12V to 48V non-isolated up converter supports data center high-performance GPUs

Vicor Corporation announced a 12V to 48V non-isolated up converter to support 48V high-performance GPUs in data centers that are still relying on legacy 12V power distribution. 

The 2317 NBM converts 12V to 48V with over 98% peak efficiency, 750W continuous and 1kW peak power in a 23 x 17 x 7.4mm surface-mount SM-ChiP package. The NBM (NBM2317S14B5415T00) provides a complete solution with no external input filter or bulk capacitors required. By switching at 2MHz with ZVS and ZCS, the NBM provides low output impedance and MHz fast transient response to dynamic loads. The NBM incorporates hot-swap and inrush current limiting.

The NBM supports state-of-the-art 48V input GPUs using Power-on-Package (“PoP”) Modular Current Multipliers (“MCMs”) driven from a 48V node sourcing a small fraction (1/48) of the GPU current. Current multiplication overcomes the power delivery boundaries imposed by traditional 12V systems standing in the way of higher bandwidth and connectivity.

 Vicor Power-on-Package modules build upon Factorized Power Architecture (FPA) systems deployed in high-performance computers and large-scale data centers. FPA provides efficient power distribution and direct conversion from 48V to 1V for GPUs, CPUs and ASICs demanding up to 1,000A. By deploying current multiplication in close proximity to high current Artificial Intelligence (AI) processors, PoP MCMs enable higher performance and system efficiency.

Power Component Design Methodology

The Vicor Power Component Design Methodology enables power system designers to reap all of the benefits of modular power component design – predictable component and system functionality and reliability, fast design cycles, and easy system configurability, re-configurability and scaling – while achieving system operating efficiency, power density and economy that rival the best alternative solutions. Utilizing the Vicor Power System Designer, engineers can select from an extensive portfolio of proven Vicor power components to architect, optimize and simulate their complete power system, all the way from their input sources to their points of load. This innovative approach to power system design delivers fast time-to-market and state-of-the-art performance while minimizing the possibility of last-minute surprises and delays that so often occur with conventional or custom design methodologies.