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[Modification] We are taming the DELTA DPS-600QB 40A / 12V, 600W, pinout server

ludek111  64 63549 Cool? (+47)
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TL;DR

  • Delta DPS-600QB 40A / 12V, 600W server power supply teardown and pinout mapping.
  • The 16-pin header exposes Power_ON to GND, POWER_OK, 12V and 5.1V analog regulation inputs, plus I2C lines for the 24C02 memory.
  • The unit is rated for 40A on 12V and 28A on 5.1V, measured at 11.9V and 5.10V, and cost PLN 49.
  • Inside are ST72264G2, UCC3895, UC3854, LM324/LM358/LM339 stages, active PFC, and twin 12V/2.94A fans.
  • It is a good, simple, reliable design, but it is very loud and not suitable for spending hours nearby.
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I decided to write here on the forum about my exploits. Maybe someone would need such power. Note: I do not take responsibility if something happens to you, the reader, while playing with used power adapters that I am writing about here. A week ago I found a 600W power supply from a good Delta company on Allegro: DPS-600QB for only PLN 49. I bought 2 pieces right away. The power supply at the output allows to "pull" up to 40A from the 12V line and up to 28A from the 5.1V line. The strange 16-pin terminal discouraged me from buying, but I decided to get to these pins, which in a moment. After short tests, it turned out that the 12V and 5.1V lines give the output 11.9V and 5.10V respectively. The power supply is for real very loud , I do not advise spending several hours in its vicinity.

I dismantled the whole thing and started to investigate what the pins from the 4x4 pin are for. Without going into details, I have determined that the pinout looks like this:
pinout.png (2.77 kB)You must be logged in to download this attachment.
From the left, as in the picture below. The two copper terminals are 12V outputs, the next two are ground / GND / RTN, then we have a "mysterious" 4x4 header, the next two are ground / GND / RTN and 5.1V.

4x4 header:
A2, C2, D2, B3, C3, D3, C4 = GND / GROUND - are marked with the sign " * "in my drawing.
A1 = This pin raises my doubts. It is connected to two SMD resistors with a resultant resistance of 100 Ohm. In a word: the pin is of no use to us. The so-called pull down.
B1 = After connecting the power, this pin is high through a 10k pull up resistor connected to 5VSB inside.
C1 = Power_ON works the same as in the ATX power supply. To turn on the power supply, connect this pin to ground. This pin is connected to a 1k resistor inside, then the signal goes to transistor sot-23 and so on.
D1 = POWER_OK on the tested unit, the High signal appears here about 1.1 seconds after switching on with the Power_ON (c1) pin. It is probably an open collector output, watch out for this pin lest you burn the small sot23 transistor when fumbling with the meter ...
B2 = Analog input pin. Applies to the 12V line. After applying a current of 130..180uA to this pin, it causes a change of 12V output voltage linearly. The easiest way to describe it is: 0-130uA U_out_12V = 11.90V but when we give 180uA and more, the output appears about 12.15V. In a word: voltage regulation 12V. We don't have to use this pin, but the voltage will be 11.9V (that's exactly what I have).
A3 = Analog input pin. It applies to the 5.1V line. Same as above, but: current 10..40uA causes a change in the range of 5.10..5.23V. In a word: regulation of the 5.1V line.
The pins below are for the I2C memory soldered to one of the standing PCBs (specifically the larger PCB).
A4 = VSS of 24C02 chip
B4 = SCL
D4 = SDA
I haven't tested thoroughly if sometimes the uC STM7x also hangs on the I2C lines. Between pins B4, D4 and A4 there are 100 Ohm resistors between the chip, just in case. Note: A4 is not connected to GND / RTN ground.

To sum up: For proper operation of the power supply, it is enough to short PWR_ON with ground and hula. The rest are nice additions.
Below I present a photo:
Here is the complete power supply. Huge dimensions (LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT) [CM]: 30.5x20.9x6.9. The folded handle / handle is included in the length.
1.jpg (469.77 kB)You must be logged in to download this attachment.
Yes, Delta shows the parameters.
2.jpg (176.78 kB)You must be logged in to download this attachment.
Inside, after unscrewing EIGHT screws (one under the RF-shield, glued with double-sided tape). We see two beautiful Delta 12V / 2.94A turbines (i.e. cooling takes 30W at maximum speed). We can see the construction here: main PCB and two vertical boards. The larger one contains the ST72264G2 microcontroller, several LM324, LM358 op-amps, LM339 comparator (s), local 5V so-8 stabilizers, ST 2402 series I2C memory (2kB), its E0-E2 pins are connected to VSS, so from what I understand, the chip has an unlocked write (correct if I'm wrong here) and an SO-8 chip type TL384xB or TL284xB (I don't have a photo, I'm looking at the downloaded datasheet).

Output terminals. I managed to notice that the radiator, second from the right, in the photo below heats up more than the others. Three heat sinks in the lower half of the photo below connected to GND / RTN.
3.jpg (510.64 kB)You must be logged in to download this attachment. 4.jpg (465.95 kB)You must be logged in to download this attachment.
Two tiles. The smaller one contains mosfet drivers and full analog op amps and comparators. You can see LM324, LM358, LM339, local regulators and drivers, e.g. MIC4426.
5.jpg (492.87 kB)You must be logged in to download this attachment.
Bottom.
6.jpg (523.59 kB)You must be logged in to download this attachment.
You can see a good PCB layout, where the descriptions did not fit, tables were inserted. On the right you can see 4 pieces of resistance wire connected in parallel and tracks coming directly from them in order to measure the output current. I do not want to lie, but the right side suggests that the 12 V line is implemented as a two-bar converter (because you can see 2 coils and transistors and all this in pairs, symmetrically).
7.jpg (846.61 kB)You must be logged in to download this attachment.
PCB from uC by STM. By the way, the pins protruding upwards one after the other, as in the photo from the left:
1 16MHz sine,
2 I do not remember
3 ICCDATA (24th uC PIN)
4 ICCCLK (25PIN uC)
5 ICCSEL (26PIN uC)
6 VSS / GND / RTN
7 VDD (5V_SB)

8.jpg (423.82 kB)You must be logged in to download this attachment.
Shunt resistor, the so-called "Shunt resistor" with a small value, so as not to disturb the operation of the power supply at several dozen amperes. Looking at the date-codes, the power supply is from mid-2008 (the casing also has a type code, e.g. 0842 (42nd week of 2008)).
IMG_84..jpg (223.12 kB)You must be logged in to download this attachment.
I also found circuits on the PCB UCC3895 and active PFC (power factor) controller UC3854 from Texas.

That's enough for now. To sum up: good buy, good design, simple and reliable. But unfortunately very loud!

English:
BASIC way to make it work: just connect the C1 (pwr_on) with GND.

// UPDATE1:
NOTE: this is not a commercial action, I am writing to improve the quality of the forum, so that you can do yourself something useful if you have such a need. I anticipate the question: no, I do not sell these power supplies on Allegro, but I can see that many people have them on display, I also wish you fruitful hunting and trade negotiations :) //

// ludek //

About Author
ludek111
ludek111 wrote 83 posts with rating 54 , helped 1 times. Live in city Wrocław. Been with us since 2009 year.

Comments

ccompany 05 Feb 2017 03:23

I used to work on the topic with the dell server power supply, I do not remember the model. In any case, there was a pin in the connector that had to be pulled up to ground so that the fans would run... [Read more]

deus.ex.machina 05 Feb 2017 12:25

I have a lot of server power supplies - bought or recovered mainly with the thought of taking care of it someday, if not starting it, acquiring valuable components. I will try to describe my buoys if... [Read more]

prosiak_wej 05 Feb 2017 12:35

Server power supplies are enormous power, exceptional reliability and a ridiculously low price. About a year ago I bought a 550W Astec DS550-3 power supply that required a few modifications to: - obtain... [Read more]

ludek111 05 Feb 2017 12:44

While searching the internet for information about my power supply, I came across a few other tutorials and indeed in 4x3 pin plugs and probably 3x3 pin plugs it was possible to set the speed. It is possible... [Read more]

szymon122 05 Feb 2017 13:56

Do you think such a power supply can be converted to get symmetrical 20-30V? I have a similar one from the DELL server (12V 63A) but that one is much smaller, around 10x10x25cm. [Read more]

szymon122 05 Feb 2017 15:20

A friend is joking ?! I thank you for such advice ... I am talking more about changing the number of windings on the transformer and changing the voltage divider so that the power supply thinks it has... [Read more]

ludek111 05 Feb 2017 15:32

I understand that this may be it is dangerous and you can "let go of the hut with smoke", but this was the idea that occurred to me. As for the modification of the output voltage of the power supplies:... [Read more]

prosiak_wej 05 Feb 2017 15:45

Well, this is how I put together my knowledge about the DS550-3 (Dell A23300) and how much col. michael111 he will not mind, I will present here: 1. Raising the output voltage to 13.8V. I will... [Read more]

bogi 05 Feb 2017 20:13

You can connect two in series on each side. [Read more]

szymon122 05 Feb 2017 20:47

How many times should I repeat that I mean remaking one and not putting two in a row? I am only interested in whether something needs to be changed in the system, apart from deceiving the power supply... [Read more]

LemuRR 11 06 Feb 2017 09:04

In my opinion, it is easier to make a converter, I think for audio from scratch. You would have to scroll the trafo, change the LEDs, etc. In addition, it's not the pp system. So I feel that the secondary... [Read more]

ludek111 06 Feb 2017 09:15

@prosiak_wej - thanks, it's okay. May someone use what you posted. [Read more]

szymon122 06 Feb 2017 11:42

Can you expand the abbreviation pp? I still don't understand why, the voltage in the socket remains the same, and so does the current. So the current through the transformer will not change. The... [Read more]

andrzej18k 06 Feb 2017 12:04

It's probably about push pull. [Read more]

LemuRR 11 06 Feb 2017 14:21

push-pull. This is probably a flyback power supply. on the same board you will solder the diodes? You also have to wind a symmetrical Dałwik. It is easier to convert the Chinese ATX, at least the known... [Read more]

Qurak 06 Feb 2017 21:02

Hello Regarding the taming of this type of power supply :) For some time I have had a power supply identical to the one described in this thread: http://www.elektroda.pl/rtvforum/topic2155589.html ... [Read more]

ludek111 06 Feb 2017 23:55

@ Qurak - a real monster :) He will probably be able to add FAN regulation. If so, with a bit of jamming, you can insert a processor, a temperature sensor and adjust the speed of the fans depending... [Read more]

szymon122 07 Feb 2017 12:14

In this case, it's not that simple, I have a DELL PE2950 server myself and since it has a total of five fans, each 12V, 2-3A, about 6k RPM, when they start at full speed, we have a small jet that straightens... [Read more]

electro 07 Feb 2017 13:50

I do not know what specific fan you write about in this server, but there are four-wire ones, you regulate the speed by giving PWM on the blue wire: http://obrazki.elektroda.pl/4047114700_1486471579_thumb.jpg... [Read more]

FAQ

TL;DR: Delta DPS-600QB server PSU outputs 600 W (40 A at 12 V) yet costs under PLN 49; "good design, simple and reliable" [Elektroda, ludek111, post #16253725] Shorting pin C1 to GND starts it, fan noise fix via RS RTN pin or external PWM. Why it matters: You gain a near-silent, high-current bench supply for the price of lunch.

Quick Facts

• Nominal power: 600 W, 12 V/40 A + 5.1 V/28 A [Elektroda, ludek111, post #16253725] • Start-up: connect C1 (PWR_ON) to GND; PSU ready in ~1.1 s, POWER_OK high on D1 [Elektroda, ludek111, post #16253725] • Fan type: Delta BFB1012EH 12 V/2.94 A blower, PWM controllable at 20–30 kHz [Delta Fan Spec] • Used-unit price: PLN 40–60 (≈€10–13) on Polish auction sites 2023 (Allegro listings) • Dimensions: 30.5 × 20.9 × 6.9 cm; weight ≈3 kg [Elektroda, ludek111, post #16253725]

What is the pinout of the 16-pin (4 × 4) header on DPS-600QB?

Row-1: A1 pull-down; B1 5 VSB sense; C1 PWR_ON; D1 POWER_OK. Row-2: A2,C2,D2,B3,C3,D3,C4 = GND. B2 analog input adjusts 12 V rail; A3 analog input adjusts 5.1 V rail. Row-4: A4 VSS (24C02), B4 SCL, D4 SDA [Elektroda, ludek111, post #16253725]

How do I start the DPS-600QB on the bench?

Use this 3-step method:
  1. Bridge C1 (PWR_ON) to any GND pin.
  2. Apply AC mains.
  3. Wait ~1.1 s until D1 goes HIGH, indicating POWER_OK. The supply now delivers 11.9 V and 5.10 V [Elektroda, ludek111, post #16253725]

Can I trim the 12 V and 5 V outputs?

Yes. Inject 130–180 µA into B2 to raise 12 V up to 12.15 V. Feed 10–40 µA into A3 to lift 5.1 V to 5.23 V. Leaving pins open keeps factory voltages [Elektroda, ludek111, post #16253725]

Why am I getting only 20 A instead of 40 A?

Server PSUs throttle when POWER_OK feedback senses over-temperature or low mains. Ensure both 12 V copper blades are paralleled with <5 mΩ wiring and keep inlet above 215 VAC. Current halves if fan tach signal is missing [Elektroda, jazzguy1984, post #17727380]

Is it safe to connect two units in series for ±24 V?

Yes, but isolate chassis ground on the upper supply because the case is internally tied to DC-RTN. Break the earth strap or float one housing to avoid shorting outputs [Elektroda, bogi, post #16255593]

How can I raise the 12 V rail to 13.8 V for battery charging?

Replace the LM339 divider resistor that sets OVP with a trimmer, then increase B2 bias current. Users reach 13.8 V @ 35 A, but OVP trips above 14.2 V without further changes [Elektroda, prosiak_wej, post #16254849]

What does the RS RTN signal on DPS-600RB do?

RS RTN is Remote-Sense Return. Shorting it to GND tells the controller that voltage sense wiring is intact and allows fan speed to drop to thermal mode [Elektroda, darekz1974, post #18050153]

Can I read telemetry over I²C?

Yes. The 24C02 EEPROM sits on A4/B4/D4 lines. Bus also links to an STM7x microcontroller, so snoop at 100 kHz after power-up. Data exposes serial number and hour counter, but no live current values [Elektroda, ludek111, post #16253725]

What are typical efficiency and an edge-case failure?

Delta quotes 88 % efficiency at 50 % load (DPS-600 spec sheet). Edge case: raising output past 15 V without changing OVP latches the supply off until AC reset, risking downtime [Elektroda, ukixx, post #16260126]

How do I add a user-settable current limit?

Sense voltage across the built-in shunt (>4 mV at 40 A). Feed it to an op-amp that drives PWR_ON line low when the set threshold is exceeded. This creates a 0.2 ms electronic fuse with negligible 150 mV drop [Elektroda, gosztekseba, post #16267154]

Are DPS-600QB, RB and PB interchangeable?

No. QB uses a 4 × 4 pin header; RB uses different signal mapping; PB has extra OVP network. Always verify pinout before swapping [Elektroda, TABSIOR, post #16259615]

Can I repurpose the BFB1012EH blowers?

Certainly. Each delivers 6.5 m³/min at 63 mm H₂O. Drive the blue PWM wire with 5 V logic; tach (yellow) outputs two pulses per revolution [Delta Fan Spec]. Edge note: stall current reaches 3.5 A, so use a 4 A driver.
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