Overview
The FSP250-52FGB is a 250 W Flex-ATX power supply with a 24 V DC input. It is designed for industrial PCs (IPCs), workstations, and automation systems that operate on a DC-based power infrastructure.
The unit supports a DC input voltage range of –18 V to –36 V. This makes it suitable for 24 V industrial buses and battery-backed systems commonly used in cabinet-based and DC-native installations.
Key Technical Characteristics
- Form factor: Flex-ATX (1U-style integration)
- Rated output power: 250 W
- Input voltage range: –18 V to –36 V DC
- Input current (typical): –24 V DC @ 18.0 A
- Dimensions: 150 × 81.5 × 40.5 mm
- Cooling: Integrated fan
- MTBF: 100,000 hours at 25 °C, full load (manufacturer specification)
- Operating temperature: Up to 50 °C
- Storage temperature: –20 °C to +80 °C
- Design altitude: Up to 5,000 m (per datasheet)
DC Input Architecture for 24 V Systems
The FSP250-52FGB is designed specifically for DC input operation. In systems where a 24 V DC distribution network already exists, the PSU can be integrated without an intermediate AC conversion stage.
In DC-based system architectures, this approach may reduce additional conversion steps compared to AC-input supplies. It is commonly relevant in:
- Automation cabinets
- Battery-supported installations
- Mobile or remote systems
- Industrial DC bus environments
System-level validation remains necessary to confirm compatibility with the overall power architecture.
Output Rails and Electrical Characteristics
The PSU provides standard PC output rails:
- +3.3 V
- +5 V
- +12 V
- –12 V
- +5 Vsb
Maximum current ratings and ripple/noise limits are defined in the datasheet. These parameters are particularly relevant when supplying:
- Solid-state drives (SSDs)
- Fieldbus interface cards
- Mixed-signal I/O modules
The datasheet specifies that the combined output of +3.3 V and +5 V must not exceed 80 W. This limit should be considered during load planning, especially in systems using legacy peripherals or backplanes.
Protection Functions
The datasheet lists the following protection mechanisms:
- Over current protection (OCP)
- Over voltage protection (OVP)
- Over temperature protection (OTP)
The TPS product landing page also describes short-circuit protection behavior.
These mechanisms are intended to provide defined shutdown behavior under fault conditions such as overload, thermal stress, or wiring errors. They do not replace system-level protection design or risk assessment.
Mechanical and Integration Aspects
With dimensions of 150 × 81.5 × 40.5 mm, the PSU follows a compact Flex-ATX format. This supports integration into:
- 1U-style IPC chassis
- Space-constrained enclosures
- Control cabinets with limited cable routing space
The datasheet refers to “easy-swap cable management features,” which may support maintenance-oriented system designs. The exact implementation should be evaluated during integration planning.
Reliability and Environmental Specifications
The manufacturer specifies an MTBF of 100,000 hours at 25 °C and full load. This value represents a statistical reliability indicator under defined test conditions and does not constitute a service life guarantee.
Environmental specifications include:
- Operating temperature up to 50 °C
- Storage temperature from –20 °C to +80 °C
- Design altitude up to 5,000 m
These parameters should be considered in thermal design, airflow planning, and potential derating calculations.
Typical Application Areas
- Industrial PCs with 24 V DC supply
- Automation controllers and production-line equipment
- Workstations integrated into DC-based infrastructures
- Battery-backed industrial systems
Final suitability should be verified within the specific application context.
FAQ
Is the FSP250-52FGB an AC-input power supply?
No. It is designed exclusively for DC input within the range of –18 V to –36 V and is not intended for direct mains connection.
What qualifies it as an industrial power supply?
According to the datasheet, it includes defined protection mechanisms, regulated multi-rail outputs, and an MTBF specification intended for continuous operation in industrial environments.
Does it include overload and thermal protection?
Yes. The documented protection functions include OCP, OVP, and OTP. Short-circuit protection behavior is described on the TPS landing page.
How should output loads be dimensioned?
Use the datasheet’s maximum current ratings for each rail and ensure that the combined +3.3 V and +5 V power remains within the specified 80 W limit. Ripple and noise limits should be considered during validation of sensitive subsystems.
Is it suitable for 24/7 operation?
The PSU is specified with an MTBF of 100,000 hours at 25 °C. Suitability for continuous operation should be evaluated as part of the overall system qualification process.
Integration Support
For projects requiring a 250 W Flex-ATX power supply with 24 V DC input, TPS Elektronik offers support in:
- Part selection
- Cable configuration planning
- Integration documentation
Application-specific validation remains the responsibility of the system integrator.
