The explosive growth of AI and server markets is driving data center power demands to skyrocket from 100kW per rack to over 1MW. Accordingly, the existing 48V power infrastructure is reaching its limits, and a new high-voltage architecture is urgently needed.

Texas Instruments (TI) recently published a technical article titled, "Addressing Data Center Power Supply Challenges with 800-V High-Voltage DC Architecture."

According to this, TI is collaborating with Nvidia to jointly develop an 800V high-voltage DC distribution ecosystem to address the limitations of data center power infrastructure.

Existing 48V systems required approximately 450 pounds of copper to support a 1MW rack, which was unsustainable from a cost and weight perspective.

On the other hand, the 800V architecture offers higher efficiency with fewer resources and presents the possibility of fundamentally redesigning the power delivery path in data centers.

The 800VDC system is based on high-voltage power conversion technology, with GaN (gallium nitride) semiconductors playing a key role.

This technology enables high power density and conversion efficiency, maximizing the energy efficiency of data centers.

High-voltage detection, protection, and isolation technologies are also essential, and TI offers a variety of high-precision solutions, including isolated gate drivers, current sensors, and battery monitors.

The power demands of next-generation AI processors are also skyrocketing.

Rack and tray sizes are limited, while power densities continue to increase, requiring smaller and more efficient power solutions.

TI's 100V medium-voltage GaN technology supports the 48V trend, enabling high-density integration and high efficiency. The complex intermediate bus converter architecture has also been simplified, improving design flexibility.

High-frequency multi-phase power supplies are essential, especially in modern systems that must handle power exceeding 1,000 A.

TI is improving the efficiency of multi-phase power with high-performance bipolar CMOS DMOS processes and is co-defining next-generation solutions for racks exceeding 1 MW with Nvidia.

“High-voltage DC architecture simultaneously secures energy efficiency and reliability, and is positioned as a core foundation for future high-performance computing infrastructure,” a TI official said.

More information on the 800V high-voltage DC architecture can be found here .