Seminar Description: This tutorial presents advanced solutions for high-performance data center power supplies addressing ultra-high step-down ratios, high currents, and fast dynamics.
Part I covers the paradigm shift from 12V to 48V and 800V with reduced distribution losses. It examines single-stage conversion challenges, topologies like switched capacitors and hybrid designs, and key factors including efficiency, power density, transient response, and integration for AI-era power delivery.
Part II focuses on resonant switched-capacitor circuits for high power density. Although capacitors offer high energy density, they suffer from charging and switching losses. Integrating inductors enables hybrid or resonant topologies that significantly reduce these losses. The session covers operating principles, analyzes a two-stage cascaded structure, and proposes a voltage gain adjustment method for closed-loop control.
Part III reviews trans-inductor voltage regulator (TLVR) converters for data center point-of-load applications. A multi-phase series-capacitor TLVR with constant on-time control is introduced. This design splits the input voltage across Buck cells, halving the voltage stress while doubling the step-down ratio and duty cycle. Its indirectly coupled output inductors and low transient inductors enable ultra-fast dynamic response. Small-signal modeling using the describing function method accurately predicts system behavior, validated by SIMPLIS simulations and experimental results, guiding controller optimization.
.jpg "Haoyu Wang (he/him/his) photo")