The compact DC/DC converter DC2412-UPSP2 from Bicker Elektronik with 16 to 32 V(DC) wide-range input and 12 V/ 5 A output combines the functions of a DC/DC converter and an uninterruptible DC power supply (UPS). Fast-charging, maintenance-free supercaps (3x 480F) with more than 500,000 charge and discharge cycles are used as buffer storage. The converter design enables fanless operation in the extended industrial temperature range of -20 to +70 °C. The device bridges power failures, voltage dips or flickers and thus ensures an uninterruptible power supply for 12 V (DC) loads such as low-power embedded IPCs, gateways, motors, sensors, actuators and cameras.

The system electronics with DC/DC converter of the DC2412-UPSP2 provides the nominal 12 V(DC) output voltage in normal operation, charges the supercaps and monitors the voltage thresholds at the input. If the voltage falls below the defined threshold voltage, the supercap UPS switches to UPS backup mode within fractions of a second and ensures an uninterrupted and regulated DC voltage supply at the output. The intelligent distribution of the charging currents (power sharing) at the input ensures that the upstream AC/DC power supply does not have to be oversized, but that the input power is kept constant and distributed to the load and supercap charger accordingly. When the load at the output is low, more energy flows into the supercap charger and vice versa.

In the event of a 'power fail', the device signals the failure of the supply voltage via the integrated communication interfaces (RS232, I2C, SMB) so that a safe shutdown of the system can be initiated, documents can be saved and, if necessary, defined programs can be executed before the system is shut down. Three LEDs on the circuit board of the DC2412-UPSP2 also indicate the charge status of the supercaps, normal and backup operation. The 'UPS Control Center' UPS software can be used to make settings and parameters on the DC/DC converter.