GaN Based Multilevel Intermediate Bus Converter for 48 V Server Applications

Conference: PCIM Europe 2018 - International Exhibition and Conference for Power Electronics, Intelligent Motion, Renewable Energy and Energy Management
06/05/2018 - 06/07/2018 at Nürnberg, Deutschland

Proceedings: PCIM Europe 2018

Pages: 8Language: englishTyp: PDF

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Authors:
Reusch, David; Biswas, Suvankar; de Rooij, Michael (Efficient Power Conversion (EPC), USA)

Abstract:
With the power architecture transition from a 12 V to 48 V rack in modern data centers there is an increased interest in improving 48 V power conversion efficiency and power density. In this paper, we will explore system optimization of 48 V to 12 V non-isolated, fully regulated, intermediate bus converters (IBC) to maximize efficiency and power density. Two final GaN transistor based experimental prototypes, a traditional buck converter and a three level switched capacitor buck converter are compared, with the three level converter providing a 50% reduction in inductor volume and a 25% reduction in overall converter power loss.