Subracks Overview Price - Rdekono

Subracks are essential components in various industries, providing a structured and secure housing for electronic modules, equipment, and components. These modular enclosures support the integration and protection of sensitive equipment in applications ranging from telecommunications and industrial control to computing and automation. This guide offers an overview of subracks, their importance, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you better understand their functionality and how to choose the right one for your needs.

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1. What is a Subrack?

A subrack is a metal or plastic frame designed to hold and organize electronic modules or circuit boards in a standard and secure manner. It serves as a mechanical structure that supports the installation and protection of electrical components, offering proper ventilation, ease of assembly, and compatibility with a range of hardware configurations.

Subracks typically consist of vertical slots or rails where various modules, such as printed circuit boards (PCBs), power supplies, and connectors, can be inserted. They are often used in conjunction with a front panel or backplane, which connects and powers the components within the subrack. Subracks are widely used in applications like telecommunications, data processing, industrial automation, and test equipment.

BEK Series Subrack

2. Key Components of a Subrack

Subracks are designed with several key components that work together to secure and organize the components they house. The main parts of a subrack include:

• Frame: The basic structure that holds everything together. It is typically made of metal (such as aluminum) or sometimes plastic, providing strength and stability.

• Rails/Slots: The vertical slots or rails inside the subrack where modules are mounted. These are designed to be compatible with specific module sizes and types.

• Front Panel: The front cover that protects the modules and provides interfaces for connections, such as connectors, switches, or indicators.

• Backplane: The backplane serves as the central hub for electrical connections between modules and provides power distribution, signal routing, and sometimes data bus functionality.

• Power Supply: Some subracks integrate or support power supply units to deliver the necessary voltage and current to the housed modules.

These components work together to create a secure, organized system for managing electronic modules, ensuring that they are protected from environmental factors and easy to access for maintenance or upgrades.

3. Types of Subracks

Subracks come in various types to accommodate different needs and applications. The most common types include:

• Standard Subracks: These are off-the-shelf subracks designed to accommodate industry-standard electronic modules, such as VME, VITA, and PXI modules. They are typically modular, easy to assemble, and available in different sizes and configurations.

• Custom Subracks: These are bespoke subracks built to meet specific application requirements, including special dimensions, materials, or features such as custom cooling or mounting options.

• Rackmount Subracks: Designed to be mounted in a 19-inch or 23-inch rack, these subracks are often used in data centers, telecommunications, and industrial environments where space optimization and ease of access are crucial.

• Modular Subracks: These subracks consist of interchangeable and scalable parts, allowing users to add or remove components depending on their evolving requirements. They offer greater flexibility and adaptability.

Each type of subrack has its unique features and applications, so choosing the right one depends on your specific needs, such as the size and type of modules, space requirements, and the level of customization required.

4. Advantages of Using Subracks

Subracks offer a number of benefits, making them a popular choice for many industries. Here are some key advantages:

• Organization: Subracks provide a structured way to organize and house electronic modules, ensuring that components are securely held in place and easy to access for maintenance or upgrades.

• Protection: Subracks protect sensitive equipment from mechanical shock, dust, and other environmental hazards, ensuring that components are not damaged during operation or transport.

• Modularity: With modular designs, subracks offer flexibility, allowing for easy expansion or modification based on the needs of the system.

• Space Efficiency: By mounting electronic components vertically, subracks help to maximize the use of space, especially in rackmount and modular configurations, which is especially beneficial in space-limited environments.

• Ease of Installation: Subracks typically have standardized mounting options that make it easier to install and replace electronic modules, reducing downtime and simplifying system setup.

• Improved Cooling: Many subracks are designed to provide adequate airflow and ventilation, which helps to prevent overheating of sensitive electronics.

5. Applications of Subracks

Subracks are widely used in various industries where housing electronic modules is critical for system performance and safety. Some of the primary applications include:

• Telecommunications: Subracks are commonly used in telecommunications equipment to house circuit boards, signal processors, and power supply units for network infrastructure, such as routers and switches.

• Industrial Automation: In factory automation systems, subracks are used to house control modules, sensors, and actuators that regulate machinery and production processes.

• Computing: Subracks are used in servers, data centers, and high-performance computing systems to house motherboards, storage drives, and other electronic modules.

• Test Equipment: In laboratory and testing environments, subracks are used to hold test boards and other instruments, allowing for easy modifications and upgrades of the test setups.

• Aerospace & Defense: Subracks in aerospace and military applications house critical avionics systems, communications equipment, and control systems for safe and efficient operation in extreme conditions.

These are just a few examples, as subracks can be tailored to a wide range of other specialized uses based on industry requirements.

6. FAQs About Subracks

Q1: What is the difference between a subrack and a chassis?

A subrack is a framework designed specifically to hold and organize electronic modules or components, whereas a chassis is a complete housing unit that may include a subrack, cooling system, power supply, and other components. A subrack is often part of a chassis, but the terms are not interchangeable.

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Q2: Can subracks be customized?

Yes, many manufacturers offer custom subracks to meet specific size, material, and feature requirements. Customization is particularly useful for applications with unique or non-standard components.

Q3: Are subracks compatible with all types of modules?

No, subracks are typically designed to be compatible with specific types of modules, such as VME, PXI, or CompactPCI. When choosing a subrack, ensure it is compatible with the type of modules you plan to use.

Q4: How do I determine the right size of a subrack?

The size of the subrack depends on the number and size of the modules you need to house, as well as the space available for installation. Subracks are typically available in standard sizes, but custom sizes can be made if needed.

Q5: Do subracks include a power supply?

Some subracks come with integrated power supply units, while others require a separate power supply to provide the necessary voltage to the modules. Check the specifications of the subrack for information on power integration.

7. Conclusion

Subracks are a versatile and essential solution for housing and organizing electronic components in a wide range of industries. Understanding the key components, types, and applications of subracks will help you make an informed decision when selecting the right subrack for your needs. Whether you need a standard solution or a custom-designed system, subracks offer a flexible, reliable way to manage electronic modules, improve system performance, and protect your equipment for long-term use.

Subracks, also known as card cages, are used for the reception of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and plug-in units (PIUs) in many different industries like telecom, transportation, test and measurement, aerospace and defense. For choosing the right subrack for your application, it is essential to be familiar with the fundamental requirements and standards. Check out seven criteria on how to select a subrack.

• Tip 1: Pay attention to Dimensions
• Tip 2: Comply with Standards and Specifications
• Tip 3: Be aware of Environmental Conditions
• Tip 4: Consider also Static and Dynamic Loads
• Tip 5: Don’t forget about EMC Shielding 
• Tip 6: Design aspect – Underestimated, but very powerful
• Tip 7: Inform yourself about the Integration Levels offered 

Tip 1: Pay attention to Dimensions

The size and type of electronics assemblies determine the dimensions of subracks. Also, the place of operation can lead to the need to meet certain specifications or restrictions.

Using the 19” standard
In general, we recommend the use of commercially available standardized boards that comply with the 19″ standard, as a large number of solutions are available according to these standards. Making use of off-the-shelf products saves the user development time, tooling costs, and no need to keep stock of specific components. Typical dimensions are 3 U and 6 U (height units: 1 U = 1¾ inches).

The downside of using “non-standard” components
For “non-standard” electronic components, such as non-standard printed circuit boards (PCBs), it is vital to ensure that the internal configuration of the subrack allows the inclusion of such non-standard components. If the electronics assemblies are small enough, frame type plug-in units provide compact solutions built into standardized subracks or cases. The external dimensions of the frame-type plug-in units are 19″ compatible and can accommodate both standardized and non-standardized electronic components. This allows non-standardized boards or components to be installed in a chassis or with a mounting plate in the subrack.

Trends influencing dimensions
Thanks to the ongoing miniaturization of components and the growing degree of integration, more than 70% of standardized boards are now produced in 3 U (Euroboard) format. This leads to a trend towards a reduction in the height dimensions of subracks. Another trend emerging is the increased use of active cooling of the boards with high heat dissipation losses using DC or AC blowers. To reduce the noise level during operation, intelligent blowers are becoming popular, which are controlled via system management.

Always consider the environmental conditions
The location where the system is finally installed naturally influences the dimensions of the subrack. Often the space available for installation – e.g., on ships or other vehicles or in data centers – is very limited, so the relevant specifications must be observed.

Tip 2: Comply with Standards and Specifications

Depending on the application, certain international and/or market-specific standards and specifications apply.

Commonly used IEC standards
Current standards contain additional dimension specifications (IEC -1, IEC -2, IEC -3-101, IEC -3-102, IEC -3-103, IEC -2-1, IEC -2-2, IEC -2-X) and – at a higher level – criteria for physical integration (IEC -1, IEC -3), earthquake resistance (IEC -2), electromagnetic compatibility (IEC -3), and thermal management (IEC Ed.1). The ETS standards were defined by ETSI (the European Telecommunication Standardization Institute). ETS standards are closely related to IEC standards, particularly in respect of European telecommunications systems.

Market-specific standards
In addition to IEC standards, there are specifications for specific market segments. For example, VME from VITA (VME International Trade Association) and CompactPCI, MicroTCA, and AdvancedTCA from PICMG (PCI International Computer Manufacturing Group). Also, there are particular standards and guidelines for applications in railroad or military technology, such as welding certifications (EN ), environmental tests (EN ) for railroad systems and shock and vibration testing (MIL 901D) for the navy, etc.

Protection and Safety standards
Also, special protection and safety standards must be considered, such as (to name a few).

• All conductive elements of a mechanical subrack that are capable of coming into contact with dangerous voltages must be grounded and tested to IEC -1.
• The mechanical components of an assembly system should be free of sharp edges to prevent injury.
• The design and materials used for a subrack must also be appropriately selected to avoid the risk of fire.
• Plastics should conform to the self-extinguishing class as per UL 94 V 0 to V 2, tested to IEC .
• Due to toxic additives contained in materials of the higher self-extinguishing classes, ISO must also be observed.
• IEC determines the IP protection classes against the ingress of dust or water and for the protection of persons from hazards inside the subrack. The IP protection class designation contains two digits. The first specifies the protection level against foreign objects (from contact by fingers to the ingress of dust), and the second indicates the protection against the ingress of water.

Tip 3: Be aware of Environmental Conditions

Other essential criteria in selecting a subrack are the physical forces acting on it and the level of electromagnetic shielding required. In measurement, instrumentation, and control systems, the requirements for shock and vibration resistance are generally not particularly high (up to 0 or 3 g). For applications ranging from traffic light control and industrial machine control to measuring systems for research or in accelerator rings, basic subracks are generally sufficient.

Often no EMC shielding is required, as this is provided, for example, by the cabinet in which the subrack is installed. If high deflection forces are expected due to the width of the unit and the heavy built-in parts, more robust designs are required.

Subracks for infrastructure applications, e.g., in passenger information or entertainment systems in railroad systems, on buses or aircraft, or as controllers for loading ramps, may in certain situations have to be shock and vibration resistant from > 5 to 25g. Loads of this kind also occur predominantly in defense systems, e.g., in controllers for target acquisition devices on ships. Applications for this particularly robust subrack include power generation for the control of wind turbines. In this case, the subrack is mounted in the nacelle of the windmill and the shock and vibration influences are similarly high. For these applications, the circuit boards mounted in the subracks are additionally secured with Card-Loks or Wedge-Loks.

Tip 4: Consider also Static and Dynamic Loads

The weight of the installed components is the main cause of static loads. This results in the choice of materials for the assembly system and the construction method – glued, welded or as a one-piece unit. Depending on the application, it may be necessary to fit additional reinforcements or stiffening elements. In the case of mobile use of a subrack, it is usually exposed to different dynamic loads. These different shock and vibration influences near the installation site must be taken into account, e.g., in the vicinity of rotating machines, in railway or traffic facilities, as well as on ships or aircraft. Seismic tests must be carried out prior to installation if the installation site is located in an earthquake zone.

Tip 5: Don’t forget about EMC Shielding 

The electromagnetic shielding requirements of electronic devices vary depending on the application and environment in which they are used. This applies not only to high-frequency factors. Shielding is designed to cover electrostatic discharge issues and includes low-frequency capacitive or inductive coupling and cable-related faults, as well as high-frequency electromagnetic interference.

Side, top, and bottom plates, as well as the rear and front panels of subracks, are therefore provided with a conductive surface (passivated, etc.) and are conductively connected to each other via contacts such as stainless steel springs or textile EMC seals.

Each position of the cable entry must also be adequately protected. Standardized EMC tests (VG Part 15) determine whether the EMC shielding measures meet the requirements of a specific application and ensure the reproducibility of this performance level.

The IEC environmental standard also defines tests for the EMC behavior of subracks. Section 3 of IEC outlines the test conditions for subracks in respect of their EMC shielding properties in the frequency range from 30 MHz to 21 GHz and the attenuation values.

The standard is mainly based on IEC and IEC . To determine which degree of shielding is required, the critical interference frequencies must be identified. These tests are usually carried out by the manufacturer of the finished equipment or outsourced to independent external test centers.

Tip 6: Design aspect – Underestimated, but very powerful

Typically, the function primarily determines the appearance of a subrack and whether or not it is installed in an electronics cabinet. If the subrack is installed in the cabinet, the emphasis is clearly on functionality. But the front panel still plays a larger role in the visual design factor. Standard blank panels are available on the market in various sizes and versions.

But only a few manufacturers today have the necessary facilities to carry out individual designs and still efficiently produce panels. Some subrack manufacturers, such as nVent, offer complete service with a broad range of front panels offering paint or multi-color (also digital) printing options. This makes it easy for the customer to design an individual front panel, e.g., adding a logo.

Tip 7: Inform yourself about the Integration Levels offered 

In addition to the basic mechanical assembly, demand for the integration of further components is increasing. At nVent, system integration includes electromechanical and electronic components such as EMC elements, cabling, switches, backplanes, power supply units, monitoring units, and cooling solutions, all in one subrack. As a result, users get a type of plug-and-play product for their 19” technology. nVent undertakes the entire project management and advises the customer from the initial specification and design, purchasing, prototype manufacture, testing, and checking right through to the actual product manufacture, including logistics and after-sales service.

With the EuropacPRO subrack nVent SCHROFF is offering a flexible subrack platform based on the 19” form factor, with a wide variety of possible configurations and modifications.

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