it).