Navitas and Microchip deliver 800V AI data centre design
Navitas Semiconductor and Microchip Technology have collaborated on a 800V DC-to-6V DC reference design for AI data centre rack power applications.
The platform combines Microchip’s digital power control and security technologies with Navitas’ GaNFast GaN power devices to give developers a practical path to implement high-efficiency power conversion aligned with the Open Compute Project (OCP) 800V DC standard.
Complete with reference hardware, software and design documentation, the solution helps reduce design risk, shorten development cycles and accelerate deployment of next-generation AI infrastructure.
"AI infrastructure optimisation is driving one of the most significant power architecture transitions the data centre industry has experienced in decades," said Joe Thomsen, corporate vice president of Microchip's digital signal controller business unit.
"As the ecosystem moves toward higher-voltage rack power systems, developers need proven building blocks that help reduce design risk and accelerate innovation. Our collaboration with Navitas brings together complementary technologies to help customers navigate this transition and bring next-generation power solutions to market more quickly."
This PDB is powered by 16 × NV6034, 650 V, 17 mΩ GaNFast FETs in a stacked half-bridge topology on the primary side. The DFN8×8 dual-side-cooled package extends the performance advantages of GaN by reducing thermal resistance, allowing higher continuous power operation while maintaining exceptional efficiency. The PDB targets delivering up to 96 percent peak efficiency at full load with 1 MHz switching frequency, enabling a power density of 2,100 W/in³.
Approximately 20 percent thinner than a mobile phone, its low profile is said to enable extremely close integration with the GPU board, maximising transient performance and improving power distribution efficiency.
“As AI infrastructure scales to support increasingly demanding computing platforms, Navitas’ GaNFast technology is a critical enabler of higher power density, greater efficiency, and improved system performance,” said Vipin Bothra, vice president of Global Solution Marketing at Navitas Semiconductor. “By combining Navitas’ leadership in power semiconductors with Microchip’s digital control expertise, this collaboration accelerates the delivery of advanced power solutions tailored to the evolving requirements of next-generation AI data centres.”
The reference design also incorporates Microchip's TA100 CryptoAuthentication device to help address growing security requirements within modern power infrastructure.
The design will be supported with a reference board, software and supporting documentation, giving developers access to the resources needed to evaluate and accelerate deployment of 800V DC power conversion systems for AI data centre applications.
