Technical analysis of Beetle POS rebooting when fluorescent lights are activated. Focus on EMI, power conditioning, and external interference.
Recent electrical work could introduce new sources of EMI or exacerbate existing ones.
Older fluorescent lights are more likely to produce higher levels of EMI.
Changes in location or configuration could expose the POS unit to new sources of EMI.
Fluorescent lights can generate significant electromagnetic interference (EMI) in the radio frequency (RF) spectrum. This EMI can induce voltage fluctuations in the POS unit's power supply, potentially causing a system reset. Voltage drops or spikes beyond the POS unit's tolerance can trigger protective circuits, leading to an unexpected reboot. The POS's internal shielding and grounding may be insufficient, and the power supply may lack adequate filtering to suppress the induced noise. Additionally, improperly shielded or damaged data cables can act as antennas, conducting EMI directly into sensitive circuitry.
The Beetle POS unit reboots unexpectedly when fluorescent lights in the vicinity are switched on.
Regularly inspect power and data cables for damage or wear. Clean the POS unit and surrounding area to prevent dust buildup, which can exacerbate EMI issues. Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent overheating, which can stress power supply components. Implement a routine power-cycling schedule for the unit.
Try using a ferrite choke on the power cable close to the POS unit's power input. This can help to attenuate high-frequency EMI and improve the unit's immunity to electrical noise. Ensure the ferrite choke is properly sized for the cable and frequency range of the interference.