Key Takeaways
- The FSP500-50AAC is a 500 W switching power supply designed to the ATX12V v1.4 and EPS12V v2.92 standards for industrial PCs, workstations, communication servers, and automation systems.
- An active PFC circuit and ErP 2013–compliant design support efficient operation in continuous-use environments, with a typical efficiency profile of approximately 82 % / 85 % / 82 % at light, nominal, and full load.
- A wide AC input range of 90–265 Vac and multiple output rails (+3.3 V, +5 V, +12 V, −12 V, +5Vsb) provide stable power for both modern and legacy system components.
- Integrated protection functions include overvoltage protection, overcurrent protection, short-circuit protection, and a monitored Power Good signal, implemented in a fan-cooled enclosure designed for industrial operating conditions.
Industrial PCs, servers, and communication systems require more than nominal output power alone. They depend on power platforms that remain stable, efficient, and thermally controlled under continuous load. The FSP500-50AAC was developed for such environments, combining a 500 W AC/DC topology with ATX compatibility and protection features commonly required in industrial applications.
Industrial-grade ATX power for IPCs and servers
According to the TPS Elektronik product information, the FSP500-50AAC is a 500 W ATX power supply intended for use in industrial PCs, workstations, servers, and automation controllers. It reaches a peak efficiency of up to 85 % at 50 % load and integrates multiple protection mechanisms, including OCP, OVP, OTP, and SCP, with a resettable shutdown behavior.
The power supply uses a 120 mm cooling fan and long-life components to achieve a specified MTBF of approximately 100,000 hours at 25 °C, based on standard reliability calculation methods.
Compliance with ATX12V and EPS12V specifications allows the unit to be installed in standard PC and industrial enclosures, while still supporting the higher +12 V current demands of modern CPUs, graphics cards, and expansion hardware.
Wide input range, efficiency, and ErP 2013 compliance
The FSP500-50AAC operates across a wide AC input range of 90–265 Vac and automatically adapts to common mains voltages without a manual selector. This supports deployment in regions with different grid standards or variable supply conditions.
Efficiency is specified at approximately 82 % at 20 % load, 85 % at 50 % load, and 82 % at full load, aligning with typical 80 PLUS Bronze–class performance. Higher efficiency contributes to reduced internal heat dissipation and lower operating losses in continuously powered systems.
Standby efficiency is addressed through an optimized +5Vsb stage and active PFC design. The power supply is specified as ErP 2013 compliant (Lot 6), supporting reduced standby power consumption when the main rails are inactive.
Multi-output rails with low ripple and protection functions
On the DC side, the FSP500-50AAC provides a standard ATX rail configuration with +3.3 V, +5 V, +12 V, −12 V, and +5Vsb outputs. The +3.3 V and +5 V rails are each rated up to 20 A, while the +12 V rail supports up to 41.66 A, with a combined +3.3 V and +5 V power limit of 100 W. This allocation supports high-current +12 V loads alongside lower-voltage legacy peripherals.
Ripple and noise are specified at typical values of up to 50 mVpp on the +3.3 V, +5 V, and +5Vsb rails, and up to 120 mVpp on the +12 V and −12 V rails, measured under standard test conditions. Stable output characteristics support reliable operation of sensitive components such as storage devices, communication interfaces, and embedded controllers.
Protection features include overvoltage protection on the main positive rails, short-circuit protection on all outputs, and overcurrent protection with rail-specific thresholds. In the event of a critical fault, the power supply enters a latched shutdown state and can be reset by cycling the AC input.
A monitored Power Good (PWR_OK) signal ensures system startup only occurs once output voltages are within specified limits and provides defined timing behavior during power-up and power-loss events.
120 mm fan-cooled design and acoustics
Thermal management is implemented using a 120 mm fan-cooled design. The fan draws air through the enclosure and across internal heatsinks to support heat dissipation under load. Acoustic performance is specified at below 27 dB under typical operating conditions, increasing to below 45 dB at full load, a range commonly acceptable for industrial cabinets and office-adjacent installations.
Environmental performance, reliability, and certification
The specified operating temperature range is 0 °C to 40 °C, with storage temperatures from −20 °C to +70 °C. Operating humidity is specified from 5 % to 95 % non-condensing. Random vibration testing up to 3.13 g RMS supports use in industrial rack and cabinet installations.
Reliability data based on MIL-HDBK-217 calculations indicate an MTBF of approximately 100,000 hours at 25 °C and full load, supporting continuous operation scenarios such as servers, communication infrastructure, and industrial control systems.
From a compliance perspective, the FSP500-50AAC meets applicable EMI and safety standards, including EN/IEC 62368, and carries approvals such as CB, CE, TÜV, UL/cUL, and FCC. Integrated EMI filtering and active PFC contribute to compliance with conducted and radiated emission limits.
Typical applications and integration considerations
- Industrial PCs and workstations: The high-current +12 V rail and controlled ripple levels support CPUs, GPUs, and multiple storage devices in compute-intensive systems.
- Communication and network equipment: Stable output voltages and protection features support routers, gateways, and communication servers designed for continuous operation.
- Automation and control systems: SCADA, PLC, and industrial controller platforms can benefit from the power supply’s efficiency characteristics and thermal behavior in enclosed cabinets.
- Legacy system upgrades: Standard ATX connectors and the full rail set allow replacement of older power supplies in existing platforms while maintaining compatibility.
Conclusion
The FSP500-50AAC combines efficient AC/DC conversion, comprehensive protection functions, and an industrial-oriented reliability profile within a standard ATX form factor. With its active PFC design, wide 90–265 Vac input range, ErP 2013 compliance, and international safety and EMC approvals, it is designed to support demanding industrial PCs, servers, communication systems, and automation applications where long-term stability and compatibility are required.
