A KVM (Keyboard, Video, and Mouse) switch is a hardware device that can allow multiple computers to be controlled by just one operator, using a single keyboard, monitor and mouse. Typically used in data centres, a technician can access a server in any racking system without adjusting hardware.

A compact 12V 1600W power supply was required for KVM switches used in industrial applications, including broadcast and energy infrastructure. As the systems had to be fail-safe, N+1 redundancy was needed in the event of power supply failure.

HFE1600-12/S hot-swap power supplies were proposed to the development team and tested. Up to five HFE power supplies can be mounted in a 1U high 19” rack. The “/S” option was also added, which provides an isolated PMBus™ (I2C) interface for remote monitoring. An added benefit was that the HFE series was designed for industrial applications with robust connectors.

TDK-Lambda offers a range of rack-mount AC-DC power modules, click here for more information.