Case Study｜AQF240E-12S24S — Dual-Output Power Supply for Self-Service Ordering Machines

Market Demand and Product Design

In recent years, the rise of self-service systems across the restaurant, retail, and kiosk industries has created growing demand for compact, reliable, and cost-efficient power solutions. Modern kiosks often need to power multiple subsystems — such as displays, printers, or bill validators — while facing tight space, higher efficiency standards, and stricter safety compliance.

To address these challenges, ARCH developed the AQF240E-12S24S, a 240W enclosed AC-DC switching power supply with dual main outputs (12V / 24V). Unlike most dual-output models in the market — which typically combine 5V with 12V or 24V — the rare 12V + 24V pairing makes the AQF240E-12S24S uniquely valuable for applications where such a combination is required but not readily available.

In addition, the AQF240E-12S24S was specially enhanced to meet customer requirements and successfully passed the ESD Air 27kV test. This electrostatic protection level is far above standard regulations, allowing the product to perform reliably in environments such as:

Metal housings and mechanical keypads
High human-interaction applications (e.g., self-service kiosks, ATMs)
Dry or outdoor operating conditions (e.g., desert regions, high-altitude locations)

This design not only improves the product’s durability but also ensures user safety, demonstrating ARCH’s commitment to delivering a complete and fully engineered solution.

Background Challenge

A well-known restaurant chain in Taiwan recently upgraded its stores with self-service ordering machines to improve operational efficiency. Each kiosk requires reliable power for both the display screen and the bill acceptor.

Previously, the customer had to use two separate power supplies from the same brand:

A 12V power supply for the display
A 24V power supply for the bill acceptor

While functional, this dual-power solution led to higher costs, limited space efficiency, and more complex thermal management.

Solution — AQF240E-12S24S

ARCH’s AQF240E-12S24S, a 240W AC-DC enclosed switching power supply, offers dual main outputs (12V / 24V) that perfectly meet the kiosk’s needs:

12V output (10A) → Powers the display screen
24V output (5A) → Drives the bill acceptor

With one compact unit, the AQF240E-12S24S replaces two separate power supplies, streamlining the design.

Key Benefits

Cost Savings: One power supply instead of two, reducing procurement and maintenance expenses.
Space Optimization: Compact size 150 × 106 × 39 mm, enabling slimmer kiosk designs.
High Efficiency: Up to 90% efficiency, lowering power consumption and heat.
Enhanced Reliability:
○ Built-in PFC (PF >0.9) for improved power quality
○ 4000VAC isolation design for user and equipment safety
○ Certified to UL/IEC/EN 62368-1 and EN 55032 Class B

Customer Feedback

By adopting AQF240E-12S24S, the restaurant chain achieved:

Simplified hardware design
Improved energy efficiency and durability
Easier field maintenance
Faster store deployment

Extended Applications

The proven success of this case highlights broader applications for 12V + 24V dual-output systems, including:

Vending machines (display + coin/bill acceptor)
ATMs and ticketing kiosks (screen + cash handling modules)
Casino slot machines (display + coin/bill acceptor + mechanical drivers)
Industrial control terminals (monitor + sensors or actuators)
Smart retail systems powering multiple peripherals at different voltages

For system designers facing the challenge of sourcing a reliable 12V + 24V solution, the AQF240E-12S24S fills a critical market gap.

Conclusion

The AQF240E-12S24S is more than just a 240W power supply — it is a complete solution that helps reduce overall system costs, optimize space utilization, and ensure stable operation. This case demonstrates the strong value of dual-output power supplies for applications in the restaurant, retail, and self-service sectors.