NEWS // MOUSER NEWS // FEATURES // NEW PRODUCTS Software-defined power is an emerging technology,
and rapid developments are expected that will drive further increases in overall power-supply efficiency, as well as performance improvements such as tighter voltage regulation and faster transient response.
Future Trends: Saving Power and Board Space Alongside changes in the way power modules are controlled, a new direct conversion strategy that leverages the latest advances in converter topologies and power semiconductors is also attracting the attention of power- system designers. Modules designed to be positioned at the point of load and convert directly from a higher DC bus voltage such as 48V to a voltage like 1.0V to power the latest processor cores can help designers reduce the number of intermediate converters in any given system, and thereby further optimise energy efficiency and reduce power dissipation. Direct conversion also typically should reduce the total board surface area occupied by the power solution, by allowing smaller modules and fewer power converters. In addition, distributing power at four- times higher voltage dramatically reduces i2R losses in conductors such as cables and PCB traces.
Securing Market Acceptance The data-centre industry is starting to adopt innovations such as digital power and software-defined power. The work of the AMP Group, which establishes comprehensive industry standards that allow interoperability between power modules from its three member manufacturers, gives equipment buyers the assurance of a second-source option. Often, in the past, pioneers of new power technologies have sought to captivate customers by offering a new but proprietary solution. This type of approach has proved unsuccessful, as data-centre owners have historically placed higher value on reliable and consistent supply of modules, and highly competitive pricing. By making important new modules in its digital power
line-up available within the AMP framework, Ericsson is helping system designers to take advantage of the latest
20
advances in power supplies, with complete confidence in the stability of supply and pricing throughout the lifetime of the equipment.
Conclusion Power consumption has become a major concern for data-centre owners and operators, who are keen to evaluate which OEMs can deliver the most efficient solutions. Gaining some insight into how power is distributed to the hardworking computer servers can help with understanding how design improvements here can contribute to better overall efficiency, while at the same time supporting increased computer performance. Digital power leading to software-defined power, as well as other advances such as direct 48V-to- POL conversion, continue to bring new and greater opportunities to raise system energy efficiency and contribute towards controlling overall data-centre operating costs.
Bob Cantrell is Senior Application Engineer for Ericsson Power Modules, an independent company within the Ericsson Group. He has more than 30 years of experience working in the power industry. Before joining the company, Bob was a Member of Technical Staff at
Lucent Technologies Power Systems division, where he was the Vice President of Marketing and Sales, and he was the VP of Marketing and Applications Engineering at Power- One, Inc. He also worked in the smart-grid industry and spearheaded development of the industry’s first successful smart-grid intelligent streetlight system.
www.mouser.com January 2017
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