All-GaN HEMTs and Planar Transformer Based 48V Voltage Regulator Common Module (VRCM) Design

An all GaN (Gallium Nitride) HEMTs (High Electron Mobility Transistors) based 48V to 12V Voltage Regulator Common Module (VRCM) is proposed in this paper for datacenter 48V rack. Furthermore, to achieve higher power density, a single core integrated planner transformer is also proposed. Lastly, a prototype of 1MHz 1kW module is demonstrated, achieving peak efficiency of 98.27% with 54V Vin and power density above 1000W/inch³.

Introduction

The modular power design concept is very helpful for improving server sustainability, and reuse, shortening research and development cycles, providing better supply chain and ecosystem [1]. Data center 48V intermediate bus architecture has been became popular in recent years [2]–[3]. In 2022, Intel introduced 48V voltage regulator common module (VRCM) topology as Figure 1. And it has been proved to optimize the efficiency of server power delivery from end to end. Based on VRCM definition, an all GaN based 48V to 12V VRCM is proposed in this paper for datacenter 48V rack application. Figure 1.

48V VRCM topology