'More' power required to implement more diverse functions
I2R Loss, Power Flow Disruption "Adversely Affects System Efficiency"
48V, a safe voltage that provides both efficiency and stability

The requirements for application product design have become more demanding than before. This is because the market has higher expectations for application products.
With the advent of the 4th industrial revolution era where data is a resource and the commercialization of 5G communication, today's application products must fundamentally process massive amounts of data quickly. They must also consider ultra-high-speed communication and long-term execution. Not to mention higher torque and brighter lighting.

To provide 'more' of these various functions, 'more' power supply is required. In general, providing more power to a product is very limited due to size and weight. Accordingly, the number of companies converting existing power distribution from 12V to 48V is increasing.


48V replaces 12V with many advantages
Heat generated by I2R losses can adversely affect system efficiency and can also impede power flow through cables, connectors, PCBs, etc.

Recently, the processor power of servers has increased to 100W, 200W, and even 300W or more. When this increased power is distributed to multiple server processors, more I2R loss occurs than before. If higher voltage is distributed here, I2R loss can be reduced.
Power loss is proportional to the square of the current and the resistance of the medium. Therefore, 48V distribution has 1/16th the power loss of 12V distribution and the capacitor volume can be reduced to 1/4, making it superior in terms of energy efficiency.


Why 48V and not the higher 60V or 72V?
If 48V has less I2R loss than 12V, wouldn't distributing a higher voltage than 48V reduce the loss further?

No. If you distribute more than 60V, it is harmful to the human body. Therefore, safety measures must be taken, and the efficiency is reduced. Considering both efficiency and safety, 48V is the optimal voltage to replace 12V.

Byco Korea CEO Jeong Gi-cheon said, "DC power has an input/output conversion range, and the input/output conversion range of 48V is up to 60V," and explained, "Many international safety standards define 60V as a voltage that is not harmful to the human body, so the industry considers 48V to be one of the most efficient and safe voltages."
That is, 48V is the most efficient voltage when considering safety.

The use of voltages lower than 60 V takes into account SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage) while referring to the operational requirements for 12 V use. Therefore, the 48 V distribution method minimizes I2R losses without SELV problems.


The telecommunications industry standardized 48V DC power early on.
The beginning of today's telecommunications industry is the commercialization of the landline telephone. Modern telephones and telephone exchanges are the first cases that used 48V. The first landline telephone commercialized by Alexander Graham Bell was 12V, and after considering various requirements, 48V was adopted.

Why does the telecommunications industry use 48V, as opposed to other industries that use 12V? Stability is the top priority for telecommunications services. No service user wants to have their communication cut off midway. If communication is cut off frequently, it can cause not only a breakdown in communication but also huge economic losses.

48V is more reliable. 48V has less voltage loss over distance as a percentage of operating voltage, requires less gauge wire, and battery backup is simple.

48V is also gaining adoption outside the telecommunications industry, as many engineers are positively evaluating it due to the absence of lightning or surge requirements and the input/output conversion range of 30V to 60V.

48V is being adopted in fields such as data centers, automotive, LED lighting, and power tools.

48V is now the new 12V.

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