Modular Power Supply Unit
Encyclopedia
A modular power supply unit, abbreviated MPS, is a type of computer power supply with cables to powered devices attached by removable power connector
s instead of permanently fitted. General-purpose non-modular power supplies have all the cables that may be required in any configuration permanently fitted, leading to unconnected cables loose inside the computer; but unused cables are omitted from an MPS configuration.
Some companies, including Kingwin and Ultra Products
, state that they have patented some aspect of their modular interface.
By allowing unused cables to be detached, the clutter of unused cables is eliminated in a modular supply. This provides more visibility into a computer case, more space to work and it decreases likelihood of damage to nearby components from extraneous or dangling unused live power cables. Airflow within a case may also be improved by eliminating superfluous cables.
While only benefitting appearance as perceived by the owner, some modular PSUs have UV
-reactive or LED
components in the detachable cables, or even inside the unit, to flash lights for purely decorative purposes, making no change to power supply operation. This is done in conjunction with a modified case
that allows the lights to be seen.
most modular power supplies used the same connectors as each other, but with different, non-standardized pin-outs. Interchanging cables between brands can damage equipment by applying incorrect voltages, grounds and opens to outputs such as SATA power connectors. There is rarely any visual indication or keyed connector to prevent using an incorrect cable.
Power connector
Power connector may refer to:* AC power plugs and sockets* Industrial power plug* DC connector* Blade connector, commonly found in cars for quick connection of wiring to electrical components* IEC 60309 , so-called "Commando" plug and socket...
s instead of permanently fitted. General-purpose non-modular power supplies have all the cables that may be required in any configuration permanently fitted, leading to unconnected cables loose inside the computer; but unused cables are omitted from an MPS configuration.
Some companies, including Kingwin and Ultra Products
Ultra Products
Ultra Products, a division of the Systemax group of companies, is a US-based computer parts manufacturer, importer and distributor.The company's main focus is on PC accessories, and offers a full gamut of products including computer memory, computer cases and power supplies, custom cooling...
, state that they have patented some aspect of their modular interface.
Benefits
Power connections required vary from one computer to another, depending amongst other things on the number of drives (HDD, optical, floppy) fitted. General-purpose power supplies with fixed leads are made with enough leads and connectors to allow for the largest expected configuration; in a more restricted case, bulky leads will be left unconnected inside the equipment housing.By allowing unused cables to be detached, the clutter of unused cables is eliminated in a modular supply. This provides more visibility into a computer case, more space to work and it decreases likelihood of damage to nearby components from extraneous or dangling unused live power cables. Airflow within a case may also be improved by eliminating superfluous cables.
While only benefitting appearance as perceived by the owner, some modular PSUs have UV
Ultraviolet
Ultraviolet light is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than that of visible light, but longer than X-rays, in the range 10 nm to 400 nm, and energies from 3 eV to 124 eV...
-reactive or LED
Light-emitting diode
A light-emitting diode is a semiconductor light source. LEDs are used as indicator lamps in many devices and are increasingly used for other lighting...
components in the detachable cables, or even inside the unit, to flash lights for purely decorative purposes, making no change to power supply operation. This is done in conjunction with a modified case
Case modding
Case modification is the modification of a computer chassis , or a video game console chassis. Modifying a computer case in any non-standard way is considered a case mod...
that allows the lights to be seen.
Disadvantages
- Modular cables and connectors add electrical resistanceElectrical resistanceThe electrical resistance of an electrical element is the opposition to the passage of an electric current through that element; the inverse quantity is electrical conductance, the ease at which an electric current passes. Electrical resistance shares some conceptual parallels with the mechanical...
between the power supply and the hardware components. In practice the resistance of a connection is far too small to cause significant voltage drop, although the additional connections are an additional possible point of failure if they become corroded or damaged.
- Connectors may become accidentally disconnected or not fully engaged, especially inside crowded cases, and modular PSUs have more connections than others at risk. Many PSUs have connectors with locking mechanisms which prevent a connector from falling out or not being fully inserted. Pairs of connectors are also additional components subject to mechanical damage when being plugged in or unplugged carelessly.
most modular power supplies used the same connectors as each other, but with different, non-standardized pin-outs. Interchanging cables between brands can damage equipment by applying incorrect voltages, grounds and opens to outputs such as SATA power connectors. There is rarely any visual indication or keyed connector to prevent using an incorrect cable.