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AMPINEL: Active power management for graphics cards – safe and intelligent
Aqua Computer presents AMPINEL, a monitoring device for 12V-2×6 power supply connections that combines active current balancing, monitoring, and emergency shutdown in hardware for the first time.

In the event of uneven load distribution, AMPINEL intervenes without delay, balancing the currents and thus preventing thermal overload of the connectors and cables.

AMPINEL monitors all currents, voltages, and temperatures at the connector. The flexible alarm management with emergency shutdown ensures reliable protection of the hardware.



Uniform power distribution – reliable overheating protection
When up to 600 watts flow through the 12V-2×6 connection, insufficient contact between connectors can result in an uneven distribution of power. Under high loads, this inevitably leads to critical temperatures and can cause damage to hardware.

AMPINEL eliminates this risk by actively balancing the current flow across all six lines. As soon as the current in a line exceeds 7.5 A, AMPINEL intervenes. The hybrid control structure, consisting of digital and analog control, distributes the load evenly and without delay. The integrated microcontroller monitors all operating conditions in real time and continuously adjusts the control.

For efficient power distribution, AMPINEL uses a six-layer printed circuit board, each layer of which is made of 2 oz (70 µm) copper. This minimizes losses and ensures excellent heat dissipation. The aluminum-milled housing serves as a heat sink for the electronics. The connector to the graphics card is additionally encapsulated to ensure a rattle-free and exceptionally robust contact.



(Note: The photos show a hand-assembled prototype. The production version will feature the high-quality workmanship Aqua Computer is known for.)

All measured values at a glance
The aquasuite software allows more than 40 measured values to be easily visualized. Current, voltage, and power are measured for each line. Active intervention to balance the current is also displayed. The temperatures of the power supply plugs and electronics are recorded as well. An additional temperature sensor can be connected externally.

All data can be further processed as desired within the aquasuite software. Measured values can be displayed on individually designed overview pages or evaluated in detail in diagrams, for example. When the user is away, the operating status can be called up on a smartphone; important events can be also reported by email.

Even in a professional environment without a monitor or USB connection, AMPINEL allows users to maintain a complete overview. The display shows all important data by default, which can be scrolled through using the side button. Eight RGB LEDs visualize the utilization as default. Both the display and LED indicators can be customized using the aquasuite software to show any system values.




Precise alarm management – from warning to emergency shutdown
AMPINEL works discreetly in the background. In the event of a malfunction, the eight-stage alarm management system ensures maximum safety. In the event of a slight deviation from specified limits, LEDs can flash, an acoustic alarm can sound, a pop-up message can be displayed in Windows, or an external fan speed signal can be interrupted via the alarm output.

In the event of prolonged alarms, the aquasuite background service can automatically terminate the application responsible for the GPU load. In addition, the PC can be shut down via software or an alarm output.
In particularly dangerous operating conditions, the graphics card is effectively protected from damage by interrupting the sense lines and power supply.

A hotkey can be stored in the device for each alarm level. AMPINEL outputs this as a keyboard input via USB in order to trigger actions even in non-Windows systems, for example.

Emergency shutdowns, alarm outputs, and visual and acoustic alarms are processed internally by AMPINEL. These work independently of running software or a USB connection.
Configuration is carried out via the aquasuite software and is permanently stored in the device.



Price and availability
AMPINEL will soon be available for pre-order at a price of EUR 79.90. Delivery is expected to begin in mid-November.

A version with a white-coated housing is also being evaluated and may be offered at a later date.

Technical Specifications

• GPU Power Connector Variants: Latch outward; latch inward
  
• Power Connector: 12V-2×6 (12VHPWR)
  
• Maximum Connector Power: 650 W
  
• Maximum AMPINEL Power Consumption: 10 W
  
• Voltage: 12 V
  
• Display: OLED, 128 × 64 pixels
  
• LEDs: 8 × RGB
  
• Housing / Cooling: Machined aluminum, black anodized
  
• Microcontroller: Firmware updatable
  
• Weight: approx. 110 g
  
• Dimensions: 74 x 72 x 28 mm
  

Interfaces

• USB
  
• Signal 1: for motherboard power button
  
• Signal 2: for tachometer signal or switching output
  
• Temperature sensor connection
  

Scope of delivery

• Internal USB cable (100 cm)
  

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Reviews:

As contradictory statements on this topic are already circulating online, we would like to emphasize once again that almost all functions of AMPINEL are implemented in hardware.

Only the following alarm features are handled by a Windows background service; the aquasuite software does not need to be running for this:

- Windows popup notification
- Termination of programs generating high 3D load
- Shutting down Windows

The power balancing is also carried out entirely in hardware and does not require running software. The following illustrates how active power balancing works:



1: Current below the 7.5 A threshold: No balancing occurs; deviations between the lines are large but not problematic.

2: Current above the 7.5 A threshold: Active balancing takes place, resulting in almost no current deviations between the six lines.

3: Current above the 7.5 A threshold: This shows what AMPINEL compensates through balancing to achieve an even current flow across the lines.

In order to ship something, it must also be ordered

Well, it is pretty safe to assume that they want to offer it.