In any store selling computer equipment, on the windows you can see uninterruptible power supplies for the computer. Just a decade ago, such devices were considered the prerogative of serious server and scientific systems.
Uninterrupted power supply for the computer was present only in portable models - laptops. But the instructions will not find him. The reason is simple - different names of the same electrical solution are used.
One of the differences between a stationary personal computer and a laptop is that the latter has the ability to work for a certain time without being connected to an external power supply — from the built-in battery pack. Actually, this explains his portability. But computers in this regard are completely dependent on the presence of voltage in the outlet. Even a short-term violation of its submission leads to a reboot and loss of all unsaved work results. Operations such as flashing a new version of the system BIOS, burning a CD, working with hard drive partitions require uninterrupted power supply to the system. Violation of this condition is unacceptable.
The solution was found ...
The solution, nevertheless, existed - an uninterruptible power supply for the computer, however, as mentioned above, this device was not implemented through the distribution network, but was available only to some. The reason is the high cost (the battery production technology is imperfect, the capacity is impressive, the power of computing systems is huge). Over time, these restrictions were overcome, and the market began to offer uninterruptible power supply for the computer. In fact, this is the same battery pack that is installed in laptops, only external. If the mains voltage disappears, the controller circuit automatically switches to
battery power. Switching is so fast that no reboot occurs. Theoretically,
an uninterruptible power supply for a computer can provide unlimited system uptime.
Types of Uninterruptible
As always happens, over time, a simple idea has “grown” with many nuances, therefore, in order to choose an uninterruptible power supply for a computer, you need to get acquainted with the main varieties.
The simplest 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 activates the internal battery with an inverter.
More expensive Line-Interactive devices are the same OffLine with the additional function of a voltage regulator. That is, before switching to the battery, an attempt is made to reduce / increase the incoming voltage to 220.
The most technologically advanced solution is OnLine devices. Their internal circuitry first converts the incoming 220 V variables into direct voltage, which is then inverted again into alternating voltage. Moreover, at each stage, automatic control of the parameters based on feedback is used. This solution provides the highest stability of power supply and more rational use of battery resources (when switching to it).