Redundant MicroTCA Power Systems

The Micro Telecommunications Computing Architecture (MicroTCA) platform is becoming increasingly popular as a packaging solution for small to intermediate-sized Information and Communications Technology (ICT) equipment. It offers several benefits for these types of systems, including high performance, design flexibility, high availability configurations, and cost effectiveness.

This paper presents the results of a case study on using standard Ericsson PMs in a redundant configuration. An overview of the MicroTCA power architecture is provided, along with a summary of the PM design requirements as they relate to redundant operation. This is followed by a description of how these requirements are implemented with Ericsson's PM design. Finally, results of performance verification testing will be provided that demonstrate how the Ericsson design meets the demanding requirements of redundant operation for both payload and management power, including loss of input power, PM failure, and hotswapping.