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
Customer’s challenge
Improved sensors, autonomy, mobility and AI (allowing deep learning) is enabling inspection robots to replace humans, especially in hazardous or confined areas like inside pipelines or in storage tanks. Manufacturers are looking for smaller, more robust solutions with ever improved resolution, repeatability and operating range. This manufacturer of tethered sewer inspection robots was looking to improve the sensor resolution and quality of video images without increasing the size of the platform. The key goals were:
- Allow easier handling and room for more sensors by reducing power supply size and weight
- Minimize interference with cable carrying video feed
- Reliable operation in a harsh environment
The Vicor solution
The 48V (SELV) supply to the tether was provided by a PFM AC-DC converter. On board the robot the three rails were provided by three individual regulators.
Key benefits
Key benefits
ZVS buck and buck-boost regulators offered high power density and low weight (0.8g)
Low noise ZVS topology minimized filtering required
High efficiency (up to 92.5%) reduced heat, increasing reliability in high ambient temperatures
Vicor ZVS Buck and Buck-Boost regulators reduced the size of the solution
Power delivery network
The 48V tether supply was provided by a PFM AC-DC converter. At the robot the low power 5V and 3.3V rails were provided by ZVS Buck regulators. The higher power 12V motor supply rail was provided by an array of three ZVS Buck-Boost converters that compensated for large voltage drops in the 600m tether. To analyze this power chain go to the Vicor Whiteboard online tool.
Isolated regulated
Input: 85 – 264V
Output: 24V or 48V
Power: Up to 400W
Peak efficiency: 92%
110.55 x 35.54 x 9.40mm
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
Non-isolated regulated
Input: 8 – 60V
Output: 10 – 54V
Power: Up to 150W continuous
Peak efficiency: 97%
10.5 x 14.5 x 3.05mm
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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