RCNTEC: Resilient Power Control Module (RPCM)

Remote Power Control Module (RPCM) - hardware solution for power control in the data center.

2021: RPCM Software 0.9.34 with the ability to send data to the RPCM.Cloud cloud

On April 30, 2021, RCNTEC released an update to RPCM Software 0.9.34.

It mainly corrects various errors and improves stability of operation.

Added support for PhoenixMiner in the configuration of the vochdog hashreat (Automation).

Resolved Errors:

• Fixed a problem that causes intensive requests (REST API, Web, etc.) The RPCM could stop responding and/or authenticating users;
• Eliminated error of data loss during time backward transfer;
• There is no problem duplicating log display entries in browsers;
• Fixed link-local address self-designation problem when unavailable DHCP-;servers
• Fixed error with SNMPv3 DES;
• Firmware: fixed the occasional problem of periodically distorting settings and increasing response time in various

interfaces (REST API, Web, etc.).

Improvements:

• Improved verification for prohibited characters in user passwords when authentications using RADIUS;
• Sending data cloud RPCM.Cloud to is now more stable and even.

Manufacturer recommends upgrading RPCM's to further boost stability and availability of RPCMs even in large quantities simultaneous API queries.

2020

RPCM Software Update Release 0.9.1

On December 7, 2020, RCNTEC announced the release of the RPCM Software 0.9.1 update.

Thanks to years of experience in practical use, excellent feedback from customers and a large number of RPCMs that help customers "in the fields," this release is the most stable and reliable in the history of RPCM Software.

This release adds various important features useful for practical use, which RCNTEC customers have been asking about for quite some time. Also, RCNTEC eliminated some unpleasant errors, making RPCMs that users love even better.

Features of RPCM Software 0.9.1 (Firmware 0.10.41) (compared to 0.8.1 (Firmware 0.9.768)):

Opportunities:

• Added RADIUS support for authentication;
• Added authorization based on groups with detailed authorizations;
• Added HTTPS support for REST API;
• Added REST API calls for pin setup, automation configuration, and time setting;
• Added REST API call logic;
• Added SNMP bulk walk support;
• The reset (off/on) delay of each outlet can now be adjusted;
• Now you can set the outlet so that it remains off after turning on the RPCM (this is sometimes important, for example, when you need to check the environmental conditions at a remote facility after completely de-energizing before turning on the equipment so as not to damage it);
• It is now possible to configure multiple Automation tests to the same group of outlets.

Resolved Errors:

• Fixed a problem where SNMP could sometimes give incorrect very large values of some parameters;
• Fixed issue with setting date/time through REST API;
• Fixed an error that made it possible to set a non-existent color for the display in the SSH CLI;
• Fixed an issue where RPCM HLC might not restart on restart high-level-contoller command in SSH CLI;
• Fixed issue that caused log mapping to hang when using --include for keyword searches in SSH CLI;
• Fixed problem with hanging functionality of Network Utilities;
• Fixed a problem that led to the reset of network settings in the SSH CLI when setting an incorrect network mask;
• Fixed an error that prevented the default network gateway from changing the static network configuration on the Web interface;
• Fixed an issue where if the RPCM is de-energized, the latest logs may have been lost and an email alert will not arrive;
• Fixed a problem that could cause looping when controlling buttons from the display, which required restarting the HLC;
• Firmware: Fixed a problem that could lead to false detection of short circuits during the procedure for turning on sockets with startup delays;
• Firmware: Fixed the problem of internal interaction between controllers, which led to delays in answering commands and pressing buttons and led to repeated display of inscriptions on the screen, or display of inscriptions with delays.

Improvements:

• The logging of authentication events is improved - now it is possible to distinguish different sessions of the same user and see how the user was authenticated - locally or by one of the radius servers;
• Reduced load on the HLC processor from SNMP activity;
• Logs in the system log in the web interface are now highlighted with colors for easier reading;
• SMTP settings have become more compatible with various mail services, such as Sendgrid and Yandex Mail;
• DHCP now announces the Serial Name of the RPCM instead of simply the string "RPCM" to simplify the search for a specific RPCM'a on DHCP servers;
• Improved survival of critical internal processes to improve remote availability of RPCMs in the event of unexpected errors;
• Firmware: Improved support for voltage sources with a non-sinusoidal waveform;
• Firmware: The sound of the beeper now sounds more evenly.

RPCM iOS App 1.1.4 with DC device support and card

On February 4, 2020, RCNTEC announced the next version of the RPCM iOS App 1.1.4 mobile application, which improved cloud functionality.

Updates:

• Added the ability to use an account with several companies;
• On Dashborda, important events which happened to devices are visible now: short circuits (SC), preventions (Alarm), malfunctions and many other things;
• DC devices are supported (RPCM's for DC with -48V voltage );
• Added groups and device map (you can reflect the hierarchy of device locations and specify geographic coordinates to display RPCMs on the map );
• The functionality of "favourite devices" is added (favourite devices always are at the top of the list of available devices for fast access).

The mobile application combines the search and control capabilities of RPCMs located in the local network and the functions of the RPCM.CLOUD cloud service to monitor the entire power supply infrastructure based on the RPCM Smart PDU intelligent power management modules.

2019: RPCM Software Release 0.8.1 for RPCM Smart PDU

On September 16, 2019, RCNTEC announced the release of a software update for the RPCM intelligent power management modules - RPCM Software 0.8.1.

According to the developer, the release 0.8.1 took into account many client wishes, corrected errors and made improvements in almost all aspects. The changes improve the overall performance of devices and enhance the security, stability, and usability of RPCM Smart PDUs.

Among the features added to 0.8.1 are over-voltage protection, customizable for each outlet, display control mode, backup/restore configuration, the ability to display their messages on the display, and much more. A more convenient procedure for obtaining updates has also been implemented. Users can download updates themselves after registering an account. Existing customers can install updates on the RPCM Smart PDU without interrupting consumer power supply, RCNTEC emphasized.

List of additions in RPCM Software 0.8.1 (compared to 0.7.7) noted by the developer:

• added support for over-voltage protection with the ability to customize each output
• it is possible to display messages on a physical display
• ability to adjust what should be displayed after RPCM is started
• ability to disable RPCM'a beeps
• added the ability to back up/restore the configuration
• added control from the physical display - this will allow you to perform some actions, such as resetting the short circuit state, turning off the sound, turning on/off the sockets, switching ATS, etc., by pressing the buttons on the display when the user is near the RPCM, without having to enter the RPCM through the web/ssh or mobile application
• Web interface: added the ability to show limits in graphs
• Web Interface: Added the ability to configure the language from the configuration menu without having to differentiate from the web interface
• Web Interface: Added the ability to sort vochdogs by outlet names and numbers in the Automation menu
• Web interface, SSH CLI, physical display: added indication of incorrect input polarity in the web interface, command line and on the physical display - correction of incorrect input connection polarity provides isolation of short circuits to protective ground
• Web interface, SSH CLI, physical display: added flashing indication of faulty outlets in case the outlet should not have voltage, and it is actually present - to improve personnel safety
• Automation: added support for the following types of miners: Antminer S11, Antminer T15, Antminer S15, DragonMint T1, Whatsminer M3X, Claymore, as well as many non-mining templates
• Automation: added the ability to configure vodogs for several devices connected to one pin, as well as the ability to associate several outlets with one device
• Automation: Voiceovers in the presented version can be configured via SSH CLI and REST API
• SNMP: MIB files with parameters that appear are available in the web interface (for example, over-voltage protection settings)
• Firmware: this release includes an updated firmware version of 0.9.768 with many improvements
• REST API: added endpoints (automation, simultaneous switching on/off of multiple outlets, sound control, indication control)
• Cloud - Input and output names and descriptions are exported as part of telemetry to the cloud to display the value in graphs
• RPCM 3x250 and RPCM DELTA support added
• RPCM DC ATS 76A and RPCM DC 232A support added

Firmware features 0.9.768 (compared to 0.9.454), noted by the developer:

• added support for limiting the total current on input to values lower than the maximum allowed on input to current
• added support for simultaneous on/off sockets
• sockets with the same startup delay values are switched on at the same time
• added over-voltage protection with individual pin settings
• added the ability to turn off the speaker
• white flashing is added if input connection polarity is incorrect - correct connection polarity is required to isolate short circuit to protective ground
• added flashing pins in pink to improve electrical safety - thanks to such flashing, you can see if the voltage is where it should not be
• RPCM 3x250 and RPCM DELTA support added
• added support for DC ATS 76A RPCM and DC 232A RPCM.

2018

Integration with "Freestyle" UPS from "Impulse" CRI

On August 23, 2018, RCNTEC announced the beginning of cooperation with CRI "IMPULSE," within the framework of which it became possible to integrate Freestyle UPS from CRI "Impulse" with Smart-PDU RPCM, and launch joint projects to ensure reliable power supply at critical facilities.

'Our specialists have extensive experience in deploying and implementing complex power supply systems at different levels of complexity. Integration UPS CRI "IMPULSE" with Smart-PDU RCNTEC opens the opportunity for us to offer the best solutions for the organization of the most reliable and reliable power supply systems at our facilities, using the most advanced technologies.

author = Denis Neshtun, CEO of LLC'ARSIENTEK ' We are optimistic about the beginning of joint work with the company CRI "IMPULSE." A comprehensive solution based on UPS PULSE and Smart-PDU RPCM will allow you to build reliable, fault-tolerant power supply and protection systems completely Russian. We have already begun to implement joint projects and hope that their number, as well as the demand for our solutions, will constantly increase.

Application of RPCM ME in Swiss Alps Energy mining cubes

On June 14, 2018, RCNTEC announced the start of a partnership with Swiss Alps Energy to improve mining efficiency in the Swiss Alps.

Intelligent power control modules RPCM Mining Edition will be used in Swiss Alps Mining cubes for automatic monitoring and management of miners, automatic reset when the hashrate decreases, protection against short circuits and fire hazard situations, as well as accounting for electricity.

According to the RCNTEC statement, the partnership of the two companies and the close integration of SAE and RCNTEC solutions opens up the opportunity for alpine data center customers to organize the most profitable mining using advanced technologies.

"We will get the most out of RCNTEC's Smart-PDU RPCM Mining Edition, which will help ensure and maintain the safe and uninterrupted operation of important SAE components such as power management and automatic hashrate reboot."

Swiss Alps Energy AG places its Swiss Alps Mining & Energy (SAM) mining cubes in the historic buildings of the Swiss Alps, preventing them from collapsing and using the innovative Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) technology to restore electricity from waste heat.

RPCM Software Release 0.7.1 for Smart-PDU RPCM

On April 23, 2018, Russian developer RCNTEC announced the release of the next version of the software for the RPCM (Resilient Power Control Module) - RPCM Software 0.7.1.

Smart PDU RPCM combines remote management (WEB/SSH/SNMP/REST API), short-circuit protection at each outlet, ATS (Automatic Reserve Entry), diagnostics of correctly connected grounding, fire protection and specified power supply delays to correctly start the infrastructure.

The presented version of the software opens the possibility to automatically restart the equipment connected through RPCM. This feature allows cryptocurrency miners to automatically reboot mining equipment when the hashrate falls below expected values ​ ​ and eliminates unprofitable outages.

Also now, RPCMs can reboot servers based on monitoring ICMP ping losses, TCP port inaccessibility, and even based on reduced power consumption that can occur when the operating system hangs or fails. This will help enterprises with a distributed structure significantly reduce the time of inaccessibility of remote objects and the cost of solving problems.

The developers of RCNTEC have implemented an alert by SMTP for customers who prefer to receive notifications by. to e-mail

SNMP Trap functionality is implemented for those using centralized monitoring systems.

It became easy to detect RPCMs that are nearby on the network - this can be done in the web interface and at the command line, the developers noted.

To simplify the configuration of RPCMs in client monitoring systems, version 0.7.1 implements SNMPv3 EngineID auto-determination.

For the convenience of users, the web interface provides browsing and searching by logs.

To increase the security of remote access to Smart-PDU RPCM, the updated version of the software supports encrypted (https) access to the web interface.

Also in version 0.7.1, all documentation and MIB files became available for download directly from the RPCM web interface.

In addition, RPCM Software 0.7.1 fixed errors found in earlier versions.

Mobile app for iPhone and iPad

On March 7, 2018, RCNTEC announced the release of a free mobile application for the RPCM (Resilient Power Control Module). As noted in the company, the developers of RCNTEC tried to make the mobile application easy to manage and intuitive to the user.

As in the web interface, the mobile application has the ability to monitor the voltage of the network in real time, in one click to turn on/off and reload any of the inputs and outputs, monitor the power consumption for each individual output, as well as the temperature of the device.

The color indication of the leads and inputs is saved: green - active, blue - active, but not used, gray - turned off. Incorrect grounding on the leads is displayed in flashing yellow.

In the RPCM mobile client, it is possible to identify the device with the sound or flashing of the display. It is also possible to identify each input or output separately for convenience.

The mobile application automatically scans the Wi-Fi network, lists all RPCM devices in the network, and allows you to connect to several RPCM modules at the same time.

The application has become available for iPhone and iPad in the App Store since March 6, 2018.^[1]

European Union Compliance Certificates

On January 12, 2018, RCNTEC announced that it had passed the verification and received certificates of compliance with electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards adopted by the European Parliament for the entire line of RPCM remote power management modules.

The RPCM module developed in RCNTEC combines the functions of remote control, automatic reserve input (ALT) without interruption of connected equipment, short-circuit protection (CP) at each terminal, electric power counter taking into account active and reactive power, indication of correctly connected grounding, as well as the function of adjustable current consumption thresholds at each terminal and the ability to correctly set the sequence and delays when switching on the devices after complete blackout. RPCMs with this functionality are available in versions 16A and 32A.

In turn, RPCM ME, a specialized product for mining equipment owners, allows you to improve fire safety, protect against short circuits and automate restarting of dependent mining equipment, allowing you to technically protect investments and optimize the operation of mining equipment. Also, thanks to built-in power meters, RPCM Mining Edition helps the actively developing mining hotel industry charge customers according to the real consumption of customer equipment.

The necessary certificates were received for all three available (as of January 12, 2018) products of the RPCM line: RPCM (16A), RPCM 32A and RPCM Mining Edition (63A).

Obtaining EU certificates guarantees RCNTEC unimpeded supply of equipment to European Economic Area countries.

RPCM solves the problems of growing Smart PDU and cryptocurrency mining markets, meets market trends and is able to ensure round-the-clock and uninterrupted operation of the systems of the most demanding customers. Certification of the European Union opens up the possibility of using technologies for users of the European market and all countries that adopt European conventions on electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility, "said Denis Neshtun, CEO of RCNTEC.

The first prepaid devices with appropriate markings will be shipped to the EU countries in January 2018.

Release RPCM 32A

In January 2018, the Russian developer of horizontally scalable solutions and infrastructure equipment RCNTEC announced the release of a more powerful version of the Resilient Power Control Module with 32A (Ampere) support at the inputs - RPCM 32A.

According to the company, this solution will reliably power modern high-performance servers with powerful power supplies, blade baskets, rack servers, powerful network equipment, motors and other devices with increased power consumption.

The introduced version of the intelligent power management module RPCM 32A retains all the functionality of its 16-ampere predecessor.

The RPCM 32A is also designed in the 1U form factor and allows you to connect up to 10 devices with a total power of 7.7kW at a time, giving administrators the ability to turn on, off, and reboot each of the devices connected to the RPCM without physical interference.

RPCM 32A combines the functions of automatic reserve input (ATS) without interruption of the connected equipment, short-circuit protection (CP) at each terminal, an electric power meter taking into account active and reactive power, indication of correctly connected ground.

The RPCM Intelligent Power Management Module provides the ability to adjust the current consumption thresholds at each terminal to prevent the occurrence of fire hazards, and the ability to correctly set the sequence and delays when switching on devices after complete blackout.

In the fall of 2017, we introduced the RPCM remote power control module to the market with support for 16A current at the inputs - the device was met with great interest by the market, we received many comments from market professionals and found the need for a similar device capable of supporting large capacities. Already, we are ready to present the market with a version of RPCM, not inferior in functionality to its predecessor, but with support at inputs twice as much current - 32 Ampere. Now users have the opportunity to connect 10 more powerful client devices to one RPCM module, providing them with protection against short-term damage, backup power supply, and control their power consumption, "said Denis Neshtun, CEO of RCNTEC.

2017

Power distribution module for mining trusses

On November 24, 2017, RCNTEC announced the release of an intelligent power distribution module (PDU).

The module is aimed at mining professionals. The device supports the current at input 63A, the total power is 15 kW.

RPCM Mining Edition (RPCM ME) is designed for mining farms using ASIC and GPU rigs.

The device is made in the 1U form factor and allows you to connect up to 10 devices with a total power of 15 kW at a time, giving cryptocurrency miners the opportunity to turn off, turn on and reload power at each of the 10 pins remotely, without personal presence at the object.

RPCM ME provides the ability to set the consumption thresholds at each individual output, which helps prevent fire hazards caused by loads and equipment overheating.

When the hashrate is reduced, a hung device connected to the ME RPCM is automatically rebooted and administrators are alerted messengers Slack in or. Telegram

RPCM ME has protection against the short circuit (SC) on each of 10 conclusions and, at emergence of KZ on one of the connected devices, automatically interrupts supply of electricity on the device where there was KZ, without switching-off other equipment - connected to RPCM ME and connected to the same tire of power supply.

As of November 24, 2017, the status of the device is the final stage of development. Access to the market is scheduled until the end of 2017.

Compliance with fire safety requirements

In November 2017, RCNTEC confirmed the compliance of its development, the Resilient Power Control Module (RPCM), with fire safety requirements.

Understanding the significance and importance of compliance with fire safety rules at many facilities, RCNTEC passed voluntary certification in the field of fire safety of the remote power management module RPCM and confirmed the compliance of its solution with the requirements of GOST 27483-87, GOST 27924-88, GOST 27484-87.

Obtaining a fire compliance certificate allows you to install RPCM at industrial facilities, oil and gas industry facilities, as well as any other facilities with increased fire safety requirements.

According to RCNTEC, RPCM has no direct analogues in the market and is a device that combines the functions of remote power control, automatic reserve input, short-circuit protection and an electricity meter at each output.

RPCM is focused on a wide range of application and allows to control and operate power supply in the commercial centers of data processing (CDP), in server rooms, telecommunication knots, on remote objects, the industrial enterprises and objects with limited access.

You can get acquainted with the certificate of compliance with fire safety requirements on the website www.rcntec.com.^[2]

Start of sales

The first limited batch of intelligent RPCM PDUs was shipped to prepaid customers in November 2017. The cost of RPCM on prepaid terms is 900, dollars USA which is an unprecedented low price for such a set of functions.

Hosting providers providing collocation services will be able to better organize power management for their customers, reduce their mutual influence on each other, and also stand out in the collocation services market due to the ability to take into account power consumption even for the smallest client installations.

Customers placing their infrastructure on rented sites in data centers will be able to get a detailed idea of ​ ​ their power consumption with their equipment. They will significantly save thanks to the selection of the most profitable tariff plans in data centers, while effectively managing the power supply of their equipment remotely, as well as using the redundant power supply infrastructure in Tier 3 data centers (ATS function) without the need to purchase more expensive equipment with two power supplies. Customers will also be able to monitor power and ground parameters. And thanks to the short circuit protection that each RPCM socket is equipped with, the short circuit on one of the devices located on a remote site will not lead to many hours of downtime with the need for emergency physical visits to the data center by engineers.

Announcement

On April 27, 2017, RCNTEC announced the release of a remote power management device for data center equipment (data center) - Remote Power Control Module (RPCM).

RPCM is designed for use in the corporate segment, for upgrading and simplifying the data center infrastructure, improving reliability, fault tolerance of systems in the private segment - in households for fire protection and short circuits.

RPCM combines the functions of remote power control, automatic reserve input (ATS) without interrupting the operation of connected equipment, short-circuit protection and an electric meter on each port.

The device resembles a Swiss army knife in the world of power control systems, combining at the same time an incredible number of functions and properties, such as a high density of sockets on 1U, remote power control of each outlet, adjustable power quality parameters at the inputs, automatic reserve input function (ALT) without interruption of connected equipment with the option of automatic return to the main source during recovery, short circuit protection (CP) at each output, the possibility of setting consumption thresholds at each output for protection against fire hazard situations, protection of inputs from overload due to disconnection of consumers in the order specified by users, electric power counters taking into account both active and reactive power, the specified sequence and delays when switching on the device after complete blackout, indication of correctly connected grounding.

All functionality is available for monitoring and control through a complete set of management interfaces. It is an intuitive and easy to use web interface and SSH Command Line interface, SNMP versions 2c and 3, as well as REST API.

RPCM is designed to work in all countries of the world and supports the entire set of voltages and frequencies used in the world.

RPCM is focused on an application range - its use allows to control and operate effectively power supply in the commercial centers of data processing (CDP), in a corporate segment in server rooms, telecommunication knots, on remote objects, at the industrial enterprises and objects with limited access and also for private use in households.

Specification of the device

• The device is equipped with two power inputs and 10 outgoing ports, each of which the administrator can turn on, turn off and reboot without physically visiting the facility.
• Built-in RPCM features of ATS and managed PDU allow remote reloading of consumers. In case of deterioration of power supply characteristics at one of the inputs, the device automatically switches to the other input without interruption of power supply.
• Short circuit protection is available. When a short circuit occurs on one of the connected devices, the RPCM automatically interrupts the power supply only to the device on which it occurred, preventing the disconnection of other equipment connected to the RPCM and the rest connected to the same power bus.

The presence of power meters on each port of the RPCM allows you to organize the accounting of electricity.

Notes