Hey everyone! I'm curious about different types of UPS systems, especially the APC SMX2200 rackmount model. I've researched various UPS types like double-conversion online, line interactive, and standby, as well as output types such as 'pure sine wave' and 'simulated sine wave.' I have two main questions: 1) Since the APC SMX2200 is line interactive and also claims to output 'pure sine wave,' how does it still involve an inverter? Doesn't pure sine wave mean there's no simulated sine wave? How does the system produce a pure sine wave while on battery? I've noticed that even some double-conversion units are marketed as pure sine wave, which raises more questions. 2) I've heard this UPS has a 'green mode' that affects whether the inverter stays on. If I turn off this green mode, does it mean the inverter will always be active, effectively turning it into a double-conversion UPS? I appreciate any insights you can share!
2 Answers
If you haven’t bought it yet, I’d recommend checking out Eaton UPS models instead. They generally have a better reputation than APC these days, unfortunately.
You're definitely right to want a pure sine wave output! Some servers require it, and you don't want to risk your equipment shutting down during an outage if they need that clean power. As for the APC SMX2200, it does have an inverter in its design. The pure sine wave is achieved via pulse width modulation (PWM), and then it uses filtering to clean up the output waveform. It's a bit more complex, but it helps prevent potential damage to sensitive electronics.
Exactly! And while it’s marketed as double-conversion, there are situations where it can switch modes depending on settings like green mode. So it really does offer a lot of flexibility!