Case Study: 24V 120W Power Adapter for Fanless Rugged Computer (MPC-3800 Series)

This case study explores how a 24V 120W power adapter ensures stable and reliable operation for a fanless rugged computer (MPC-3800) in harsh industrial environments.
Fanless rugged computer used in outdoor industrial inspection system

Project Overview

A rugged computer manufacturer required a reliable external AC/DC power solution for its fanless industrial computer platform deployed in harsh operating environments. The industrial computer was designed for applications including industrial automation, transportation systems, and outdoor monitoring equipment. Due to its wide DC input capability and continuous operation requirements, the system required a stable 24V power source with low ripple performance, high efficiency, and reliable protection features. To improve installation flexibility, XJK Power provided a customized 24V 5A 120W external AC/DC power adapter solution, combining a standard DC plug output with a customized cable interface to connect with the computer’s industrial terminal block input. This solution enabled easier deployment while maintaining industrial-grade reliability for rugged computing applications.
Parameter Requirement
Application Rugged Industrial Computer System
Customer Type Industrial Computer Manufacturer
Equipment Model Fanless Rugged Computer Platform
Power Type External AC/DC Power Adapter
Input Voltage 100–240V AC
Output Voltage 24V DC
Output Current 5A
Output Power 120W
Operating Environment Industrial / Outdoor Applications
Operation Mode Continuous Operation
Key Requirements High Reliability, Low Ripple, Thermal Efficiency, Easy Integration
Output Interface Standard DC Plug with Customized Cable Solution

Customer Challenge

1. Requirement for Stable 24V Power Delivery

Although the rugged computer supports a wide DC input range (9–48V), the customer required a dedicated regulated power source to ensure stable system operation.

An unstable power supply could result in:

  • Unexpected system reboot
  • Data interruption
  • Hardware malfunction
  • Reduced system reliability

Therefore, a regulated 24V DC output was required to maintain consistent performance.


2. Thermal Management for Fanless Computer Design

The computer adopts a fanless thermal architecture, relying on passive cooling instead of active airflow.

This creates additional requirements for the external power adapter:

  • High conversion efficiency
  • Reduced heat generation
  • Stable operation under continuous load

Excessive heat from the power supply could negatively affect the overall system reliability.


3. Low Ripple and Noise Requirement

The rugged computer integrates multiple sensitive electronic components, including:

  • CPU processing modules
  • Communication interfaces
  • Storage devices
  • Industrial I/O modules

Electrical noise from the power source could affect system stability and communication performance.

The customer required:

  • Low output ripple
  • Clean DC power
  • Good EMI performance

4. Flexible Power Interface Integration

Traditional industrial computers commonly use terminal block power input.

However, terminal wiring may introduce challenges during deployment:

  • Longer installation time
  • Incorrect wiring risks
  • Additional maintenance requirements

The customer preferred a more convenient external adapter solution using a standard DC plug.

XJK Engineering Solution

To address these requirements, XJK Power developed a customized 24V 5A 120W industrial AC/DC power adapter solution for the rugged computer platform.

The solution included:

24V 120W Regulated Output

Providing stable power delivery for:

  • Rugged computers
  • Fanless industrial PCs
  • Edge computing systems
  • Industrial controllers

Customized Cable Interface

The adapter uses:

  • Standard DC plug output
  • Customized cable assembly
  • Compatible connection with terminal block input

This design provides:

✔ Plug-and-play installation
✔ Reduced wiring complexity
✔ Faster system deployment


Industrial Reliability Design

The adapter incorporates:

  • Over Voltage Protection (OVP)
  • Over Current Protection (OCP)
  • Short Circuit Protection (SCP)

to improve system safety and reliability.


High Efficiency & Low Noise Performance

The power supply was optimized for:

  • Continuous operation
  • Reduced thermal stress
  • Stable CPU and communication performance

24V 5A 120W power adapter for rugged industrial computer
24V 5A 120W power adapter for rugged industrial computer

How We Develop a Custom Power Supply

Our engineering process helps  device manufacturers move efficiently from requirement definition to production-ready power solutions.

Step1
Requirement
Review

Review voltage, current, connector, plug type, installation environment, and medical device requirements.

Step2
Engineering
Evaluation

Electrical feasibility assessment, connector matching, and product configuration planning.

Step3
Prototype
Development

Prototype recommendation or customized sample preparation based on project requirements.

Step4
Compliance &
Validation

Review safety expectations, EMC considerations, and application-specific requirements.

Step5
Sample
Approval

Functional verification and customer-side evaluation before production.

Step6
Production &
Delivery

OEM production support for customized healthcare power solutions.

Technical Design Considerations

Technical Item Design Consideration
Output Voltage Stability Maintained regulated 24V DC output under dynamic system loads
Power Rating Selection 120W output provided sufficient power margin for rugged computing applications
Thermal Performance High efficiency design minimized heat generation during continuous operation
Ripple & Noise Control Optimized circuit design reduced output interference to sensitive electronics
EMI Performance Improved noise immunity for industrial environments
Protection Design Integrated OVP, OCP, SCP protection functions
Connector Compatibility Customized cable enabled DC plug connection with terminal block input
Mechanical Reliability Reinforced enclosure and cable strain relief improved durability

Project Result

After integrating the XJK Power 24V 120W adapter solution, the customer achieved:

Stable System Operation

The rugged computer maintained reliable operation across industrial temperature conditions without:

  • Unexpected reboot
  • Power interruption
  • System instability

Improved Deployment Efficiency

Compared with traditional terminal wiring solutions, the customized DC plug design provided:

  • Faster installation
  • Reduced wiring errors
  • Easier field deployment

Enhanced System Reliability

The optimized power solution improved:

  • Power stability
  • Thermal performance
  • Long-term operational reliability

The customer successfully deployed the rugged computing system across multiple industrial projects.

Conclusion

Rugged industrial computers require reliable power solutions that can withstand demanding environments while maintaining stable performance.

Through a customized 24V 120W external AC/DC power adapter, XJK Power provided a flexible and reliable solution combining industrial-grade power performance with easy system integration.

This case demonstrates how customized power adapter solutions can support rugged computers, industrial PCs, and edge computing platforms requiring stable 24V power delivery.

FAQ

  1. What type of power supply is suitable for rugged computers?

Rugged computers typically require stable and durable power supplies capable of supporting industrial environments, continuous operation, and reliable DC output performance.

  1. Why is stable power important for rugged computing systems?

Stable output helps maintain reliable system performance, especially in industrial automation, transportation, communication, and edge computing applications.

  1. Can rugged computer power supplies support wide input voltage?

Yes. Depending on application requirements, rugged computer systems may require wide-input voltage support for different installation environments.

  1. Can connectors and output specifications be customized?

Yes. OEM customization may include output voltage, connector type, cable length, labeling, and mechanical integration requirements.

  1. What certifications are commonly required for rugged computer power supplies?

Requirements vary depending on industry and region, but common considerations include safety, EMC, efficiency, and environmental compliance.

  1. Can XJK Power support OEM rugged computing projects?

Yes. Shenzhen Xinjukang Technology (XJK Power) Co., LTD supports customized power solutions for rugged computers, embedded systems, and industrial electronics manufacturers.

Need a Reliable Power Solution for Rugged Computing Systems?

Developing rugged computers, embedded industrial systems, or edge computing equipment? Shenzhen Xinjukang Technology (XJK Power) Co., LTD provides stable and customizable power solutions designed for demanding operating environments, continuous performance, and OEM integration support.

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