"Smart Technology" Released

July 8, 1999
Houston, TX - SmartPower Systems, Inc. a Houston-based manufacturer of power protection and conditioning equipment for the Office Automation, Computer, Retail Technology and Telecommunications industries introduced its latest product today, the Smart Transformer Based Filter (STBF)

STBF technology features several breakthrough technologies, not available until now in the power filtration industry.

Smart Technology speaks directly to the increasing sensitivity of microprocessor based digital equipment. As processor power requirements diminish (Pentium III chips use less than 3 volts) and transistor density increases, voltage sensitivity increases, creating environments where everyday small surges and transients from office appliances and office equipment can disrupt the function of connected equipment, creating error codes, board failures, paper jams and "No Problem Found" nuisance service calls. These same small voltage spikes can disrupt networks, disrupt hard drives, degrade components and decrease productivity.

More importantly, SmartPower Systems "Smart" Technology provides two additional levels of protection to the product. Smart technology provides over voltage protection, which disconnects the output of the unit whenever prolonged surges over 160 Volts are encountered. Additionally, STBF units feature "Neutral to Hot" protection, which provides protection should Neutral and Hot wires cross, creating 240 volts of line voltage. In this circumstance (examples: wind damage to power lines, utility construction where a backhoe accidentally cuts power lines, etc.) voltages of up to 240 volts can flow through a standard surge suppressor directly into connected equipment for several seconds, (causing catastrophic damage) until the surge suppressor's thermal fuse blows. In contrast, the STBF automatically protects and disconnects the connected equipment, while protecting itself, thus preventing any damage from over voltages.

Studies conducted by AT+T and IBM have shown that common mode noise (Small spikes less than 200 volts between the Neutral and Ground) are the culprit in over 85% of power related events that occur. Typical UPS systems and Surge suppressors defend against massive surges and lightning above 330 Volts yet features little if any common mode protection. SmartPower Systems' Transformer-Based Filters feature complete protection from lightning strikes, surges and over-voltages plus feature the benefits of limiting pass through voltages to <10Volts in Normal Mode (Between Hot and Neutral) and <1 Volts in Common Mode (Between Neutral and Ground)

SmartPower Systems' patented TBF™ technology provides the solution to these problems. Through the use of a combination of a noise isolation transformer and surge suppression technology, SmartPower Systems is able to provide the performance of an Isolation Transformer (weighing over 50lbs and costing up to $1000) at a fraction of the cost, weight and size.

SmartPower Systems STBF Technology will be available in all new SmartPower Systems 15 amp products after August 15th, 1999 and Prices start at MSRP of $111.00, and feature 2 and 4 outlet models as well as Standard equipment RJ-11 and RJ-45 modem and network protection on select units.

In tests conducted by Sharp, Mita, Casio, Bell & Howell and Toshiba, SmartPower Systems' TBF™ based products were shown to dramatically reduce service calls by an average of 60%, while increasing copies between calls (CBC) by an average of 34%.

Since 1983 SmartPower Systems has manufactured and developed products for the office automation, Retail technology and Telecommunications industries, winning endorsements from Mita, Casio, Sharp, Panasonic, Bell & Howell Toshiba and others. SmartPower Systems' development of the Transformer Based Filter has been referred to as a break-through product in the power protection industry, winning praise from BYTE magazine Publish and many others.

SmartPower Systems products can be seen on the Web at www.SmartPowerSystems.com

STBF Filters are available through SmartPower Systems' dealer network and select distributors. Dealer and Distributor Inquiries are welcome.