Design Considerations for 48-V VRM: Architecture, Magnetics, and Performance Tradeoffs

The energy demand of future computing gives rise to new challenges in high current voltage regulator modules (VRMs). This paper reviews the recent development in architecture and magnetics for 48-V VRMs, with a focus on achieving high efficiency, high power density, high control bandwidth, and compact system packaging. The strengths and weaknesses of many representative solutions are compared. We highlight the key opportunities and challenges and present comprehensive co-design guidelines for 48-V VRM architecture and magnetics.