UPS  Topology

UPS Systems are available in three different Topologies:
•    Standby
•    Line-Interactive (aka AVR)
•    Online (aka Dual Conversion)

Standby Topology
Standby is the most basic UPS technology.  When there is a brown/blackout, the UPS simply resorts to the internal battery to provide electricity to the equipment.  These UPS systems are designed for consumer electronics, PCs, POS/security systems, and other basic equipment.  View the CyberPower Standby UPS Series.

Line-Interactive Topology
Line-Interactive systems incorporate technology that allows the UPS to correct minor power fluctuations (brownouts, over voltages, etc.) without switching to battery.  This extends the life of the battery and is an essential feature in areas where power fluctuations occur on a regular basis.  Typical applications are consumer electronics, PCs, and mid-range servers.  View the CyberPower AVR UPS Series, AVR with LCD, and AVR with Smart App.

Online Topology
Online systems provide consistent, clean, and near perfect 120V power regardless of the condition of the incoming power.  These systems operate on isolated battery supplied power 100% of the time and have a zero transfer time because they never have to “switch” to battery.  Online UPS systems are designed for high-end system components, corporate servers, lab equipment, and other sensitive electronic equipment. View the CyberPower Online UPS Series.

Waveform Output

Utility companies provide AC power that has a true sine wave.  Many UPS manufacturers acknowledge that most consumer electronics do not require a true sine wave signal to function properly, so they have engineered UPS systems which produce a simulated sine wave.  Simulated sine wave systems use less expensive technology to produce battery power, and are very common in entry/mid-level UPS systems.  UPS manufacturers have different types of simulated sine wave (Modified, Quasi, Stepped, PWM, etc.) but the basic characteristics of the power produced are similar.   

For those applications that require true sine wave power, UPS systems are also available with the true sine wave output, also known as Pure Sine wave.  These UPS systems are designed for electronics which have PFC power supplies, small AC motors, or require true sine wave power to function properly.   

As a side note, the issue of simulated sine wave versus sine wave is only an issue when the UPS is “On-Battery”, or, providing power to the equipment via its internal batteries.  When the UPS is using normal utility power, the UPS will be passing the utility generated true sine wave power to the connected equipment. View the CyberPower Pure Sine Wave UPS Series.