Case of AC adapter for information technology equipment

We introduce a case study of product development of AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-MountProducts. At UNIFIVE, we offer a wide lineup that is already certified with IEC60950. We have also obtained safety certifications for 60950 standards in various countries around the world.

Information technology equipment is defined as "equipment specified under the technical standards IEC60950 defined by IEC." In fact, many information technology devices are found close to our daily lives.

Applicable Standards for Information Technology Equipment

Since many devices are subject to this classification, examples are excerpted below. In Japan, the J60950 technical standard, which is based on the IEC, lists the following equipment:

Telephone
Fax
Modem
Copier
Router
Office equipment
Recording device
Personal computer
Public information terminal, etc.

As shown above, even by listing just a few examples, a wide range of devices are covered. In addition, other devices not mentioned may also be considered information technology equipment, depending on certification organizations, making this a very broad standard. For AC adapters used in these devices, in Japan, compliance with either Appendix Table 8 or Appendix Table 12 of the J60950 technical standards under the PSE law is required.

For overseas markets, if the country is a CB Scheme member, compliance with IEC60950 technical standards and equivalent national safety standards is also required.

Below is a list of technical standards for each country, showing that IEC60950 is widely adopted internationally, making it easy to understand. Please refer to the information below.

Comparison of Technical Standards for Legal Safety Requirements When Selling IT Equipment in the US and Europe

IEC Technical Standard	IEC60950
UL Technical Standard	UL60950
CE Technical Standard	EN60950

Even in countries not ratifying the CB Scheme, such as Taiwan and China, many have technical standards that closely align with IEC60950. At Unifive, we offer a wide lineup of products already certified under IEC60950, specifically for items classified as information technology equipment. While there are some differences among series, we have also acquired each country's 60950-based safety certification using our IEC60950 certification. Therefore, you will be able to find an AC adapter that suits your needs. We invite you to first contact us or check our catalog.

Examples of Information Technology Equipment

Case Study: Support for Customers Importing Wi-Fi Access Points

We once received an inquiry from a customer who was importing Wi-Fi access points from overseas. Although the equipment was successfully imported, the included AC adapter followed overseas standards and featured a different plug shape. The customer requested a reliable AC adapter that had similar standard certifications.

In selecting the appropriate adapter, we naturally proposed options certified under both PSE and IEC60950, and confirmed the following details for evaluation:

Type of DC plug required
Submission of reliability data such as MTBF, lifespan documentation, open/short circuit tests, etc.

The evaluation was accepted without issue, and we managed to deliver the mass-produced units on time, meeting the customer’s shipping deadline.

Case Study: Custom Power Supply for a Domestic Carrier’s Router

We once received a request from a customer to create a custom AC adapter for a major domestic telecommunications company. Although the product targeted the Japanese market, it had to comply with IEC60950 for added reliability. It also needed to meet both the telecom provider's and the customer manufacturer’s reliability and design criteria, prompting us to offer a completely customized solution.

As mentioned in Case Study 1, we conducted a thorough requirements analysis regarding the power supply. Our experienced consultants at Unifive listened carefully and proposed a solution tailored to the customer’s needs.

Some of the customer’s requests included heat generation requirements and conducted noise adjustments, which required detailed discussions and adjustments. Eventually, we successfully completed development and delivered the mass-produced goods on schedule. Although the customer covered the costs for PSE and IEC60950 certification, circuit development, and jig manufacturing, we believe such detailed support is one of the reasons customers are pleased with our services.

Case Study: Development of AC Adapter for Gateway Devices

We also received an inquiry from a wireless equipment manufacturer for an IoM gateway (Note: IoM is a registered trademark of IDY Corporation).

Most commercially available AC adapters guarantee an operational temperature range of 0–40℃, which did not meet the customer’s requirement of -20–60℃, causing concern.

Upon further consultation, we learned the customer's temperature requirements were based on the following:

Once installed, the device is usually left in place.
Communication equipment may be placed in unexpected environments such as attics, sunlit areas, or near windows in cold regions, making a generous temperature range necessary.
Gateway devices may be used in railway cars, homes, factories, and shopping malls, where failure would cause significant inconvenience.

Based on this, we proposed a modified AC adapter with a slightly higher rating than the actual usage rating, capable of guaranteeing operation from -20℃ to 60℃ under actual load. This proposal was accepted by the customer as is.

Later, we were informed that this customer’s product would be used to provide Wi-Fi services on high-speed trains for business and leisure travelers.

This also led our company to develop and release the SU Series, a lineup of wide-temperature-range products.