GaN HEMTs adopted for AI server power supplies to improve efficiency

ROHM has reported that the EcoGaN series of 650V GaN HEMTs in the TOLL package has been adopted for AI server power supplies by Murata Power Solutions. Integrating ROHM's GaN HEMTs, which combine low-loss operation with high-speed switching performance, in Murata Power Solutions' 5.5kW AI server power supply unit attains greater efficiency and miniaturisation.

Rapid advancements in IoT-related fields such as AI and AR have led to a surge in global data traffic in recent years. Notably, the power consumption for a single AI-generated response is estimated to be several times higher than that of a standard Internet search, highlighting the necessity for more efficient AI power supplies. Meanwhile, GaN devices, known for low ON resistance and high-speed switching performance, are earning attention for improving power supply efficiency while lowering the size of peripheral components such as inductors used in power circuits.

Dr Joe Liu, Technical Fellow, Murata Power Solutions, said: "We are pleased to have successfully designed AI server power supply units featuring higher efficiency and power density by incorporating ROHM's GaN HEMTs. The high-speed switching capability, low parasitic capacitance, and zero reverse recovery characteristics of GaN HEMTs help minimise switching losses. This allows for higher operating frequencies in switching converters, reducing the size of magnetic components. ROHM's GaN HEMTs deliver competitive performance and exceptional reliability, yielding excellent results in developing Murata Power Solutions' 5.5kW AI server power supply units. In the future, we will continue our collaboration with ROHM, a leader in power semiconductors, to improve the efficiency of power supplies and address the social issue of increasing power demand."

Yuhei Yamaguchi, general manager, Power Stage Product Development Div., LSI Business Unit, ROHM Co., Ltd., said: "We are delighted that ROHM's EcoGaN products have been integrated into AI server power supply units from Murata Power Solutions, a global leader in power supplies. The GaN HEMTs used in this application provide industry-leading switching performance in a high heat dissipation TOLL package, enhancing power density and efficiency in Murata Power Solutions' power supply units. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with Murata Manufacturing, a company that shares the similar vision of contributing to society through electronics - promoting the miniaturisation and efficiency of power supplies to enrich people's lives."

Murata Power Solutions' series of '1U Front End' AC/DC power supplies includes the D1U T-W-3200-12-HB4C (12V output) and D1U T-W-3200-54-HB4C (54V output) 3.2kW power supplies in the high power density short version M-CRPS package, and the 5.5kW D1U67T-W-5500-50-HB4C designed for AI servers. These front-end power supplies deliver high conversion efficiency that satisfies the stringent needs of 80+ Titanium and Open Compute products while supporting N+m redundant operation for system reliability, making them ideal for powering the latest GPU servers. As well as providing reliable, efficient power for servers, workstations, and storage/communication systems, the low profile 1U design of these units helps to minimise system footprint.