Protection Features Evaluation

Given the unit's low capacity, the +12 V OCP and OPP triggering points are correctly set to cope with power spikes. The OCP triggering points are also properly set on the minor rails. There is over temperature protection, and the other protection features work well.

DC Power Sequencing

According to Intel's most recent Power Supply Design Guide (revision 1.4), the +12 V and +5 V rails must have voltages equal to or greater than the +3.3 V rail's output at all times. We turn the unit off for our first measurement and switch it back on without a load on any of the rails.



The 3.3 V rail is always lower than the other two rails.

EMC Pre-Compliance Testing - Average and Peak EMI Detector Results

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) is the ability of a device to operate properly in its environment without disrupting the proper operation of other close-by devices.

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) stands for the electromagnetic energy a device emits, and it can cause problems in other close-by devices if too high.


Several spurs exceed the limits with both EMI detectors in the 1–1.4 MHz range. This looks to be AM noise. I conducted this test a couple of times, and the results were identical. I won't mark this down as a con since I didn't use a protective shield to block AM frequencies because I lack the space in my lab.