Powering AI processors – 48V vertical power delivery changes the game
AI models demand huge current, driving legacy multiphase designs past 50 phases—causing space, thermal, and control limits Vicor addresses
Precision inspection equipment
Wafer-level automated visual inspection systems ensure the highest quality and reliability of semiconductor ICs and enable manufacturers to continuously improve yields. These systems employ precision optics and analog circuitry to identify the smallest defects during wafer fabrication. As lithographic dimensions continue to shrink with advances in the latest process nodes, manufacturers require the highest defect sensitivities.
This requirement places stress on the analog and mixed-signal circuitry in vision systems that require considerable noise filtering. As power needs increase, filters are becoming too large to be accommodated by these systems. A new approach to power delivery is required to keep pace with advances in semiconductor wafer fabrication.
The power delivery network
Automated vision system design engineers can reduce noise in sensitive wafer inspection systems starts with a reconsideration of the power delivery network. A critical first step is moving the system from an outdated 12V bus to a more power-efficient 48V bus to improve efficiency and thermal issues. However, to fully achieve wafer inspection requirements, it is necessary to employ a solution that is inherently low-noise. Vicor BCM fixed-ratio converters with sine amplitude conversion (SAC) topology mitigate noise and allow manufacturers to use less filtering. As an added bonus, the compact size and low profile simplifies thermal management that, in turn, simplifies the mechanical design of inspection systems.
Isolated fixed-ratio
Input: 36 – 800V
Output: 2.4 – 55.0V
Current: Up to 150A
Peak efficiency: 98%
As small as 22.0 x 16.5 x 6.7mm
Isolated regulated
Input: 9 – 420V
Output: 3.3, 5, 12, 13.8, 15, 24, 28, 36, 48V
Power: Up to 1300W
Peak efficiency: 96%
As small as 24.8 x 22.8 x 7.21mm
Non-isolated regulated
Inputs: 12V (8 – 18V), 24V (8 – 42V), 48V (30 – 60V)
Output: 2.2 – 16V
Current: Up to 22A
Peak efficiency: 98%
As small as 10.0 x 10.0 x 2.56mm
Resources
Resources for the design engineer
Innovative 48V AI power architecture delivers both high current density and high current gain
Vicor 48V Factorized Power Architecture slashes thermal losses and delivers high current density to meet the extreme power demands of AI processors
48V Factorized Power Architecture™ slashes thermal losses and outperforms multiphase approach when powering AI
AI hardware faces severe power and cooling limits. Engineers debate 48V vs. 6V intermediate buses alongside new vertical power delivery (VPD) structures
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