What is module power draw?
Module power draw is the electrical consumption of an AI accelerator (Jetson, Coral, Hailo) under a given workload. It varies by operating mode, workload type, and utilization.
How do I choose between operating modes?
Operating modes trade power for performance. For edge inference with single streams, use the lowest power mode. For multi-stream or compute-heavy loads, use higher modes.
What is utilization modifier?
Utilization modifier scales the module power based on actual workload duty cycle. 1.0× = full workload, 0.5× = half utilization, 1.3× = over-subscribed concurrent tasks.
Should I include external-powered cameras?
No. External-powered cameras (e.g., PoE cameras) have their own power supply and should not be included in the node system budget. Size the PoE switch separately.
What PSU wattage should I buy?
Buy a PSU rated at least to the 'PSU Recommendation' value. We include 20% safety margin + 25% headroom by default. Ensure sufficient amperage at your chosen voltage.
How do I size a battery for extended runtime?
Specify desired runtime hours. The calculator accounts for battery efficiency, DC cabling loss, and depth-of-discharge to recommend safe capacity. LiFePO₄ offers better cycle life than Li-ion.
What is confidence score?
Confidence reflects estimate reliability. Typical inference (1.0× util) = 85%. Other workloads = 65%. Custom workload/util = 45%. Validate critical designs with real measurements.
Can I use this for continuous 24/7 deployments?
Yes. This calculator supports system budget sizing for 24/7 edge deployments. Account for environmental cooling needs (passive vs active), power redundancy (dual PSU), and thermal management in your design.
How accurate are these estimates?
±15% under vendor-specified conditions. Custom workloads or high utilization may vary by ±25%. Always validate with real measurements before finalizing designs.