Powering AI processors – 48V vertical power delivery changes the game
AI models demand huge current, driving legacy multiphase designs past 50 phases—causing space, thermal, and control limits Vicor addresses
Layout crowding is a challenge when using a conventional, space-constrained approach
Size of power converter prevents it from being placed close to load
High output current causes large line (I2R) losses
Large bulk-electrolytic caps crowds space near the load
Switcher close to load causes noise
The ideal point-of-load power system
Advantages of factorized power architecture
Minimizes wasted energy
Low EMI
Adjusts for any load
Scales for power demands
High density
Component position flexibility
Fast transient response
Easy, modular design
Modular component design allows for almost unlimited customization and optimization in many different applications
Simplified sensing
The PRM uses the factorized bus current to regulate the voltage on the secondary of the VTM and provides 1% regulation at the PoL without voltage sense lines.
Multiple outputs from a single regulator
One regulator can drive multiple transformation stages (VTM) to provide different PoL voltages.
Bulk capacitance elimination
With its low output impedance, smaller ceramic capacitors (up to 1000x less capacitance) may be used at the VTM input in place of PoL bulk capacitors.
Bi-directional transformation
Select VTMs operate with source power applied to input or output terminals to support bi-directional applications.
Next generation MCD and MCM
Enables Power-on-Package technology and on motherboard for high current XPUs.
Resources
Resources for the design engineer
Innovative 48V AI power architecture delivers both high current density and high current gain
Vicor 48V Factorized Power Architecture slashes thermal losses and delivers high current density to meet the extreme power demands of AI processors
48V Factorized Power Architecture™ slashes thermal losses and outperforms multiphase approach when powering AI
AI hardware faces severe power and cooling limits. Engineers debate 48V vs. 6V intermediate buses alongside new vertical power delivery (VPD) structures
Powering AI at scale
Maury Wood appears on Electronic Specifier podcast explaining the challenges of powering AI and unveiling the trends toward wafer-scale processors