Didactum PDU 4T

Didactum PDU 4T with 4 switchable power outputs including connections for intelligent IP sensors

The Didactum PDU 4T is a power strip compatible with SNMPv1, SNMPv2c, and SNMPv3 for 19" technical, control, network, and server cabinets. This PDU is manufactured in the EU.

Typical application possibilities for this PDU include, among others:

• Control and automation technology
• Remote switching on and off of electrical consumers such as servers or IT equipment
• Reboot of unresponsive PC, server, and storage systems
• Out-of-band management via SMS remote command (LTE modem required)
• Physical environment monitoring (temperature and humidity monitoring)
• Rack monitoring / cabinet monitoring

4 outputs for critical equipment – manually, via SNMP, or sensor-controlled switchable. This IP-based PDU (Power Distribution Unit) offers 4 switchable C13 outputs. These power sockets can be switched individually or as a group. Convenient operation is via the German-language web interface. Access the switchable PDU via your internet browser. Switch the electrical consumers connected to the C13 sockets on or off manually.

Each output of the PDU can also be switched on and off via SNMP command. The ideal solution for customers using SNMP-compatible DCIM (Data Center Infrastructure Management) software or network management systems (NMS).

In interaction with the optionally available intelligent sensors, this PDU can also switch automatically. In the event of overheating in the IT rack, the PDU can automatically switch off the power supply to protect heat-sensitive server and storage components from impending heat damage. If the IT rack is running on battery power from the UPS, individual consumers can be immediately switched off so that the maximum backup time is not reached prematurely. If the connected water sensor detects the presence of moisture or water-based liquids, the intelligent PDU 700 can immediately cut the power supply to the server hardware. If the batteries of the UPS system burst, the water sensor can also reliably report the leakage of battery acid. This way, you protect sensitive IT equipment from a possible electrical short circuit.

Expansion of the PDU with additional SNMP-compatible sensors

If the 2 sensor ports of this PDU are not sufficient, you can connect optionally available sensor expansion units to the PDU's CAN port. Each unit offers 8 additional sensor ports for analog sensors. This way, you can equip more important technical and server cabinets with temperature sensors or door contacts. Digital CAN sensors can also be mounted on the PDU. Highly interesting is the combined CAN sensor, which combines the important sensors for temperature, humidity, and smoke in a single housing.

Since each intelligent sensor is equipped with an SNMP OID, each sensor is automatically recognized by the PDU 700. The measurement data of the sensors is stored in the PDU's data logger. You can display the temperature readings graphically in diagram form directly in the web interface. For checklists and reports, the measured sensor data can be loaded as a CSV or XML file and processed, for example, with Excel.

Notification and alarm functions of the PDU

The intelligent PDU offers built-in logic and can reliably inform you and your colleagues in the event of critical conditions or operational disruptions in the technical or server room. If the connected temperature sensor detects a critical increase above the maximum permissible temperature, the PDU can send the following notifications and alarm messages:

• Email alarm to up to 10 recipients (including STARTTLS)
• SMS alarm (via optional modem or email to SMS gateway)
• Notifications via SNMP trap to monitoring tools / NMS / building automation
• Switching of signal contacts for notifications to the alarm system / building technology

Ethernet connection for fault indicators

The Didactum PDU 4T from Didactum is equipped with 2 inputs for potential-free fault indicators. Here you can connect reed contacts as well as your fire alarm or UPS system. In the PDU's web interface, you can individually parameterize the signal contacts (NO = normally open / NC = normally closed). If the fault indicator contact is triggered, the PDU 700 sends notifications via SNMP traps to SCADA systems or network management software (NMS). Email dispatch and SMS (GSM modem required) are also supported by this Ethernet-based PDU.

Editor's note:

If a larger number of fault indicators need to be monitored via the Ethernet network, you can also connect the expansion unit for potential-free contacts to the PDU.

Out-of-band management in the IT and server room

The Ethernet-based power strip can optionally be equipped with a GSM modem. In the event of a network or DSL failure, you can use the SMS remote command function to switch the systems connected to the Didactum PDU 4T on or off. To do this, simply send the required commands to the intelligent power strip via SMS message. Each switching command sent by SMS is also acknowledged by the Didactum PDU 4T via SMS. This ensures that switching the power outputs on and off has actually been executed.

Video surveillance with optional USB camera

If desired, you can connect an inexpensive USB video camera to the Didactum PDU 4T. For example, if your IT or server room is entered or your IT rack is opened, this PDU can send you a video of the event by email or SMS (additional hardware such as LTE modem required).

Integration of the PDU into Nagios & Co.

Since the Didactum PDU 4T is compatible with SNMPv1, SNMPv2c, and SNMPv3, integration with network management systems such as Nagios XI, check_MK, Naemon, OP5, Paessler PRTG, Shinken, Ipswitch WhatsUp Gold, Zabbix, etc. is straightforward. Plugins for Nagios and MIB files are included in the scope of delivery.

LTE modem module - optionally available

In the event of disruptions to the Internet connection or failure of important network components, it is highly advisable to be alerted directly from the technical or server room via SMS messages over the GSM network. The background is that, for example, if the (V)DSL connection fails, no more emails can be sent. Alarm messages from production, logistics, or the IT room can then no longer reach the responsible employees.

For example, a failure of the air conditioning in the IT room can lead to unplanned and at the same time expensive downtime of the IT. By purchasing the GPRS / GSM modem, you ensure that the monitoring system sends notifications and alarms by SMS in critical events (water ingress / power failure / fire, etc.).

This way, you receive important messages and alarms directly on your mobile phone / smartphone. Integrated macro functions of the monitoring system provide individual customization of the content of the SMS message. Using SMS remote queries, you can conveniently determine the currently measured temperature or humidity in the warehouse or server room.

Discover the versatile functions of the Didactum PDU 4T:

• Efficient load management: Switch up to four outputs on/off or restart them for optimal load management.
• Comprehensive environmental monitoring: Monitor temperature, humidity, voltage, leakage, smoke, and airflow for maximum safety.
• Versatile I/O controller: Use the PDU also for door controls, fans, generators, switch panels, UPS, circuit breakers, and alarms.
• Support for 700 elements: Configure notifications, triggers, timers, logic schemes, sensors, and potential-free contacts according to your requirements.
• Integrated web interface: Easy configuration and monitoring thanks to virtual sensors, logic schemes, and various notification options.
• LTE modem slot: Ensure a reliable Ethernet connection with the optional LTE modem slot.

The device features:

• x2 analog sensor ports
• x1 Ethernet port
• x1 Micro-USB port
• x1 CAN sensor bus port
• x2 12V DC 0.25A relays
• x2 potential-free contact inputs
• x1 SD card slot and power backup option for AC and DC.