AI workloads are forcing data centers to rethink how they deliver power. Every watt counts when racks are filled with accelerators running at full load. Infineon has announced a 12 kW reference design that shows how to build a power supply with extremely high efficiency and density, using a mix of silicon (Si), silicon carbide (SiC), and gallium nitride (GaN) devices.
Breaking the 99% Barrier
The AC/DC stage uses a three-level flying capacitor interleaved PFC topology. Infineon says this setup pushes peak efficiency past 99 percent while shrinking magnetics thanks to the high-speed switching capability of CoolSiC™ devices.
For the DC/DC stage, the design adopts a full-bridge LLC resonant converter and two planar high-frequency transformers. Together with CoolGaN™ switches, this stage reaches more than 98.5 percent efficiency. The result is an overall power density of 113 W/in³, which is significant for engineers looking to fit high-power PSUs into 1U or 2U server chassis.
Integrated Energy Buffer
Another highlight is the bidirectional energy buffer. Instead of relying on large electrolytic capacitors to meet hold-up requirements, this stage stores and releases energy as needed. It also smooths the current drawn from the grid during sudden load changes, reducing stress on both the PSU and upstream power infrastructure.
Richard Kunčič, Senior Vice President and General Manager Power Switches at Infineon, said the design demonstrates the company’s approach to powering AI infrastructure. “Our new 12 kW high-density power supply unit reference design is using advanced power conversion topologies and therefore utilizing CoolMOS™, CoolSiC™ and CoolGaN™ which allows the PSU to release the full potential in energy efficiency, reliability, and power density.”
Why It Matters
This reference design offers engineers a blueprint for meeting today’s power challenges. It shows how combining Si, SiC, and GaN can improve efficiency, shrink component size, and handle the massive power demands of AI servers while keeping energy loss to a minimum.
Learn more and explore the AI PSU reference designs at infineon.com.
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