Single-Stage 48 V/1.8 V Coupled-Transformer Voltage Regulator (CTVR)

As the 48 V data center power architecture becomes an alternative to the traditional 12 V architecture, it is essential and critical to design a more energy-efficient and power-dense solution for 48 V to point-of-load (PoL) power conversion. In this paper, a single-stage 48 V/1.8 V coupled-transformer voltage regulator (CTVR) is proposed for high-performance microprocessors in data center applications. The proposed solution utilizes a novel coupled transformer structure. The magnetizing inductors of the transformers work as output inductors, which are indirect-coupled through transformer structures. Finally, a hardware prototype is built, demonstrating 0.45 W/mm
²
and 1.13 W/mm
²
power area density under continuous and peak output power, respectively.