DC/DC converters for AI data centers tackling space and thermal challenges
When a new accelerator board lands on a test bench, the conversation may naturally focus on its computational speed. In practice, that means detailing the impressive trillions of operations per second (TOPS) it is capable of. However, that doesn’t tell you how these power-hungry devices are being fed. More often, the first question being asked is just as likely to be about how power transients are being managed or the types of cooling methods being used.
AI workloads exert increased power demands and that’s increasingly problematic when rack space and cooling budgets are limited. It’s vital that power modules survive unpredictable loads, deal with heat from adjacent chips, and squeeze into ever-tighter available space.
That’s what has driven the Flex Power Modules team to deliver a full range of DC/DC converters to our customers can put to work immediately to address the power design challenges they face today.
DC/DC converters for AI data centers
Our portfolio includes the BMR31x and BMR32x series, providing high-efficiency, compact converters for stepping down high-voltage distribution to a lower intermediate voltage optimized for AI data centers. To enhance system efficiency for next-generation AI workloads further, the second conversion step is handled by the BMR51x series or, alternatively, advanced voltage regulation modules (VRMs) utilizing vertical power delivery technology we’ve designed to efficiently deliver ultra-high-current, regulated power directly to processors.
This extensive line-up of DC/DC converters reflects our deep expertise in power topology, mechanical design, and thermal management – offering power engineers flexible, high-efficiency solutions designed to maximize performance and manage heat effectively.
Exceptional power efficiencies and peak-power
Our BMR31x series delivers exceptional power density in a compact, industry-standard LGA footprint, maximizing board space and second-source compatibility. With efficiencies up to 97.7%, it reduces heat, cooling requirements, and energy costs. Its 4:1 digital, non-isolated topology optimizes performance, and peak-power capabilities support burst-mode operations and high current transients of processors when powering AI compute. Thermal options support cold-wall and liquid-cooling schemes, so it easily integrates into standard AI data-center infrastructure without requiring major changes.
When airflow is constrained and you want the converter itself to breathe better, BMR32x brings an open-frame design for improved cooling and standout peak-power capability. The 8:1 fixed-ratio, non-isolated topology delivers excellent system efficiency with a small form factor for high power density. A flat-top thermal pad simplifies mounting to cold plates, and you can parallel to 7.2 kW peak for scalable delivery when boards or blades get denser.
When every watt and cm3 counts
The BMR35x series features a non-isolated, fixed-ratio, unregulated topology that delivers industry-leading efficiency (up to 97.9%) and exceptional peak power capabilities up to 3000W. The range of DC/DC converters supports easy scalability through Active Current Sharing (ACS) and Dynamic Load Sharing (DLS), and includes optimized thermal management. Additionally, we now have several new BMR35x options to address customer specific requirements to evaluate.
Test your design with Flex Power Designer
All the modules are compatible with Flex Power Designer, our software tool that lets you configure, simulate performance, and monitor via a PMBus® interface so you can run simulations before committing to hardware. The software is downloadable for free at www.flexpowerdesigner.com.
Power for AI power delivery that’s best for you
Powering these systems is about solving specific challenges for our customers using a system-wide approach, tackling too much heat, changing voltages, and the cost of cooling every extra watt. That’s why we’ve continually evaluate and expanded our DC/DC converter portfolio the way we have: to offer multiple options that provide you with better power design flexibility.
If you’re grappling with peak-load events, troubled by cold-plate layouts, or wondering how to divide conversion stages across your board and backplane, we would be delighted to hear how you’re approaching it. We have many customers who have used our DC/DC converters within their power designs to scale their AI data center infrastructure while reducing cooling costs and deliver real-world improvements in performance and efficiency. Contact us to get straightforward answers and advice on products that solve your problems.