New Design Parameters for Computer Power Distribution

Changing technology in the design of new computer power supplies has prompted a reexamination of how electrical power is distributed in a computer center. Proper electrical isolation between computer loads is becoming more important in total center design. This paper is a discussion of the electrical characteristics of a total computer power distribution system. Current harmonics generated by newer power supplies cannot be properly handled by traditional power distribution design techniques. Proper transformer selection. wire sizing and grounding is presented to show how to achieve optimum system isolation. Comparative results of common mode noise attenuation for different type transformers are presented. The concept of system isolation is presented showing how different levels of electrical isolation can be required to achieve optimum computer system performance.