Why is power quality so critical to the smooth operation of computer systems?
A. Each computer system is composed of tiny micro-circuits that operate on very low voltages. These circuits do their computing wizardry by comparing very small changes in these operating voltages. Power problems interfere with these voltage comparisons. As long ago as 1986, the semiconductor industry at their fifth annual conference published their criteria for the type of environment where their products can operate as they were designed. In addition to setting standards for such factors as static discharge, the industry also published standards for the protection of their devices from spikes, normal mode noise and common-mode voltage. These three disturbances are the ones that are most prevalent in almost any electrical system.
A.Each computer system is composed of tiny micro-circuits that operate on very low voltages. These circuits do their computing wizardry by comparing very small changes in these operating voltages. Power problems interfere with these voltage comparisons. As long ago as 1986, the semiconductor industry at their fifth annual conference published their criteria for the type of environment where their products can operate as they were designed. In addition to setting standards for such factors as static discharge, the industry also published standards for the protection of their devices from spikes, normal mode noise and common-mode voltage. These three disturbances are the ones that are most prevalent in almost any electrical system.