The Full Range Input is a function that can work by itself or in parallel with the Active PFC function.  When paired with Active PFC, both work closely within the power supply to achieve higher efficiency ratings and create a smarter power supply.  The Full Range Input’s main focus is to transcribe AC power from any region to DC power that is required, making an easier transition for the power supply to swap powers for your server or computer.  The Full Range Input works by taking all of the power that is sourced from your power factory (AC Power) into the power supply.  Having the Full Range Input also creates a longer lifespan for the power supply and it avoids damage from accidental wrong inputs of voltage.  Providing flexible power for all different types of form factors, this function helps the power supply to maintain safety and flexibility which meets the demands of an ever-changing world.

Active Power Factor Correction (Active PFC) provides a more efficient power frequency while correcting and adjusting to the require Amps needed to run hardware.  Theoretically with Active PFC a power supply can generate a power factor of 99% and with those ratings it can produces more efficiency.  Active PFC also automatically corrects for AC input voltage, and is capable of a full range of input voltage. Since Active PFC is the more complex method of Power Factor Correction it is generally considered a power electronic system that controls the amount of power drawn by a load in order to obtain a power factor as close as possible to the original wave length. In power supplies, the active PFC regulates the input current of the load so that the current waveform is proportional to the main voltage waveform. The purpose of making the power factor as close to possible is to make the load circuitry appear purely resistive.  In this case, the voltage and current are in phase and the reactive power consumption is zero.  In essence the Active PFC is a monitor that regulates the power coming from the power factory to your power supply.  The Active PFC distributes the flow of energy that is being sent from the power factory and only sends what is needed towards the hardware in use.  This in turn is the reason why Active PFC is considered efficient where it puts the necessary power where it needs to be.

RoHS is the acronym for Restriction of Hazardous Substances. RoHS, also known as Directive 2002/95/EC, originated in the European Union and restricts the use of specific hazardous materials found in electrical and electronic products. All applicable products in the EU market after July 1, 2006 must pass RoHS compliance.

The substances banned under RoHS are lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), hexavalent chromium (CrVI), polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE).

Any business that sells applicable electronic products, sub-assemblies or components directly to EU countries, or sells to resellers, distributors or integrators that in turn sell products to EU countries, is impacted if they utilize any of the restricted materials.

EMI or Electromagnetic Interference is defined by the IEC as a “Degradation of the performance of an equipment, transmission channel or system caused by an electromagnetic disturbance.”  For an FCC Class B Certification which is an EMI Certification the device must comply with Part 15 of FCC Rules.  To obtain certification the device must not cause harmful radio or transmission interference and must accept any interference received.

Established in 1894, UL was created in order to promote safety and assurance in products released in the United States and now UL certification has over 1,000 standards for Safety.  Their methodology of testing is a necessary measure for public safety and confidence, reducing cost, improving quality, and marketing products and services.  Millions of products including power supplies and their components go through UL’s rigorous safety standards and can only be acquired by passing their safety standards so that consumers can live in a safer environment.