High-density power modules collaboration accelerates data centre power architecture

Infineon Technologies AG has strengthened its existing collaboration with Delta Electronics, Inc., in the development of state-of-the-art high-density power modules capable of facilitating vertical power delivery to AI processors in hyperscale data centres. Together, the companies are taking a next step to drive decarbonisation and digitalisation in AI data centres further.

The partnership leverages Infineon's ultra-thin silicon (MOSFET) chip technology and embedded packaging expertise, as well as Delta's industry-leading power module design and manufacturing capabilities. This results in highly dense modules with outstanding efficiency, allowing vertical power delivery (VPD) architecture to the xPUs in hyperscale data centres. The use of vertical power delivery modules compared to a lateral-mounted discrete solution can save up to 150 tons of CO2 over the expected lifetime of three years per rack. If future hyperscale data centres will consist of up to 100 server racks, the amount of carbon dioxide saved is equivalent to the CO2 emissions of 4000 households per year.

"The close collaboration with Delta is a perfect example of complementarity – combining Infineon's best-in-class silicon and packaging expertise with Delta's superior module development capabilities," said Adam White, Division president of Power and Sensor Systems at Infineon. "Together, we're offering tangible value to the hyperscalers, maintaining high efficiency and robustness while reducing cost and further driving decarbonisation."

"Our collaboration has resulted in the development of highly advanced VPD modules, which allows us to provide unparalleled power efficiency, reliability, and scalability for our customers," said Ares Chen, Delta's vice president and general manager of its Power and System Business Group. "We're proud to be playing a key role in fostering energy conservation in the hyperscale data centre power infrastructure ecosystem, and look forward to realising significant contribution for the entire industry through our joint innovation."

Delta is utilising Infineon's OptiMOS silicon-based 90A integrated power-stage solution to develop VPD modules. The use of vertical power delivery is a key factor in improving system efficiency as it allows for a more direct and compact power delivery path. By providing power vertically, rather than horizontally, the VPD modules reduce power delivery network losses in the system. This, in turn, allows the modules to achieve higher power density and efficiency while also reducing the amount of heat generated due to less power loss. Additionally, the vertical power delivery design also frees up space on the system board, allowing hyperscalers to use space more efficiently and develop more compact and dense data centre designs, thereby reducing the total cost of ownership.

As the AI era continues to advance, the demand for high-power data centres is increasing exponentially. To meet this demand, data centres require power delivery solutions that can support the increasing power needs of AI training and inference applications. Furthermore, the growing densification of IT racks, driven by the integration of tightly interconnected xPUs, requires the development of higher-voltage power distribution solutions that can efficiently deliver power to these high-density systems. In response to these challenges, Infineon and Delta are cooperating in the development of next-generation power delivery solutions for AI data centres that will require 1MW per rack in the near future.

Alongside the company's broad portfolio in GaN and SiC power solutions, Infineon is the global leader in Si MOSFETs, designed to enable best-in-class performance, reliability, and ease of use in power switching, control, and conversion. This means increased efficiency, power density, and cost-effectiveness for products and system solutions.