Matrix-UPS: Advanced, modular
power protection for datacenters
When mission-critical applications like multiple servers, midrange systems and telecom equipment are on the line, you need a UPS that can take care of your loads and take care of itself.
With an innovative 100% uptime design, Matrix means high reliability, low operating costs, and manageability that will defend both your datacenter and your bottom line.
Matrix is strong enough to handle all the problems your equipment is likely to experience (today and tomorrow), smart enough to provide network management tools to make your job easier, and stingy enough to protect your investment with customizable product and service options.
Downsizing means more and more unattended systems, so Matrix allows full SNMP and local control to keep data safe.
Downsizing means a mixed bag of midrange, PC, and telecom equipment, so Matrix offers full capacity in every served voltage, as well as upgradable options.
Downsizing means good-bye to the glasshouse, so Matrix provides full environmental monitoring capabilities so you'sre alerted whenever ambient conditions go out of bounds.
Downsizing means attention to the bottom line, so Matrix delivers lifecycle costs half that of competitive brands.
And downsizing means a slew of new power problems to contend with, so Matrix eliminates threats from PC-induced harmonics and offers full compatibility with power-factor corrected PCs.
(photo) Small footprint and low weight means Matrix can be hot-swapped by even untrained personnel without the cost or delays of a service call.
You can add SmartCells for hours of extended runtime. Hand-pluggable connectors make installation and service quick and easy.
A wealth of UPS operating data and power event status is available via Matrix's control panel. Virtually all functions of the UPS can be controlled via the panel or software.
In many existing mid-sized UPSs, a small internal failure can bring down the whole UPS, which then brings down all of the loads. Matrix solves this problem with a completely modular design. Component failures are isolated to their µblock's which can be quickly diagnosed and cost-effectively swapped-out, even while the protected system is still up and running.
Beyond its superior reliability, this modular approach also helps deliver lifetime costs half that of other brands.
Unlike designs where the batteries are packaged in the same enclosure with heat dissipating chargers and inverters, SmartCells last longer because they operate at room temperature. Instead of two or three replacements, SmartCells may need replacement only once during the UPS's service life.
A microprocessor in each SmartCell automatically monitors the operation of the battery and warns you of diminished capacity. Warnings are delivered via the front control panel, via Replace SmartCell indicators on each SmartCell, and via monitoring software.
Matrix's SmartCell battery packs are connected in parallel for maximum security. In many other UPSs, batteries are connected in series: when one battery fails all are rendered useless. Replacing a dead battery often means the hassle and expense of replacing the whole string.
With most large UPSs, battery replacement is neither quick nor easy, Special shipping is required for heavy batteries. Safe disposal procedures must be followed. Mean time to repair can last weeks or even months.
In contrast, SmartCell replacement takes minutes while the protected system is still up and running. New SmartCells can be stored or overnighted on-site. Worn modules are simply returned to APC in the replacement SmartCell's packaging.
In effect, an overnight courier can take the place of an expensive service contract.
The Matrix-UPS product line is fully compatible with APC's PowerChute family of power management software and interface kits, for major network operating systems, including NetWare, Unix, LAN Manager, OS/2, Windows NT and more.
For convenience and control, operating parameters can be adjusted via APC software to fit any application. Settings are permanently stored in Matrix's memory.
Matrix is specifically designed for multiple server use. Using a master/slave approach, Matrix and PowerChute v. 4.0 and up enables all slave servers attached to the master UPS/server combination to receive automatic shutdown commands, slashing interface costs and cabling headaches. Matrix also supports interfaces to all major midrange operating systems, including OS/400 and VAX/VMS.
In addition, Matrix supports Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) via APC's SNMP Adapter, delivering warnings regarding power events and UPS status to any NMS whether the Matrix unit is located 20 feet or 2000 miles away.
Unlike competitive units which may require a dedicated new four-line wire to your site, Matrix uses the same three-line input as found on standard 208V equipment so there's no rewiring costs or hassles.
Matrix's line-interactive design delivers zero-transfer time and deep brownout protection with 75% fewer components than traditional double conversion designs. Fewer components means better efficiency, and far greater reliability.
There is no need to oversize for inrush current, so you pay for only the power rating you need.
Moreover, Matrix is 93% efficient at full load, while traditional on-line products are only 70% to 80% efficient. This excess heat not only wastes energy and reduces battery life, it may also create a need for special air conditioning.
UL, CSA, TUV and Novell approvals mean a safe, reliable solution to your power problems.
Unmatched reliability means you
can purchase with confidence.
For as long as you own your Matrix-UPS, if your properly connected equipment is ever damaged by an AC surge, including surges due to lightning, APC will repair or replace our product and up to $25,000 of connected equipment (US and Canada only, see policy for details).
Matrix is Modular
A basic Matrix unit is made up of an isolation module, an electronics module, and external SmartCell battery packs.
In older UPS designs, the component most likely to fail (the battery) is an integral part of the UPS enclosure. In the Matrix modular design, batteries are easily hot-swappable with no downtime. The weak link becomes the isolation unit, the module least likely to fail. Reliability is dramatically enhanced versus a conventional all in one design. Moreover, Matrix can be swapped-out or repaired on-site by an untrained employee without load interruption. This reduces Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) from a matter of days or weeks to a matter of minutes.
Over five years of operation, a 5kVA Matrix may cost approximately $900 (red bar) in electricity to run, while competitive brands approach $3000 (yello bar). Matrix's high efficiency means minimal wasted energy, dramatically reduced operating costs, and long battery life.
Matrix Modularity: The most exciting innovation in the UPS industry
The first modular UPS with SNMP support... The modular configuration allows the possible points of failure...to be hot-swappable without affecting the protection afforded the fileservers... If you need managed power protection today and the flexibility to increase your coverage tomorrow, APC's modular Matrix-UPS provides fully paid insurance...
Powerful, secure, manageable...sterling... With all its features and power, the Matrix remains a surprisingly small-footprint UPS...
APC's new Matrix-UPS brings many new ideas to the old and rather staid business of keeping a server alive...
There are ten products that surfaced in 1993 that I wouldn't hesitate to write checks for in the coming year... Just when you thought UPS technology hit a dead end, leave it to American Power Conversion to come out with Matrix-UPS, a scalable, SNMP-manageable UPS with hot-swappable components and cells. Protect your fileserver or an AS/400...
Ultimate Network Buyers's Guide: UPS
