B

Bandwidth The data a cable can carry measured in bits per second (bps).

Battery Backup A battery or a set of batteries in a UPS system. Its purpose is to provide an alternate source of power if the main source is interrupted.

Battery Capacity The battery ampere-hour capacity at full charge, standard temperature, and at a specified (usually C10) discharge rate.

Battery Charger A device or a system which provides the electrical power needed to keep the battery backup fully charged.

Battery Current Limit System voltage control that limits the battery charge current to a preset value.

Bi-Directional Converter A device which changes (or converts) alternating-current power to direct-current power and vice versa.

Blackout A total loss of the AC utility (commercial power).

Boost See buck and boost.

Brownout A reduction in the voltage of the AC utility without complete loss of power.

Buck and Boost A proprietary voltage regulation process used when an over-voltage or Under-voltage situation occurs in the UPS. Under-voltage is boosted to make the voltage greater, and over-voltage is bucked to reduce it. The result is less reliance on the UPS battery, extending overall battery life.

Bus Voltage The actual voltage supplied to the load as measured at the bus bars.

Bypass A circuit used to change the path of the electrical power so that it goes around (or bypasses) its normal path. In the UPS, the bypass circuit is used to route the power around the major electronics in the UPS so they can be serviced without power interruption.