About the UPS Calculator

The UPS Calculator lets you select a server and its connected peripheral devices. Based on the individual Volt-Ampere (VA) ratings for each of the selected devices, the total VA is calculated and factored for a safety margin (the total is multiplied by 1.2). The resulting value is then compared against the available ratings of the currently sold UPSs, and all the UPSs that have an acceptable rating are displayed with their Creo Part Numbers (P/Ns).

The UPS Calculator tool is intended for the TSS group and other Creo individuals seeking to source a UPS for their selected system configuration. This tool supports systems sold in North America, Japan, and International locations for both Prinergy and Brisque worflow systems.

To use the UPS Calculator:

  1. Select the workflow product (Prinergy or Brisque). All the available servers and peripherals are added to the pull-down selection boxes.
  2. Select a Server. The server details are displayed in the list on the left.
  3. Select a Peripheral, and then click the Add button. The peripheral details are displayed in the list on the left.
  4. Repeat the previous step for all the peripherals in your system.
  5. Select a region for the UPS. All the appropriate UPSs are displayed with their correct part numbers.
    Note: If the total VA rating exceeds that supported by the UPS, you will need more than one UPS for your system. Clear the page, and then select fewer devices (peripherals and servers).

For more information about UPSs, see UPS Theory.

View the XML Source files: hardware.xml

Volt-Ampere (VA)

Volt-ampere (VA) is a measurement of power in a direct current (DC) electrical circuit. The VA specification is also used in alternating current (AC) circuits, but it is less precise in this application, because it represents apparent power, which often differs from true power. In a DC circuit, 1 VA is the equivalent of one watt (1 W). The power, P (in watts) in a DC circuit is equal to the product of the voltage V (in volts) and the current I (in amperes): P = VI

In an AC circuit, power and VA mean the same thing only when there is no reactance. Reactance is introduced when a circuit contains an inductor or capacitor. Because most AC circuits contain reactance, the VA figure is greater than the actual dissipated or delivered power in watts. This can cause confusion in specifications for power supplies. For example, a supply might be rated at 600 VA. This does not mean it can deliver 600 watts, unless the equipment is reactance-free. In real life, the true wattage rating of a power supply is 1/2 to 2/3 of the VA rating.

When purchasing a power source such as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for use with electronic equipment (including computers, monitors, and other peripherals), be sure the VA specifications for the equipment are used when determining the minimum ratings for the power supply. The VA figure is nominally 1.67 times (167 percent of) the power consumption in watts. Alternatively, you can multiply the VA rating of the power supply by 0.6 (60 percent) to get a good idea of its power-delivering capability in watts.