Contrary to other efficiency rating programs that test only three or four different load points; the ETA-230V program, like the original ETA program, is based on the efficiency results of thousands of different load combinations which are obtained through a unique custom-made application. This process allows Cybenetics to use a single value rating to represent PSU’s true overall efficiency. Moreover, and very importantly, Power Factor, Vampire Power and the +5VSB rail’s efficiency are also taken into consideration in the final rating, whereas these are not even considered in other efficiency certification programs. Finally, the PSUs must be compliant with the CEC, ErP Lot 6 2010/2013 and ErP lot 3 2014 directives and also meet all requirements mentioned in the (EU) No 617/2013 regulation:
(a) 85% efficiency at 50% of rated output power;
(b) 82% efficiency at 20% and 100% of rated output power;
(c) power factor = 0.9 at 100% of rated output power.
The ETA-230V certification includes five levels (A++, A+, A, A-, Standard) and each certification badge is tied to the specific product through a short-URL and a QR code. Compared to the ETA certification with 115 V input, the overall efficiency levels have been increased by 2%, the overall PF is lower though and the same goes for the overall efficiency at 5VSB which is 1% lower in every level. Finally, the vampire power levels are the same.
The efficiency targets required by CEC, ErP Lot 6 2010/2013 and ErP lot 3 2014 directives are depicted below.
LAMBDA-230V: Utilizing an advanced methodology and a highly sophisticated control/monitor program, the power supply’s noise readings throughout its entire operational range are recorded and through those an overall noise reading derives. As of this time and to the best of our knowledge, there is no other noise certification program available for IT products and our purpose is to expand this program to other hardware parts, besides PSUs, in the future.
The LAMBDA-230V program consists of seven levels (A++, A+, A, A-, Standard++, Standard+, Standard). Each certification badge is tied to the specific product through a short-URL and a QR code, which will be printed on it. This will allow users to easily find a PSU’s evaluation report certified by Cybenetics.
Since Cybenetics wants to offer as detailed as possible evaluation reports in addition to the normal test results, it also includes a number of other results (efficiency and load regulation at 10%-110% load, ripple performance, hold-up time, part analysis etc.), which will be helpful not only to everyday users but to experienced ones and PSU reviewers as well, who don’t have the proper equipment and software to follow our methodology.
