Background
The 48V power architecture is one of the more recently introduced architecture to improve computer power supply efficiency. However, conversion from 48V to 12V or down to ~1V needed by the CPU is a grand challenge. Efficiency and footprint are the key drivers as the converter is placed on the motherboard. Previous methods include Buck, Switch Tank, Multi-stage Switch-capacitor Resonant, and Fibonacci Converters. An international race is underway to find the best solution.
Technology description
Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have developed a family of new DC/DC converters that have high step-down ratios and do not need inductors. The energy transfer is very efficient compared with existing solutions, the number of semiconductor device is minimized, and control is simple and novel.
Benefits
- High efficiency: up to 99% for 48V to 12V
- High density: >1000W/cm2 in 48V to 12V solution
- Low cost
- Simple and reliable control
- Modular extension capability
- High step-down ratio
- Small semiconductor and capacitor; no inductor or small inductor
Fig. 1: Schematic diagram of the proposed circuit design
Fig. 2: Vout/Vin ratio as a function of the device number
