Polymer Capacitor Solutions for 48V AI Server Power

SP-Cap, POSCAP and OS-CON support efficient power conversion from 48V inputs to processor rails

Panasonic’s SP-Cap, POSCAP and OS-CON provide low ESR, high reliability and compact solutions for two-stage 48V AI server power architectures, from high-voltage inputs to low-voltage processor rails.

AI servers require increasing amounts of power as CPUs, GPUs, ASICs and FPGAs continue to improve in performance. Higher power consumption increases current and distribution losses in conventional 12V systems. A 48V power architecture reduces the current required to deliver the same power, helping to reduce power distribution losses in high-power server systems.

For example, transmitting 12kW requires 1,000A at 12V, but only 250A at 48V. Because distribution loss is proportional to the square of the current, raising the distribution voltage can significantly reduce power loss.

A common 48V server power architecture uses two conversion stages. The first DC/DC stage converts 48V to an intermediate voltage such as 12V. The second stage then converts the intermediate voltage to the low voltages required by processors and other loads. Each stage places different requirements on its bulk capacitors.

At the 48V input and higher-voltage power rails, OS-CON SXV Series provides high rated voltage, high ripple-current capability and solid-electrolyte reliability. Solid-electrolyte construction helps maintain capacitance and supports long-term stable operation.

At the first-stage output and second-stage input, typically in the 5V to 15V range, OS-CON SVPG and SVPK Series provide high capacitance, low ESR and high ripple-current capability. POSCAP TQC Series offers compact, low-profile construction and high capacitance density, making it suitable for high-density server boards and accelerator cards with limited mounting space.

At the second-stage output, SP-Cap KX, KZ, TX and TZ Series provide high capacitance and ultra-low ESR for low-voltage, high-current processor power rails. Their low-profile design enables mounting close to CPUs, GPUs, ASICs and FPGAs, helping to suppress voltage fluctuations during rapid load changes.

Together, SP-Cap, POSCAP and OS-CON provide optimized capacitor solutions across two-stage 48V AI server power architectures, supporting efficient power delivery, voltage stability, high reliability and compact system design.
 

Features

• Optimized solutions for two-stage 48V power architectures
• Low impedance and low ESR
• High ripple-current capability
• High reliability for continuous server operation
• OS-CON for higher-voltage and intermediate power rails
• POSCAP for compact, high-density accelerator designs
• SP-Cap for low-voltage, high-current processor rails
• Compact and low-profile surface-mount options

Applications

• 48V AI server power systems
• Data center servers
• Cloud and edge AI servers
• GPU and AI accelerator cards
• First-stage and second-stage DC/DC converters
• CPU, GPU, ASIC and FPGA power rails
• Memory, storage and network equipment

Benefits

• Helps reduce power distribution losses with 48V architectures
• Provides optimized capacitors for each conversion stage
• Suppresses voltage fluctuations during rapid load changes
• Supports compact, high-density power designs
• Helps reduce capacitor count and mounting area
• Supports long-term stable operation and high reliability
• Simplifies capacitor selection from 48V inputs to processor rails