Comparative Evaluation of Transformer-based Fixed-ratio DC-DC Converters for 48V Data Centers
Conference: PCIM Europe 2024 - International Exhibition and Conference for Power Electronics, Intelligent Motion, Renewable Energy and Energy Management
06/11/2024 - 06/13/2024 at Nürnberg, Germany
doi:10.30420/566262098
Proceedings: PCIM Europe 2024
Pages: 9Language: englishTyp: PDF
Authors:
Ren, Xufu; Zhang, Jinfeng; Xu, Pengcheng; Song, Jibin; Long, Teng
Abstract:
Transformer-based fixed-ratio DC-DC converters are widely used in 48V data centers to perform voltage step-down. This paper aims to conduct a comparative evaluation of various topologies in terms of operation principles, voltage conversion ratios, current and voltage stress, and practical design considerations. Based on 4: 1 intermediate bus architecture, we selected an optimal topology and developed a 1kW 4: 1 bus converter with superior 98.2% efficiency and 5.4kW/in3 power density. This prototype is configured into a system board equipped with multi-phase voltage regulators (VRs) capable of delivering kilo-amperes current and providing fast transient response for AI computing cores.