Vicor Factorised Power for computers

Vicor Corporation has released its large-scale Factorised Power systems used in IBM next-generation, high-performance computing platforms.

V-I Chip modules have current density exceeding 110 A per 6 cm².

The modules enable Factorised Power Architecture that offers power system design flexibility. By supporting current multiplication down to 1 V from efficient 48 V power distribution and regulation lines, FPA meets the requirements of high-end computing and data centres with savings in space and power consumption.

IBM’s Power6 supercomputers holding three of the top 10 positions on the TOP500 list (TFLOPS), as well as its Blue Gene/P supercomputers holding five of the top 10 positions on the Green500 list (MFLOPS/W), are powered by V-I Chips.

IBM’s next generation of Power processor-based systems expands the use of V-I Chips with its Factorised Power system architecture. Fault-tolerant VTMs are mounted directly underneath the processor and memory arrays to provide fast, efficient current multiplication at the point of load, while remotely located PRM regulators provide power delivery at low current, minimising system interconnect and distribution losses.