TDK launches stackable µPOL modules delivering up to 200 A for AI server and data center power delivery

TDK has expanded its µPOL family of non-isolated DC-DC power modules with the FS1525, a 3.82 mm high point-of-load (PoL) converter that delivers up to 25 A per module and can be stacked or paralleled to deliver up to 200 A combined for vertical power delivery designs. TDK says this approach places PoL converters directly under the FPGA, system-on-chip (SoC), or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) on the backside of the printed circuit board (PCB), targeting AI servers, edge computing, and data center systems.

TDK reports the FS1525 uses 3D chip-embedded package technology to integrate the controller, driver, MOSFETs, digital core, memory banks, bypass capacitors, and power inductor into a single component. The module footprint is 7.65 x 6.80 mm (L x W). TDK also specifies a thermally enhanced architecture with 1.4 K/W thermal impedance, aimed at improved current performance at high ambient temperatures, simpler PCB routing, and higher-density power architectures.

The FS1525 supports 4.5 V to 16 V input and an adjustable 0.6 V to 1.8 V output range. TDK positions it for modern low-voltage AI processors, including core rails for 3-nm to 6-nm ASICs, and SERDES rails with sub-5 mV peak-to-peak ripple. TDK also notes low spectral noise for use with digital signal processors (DSPs), imaging, and Automated Test Equipment (ATE) applications.

For regulation and control, TDK states the FS1525 includes fast transient response, low ripple, and true differential remote sensing. Digital programmability is provided via I²C and Power Management Bus (PMBus) for real-time telemetry, adaptive tuning, and fault management, including monitoring of voltage, current, and temperature. The module also supports analog Vout settings and features such as Altera’s SmartVID for Agilex FPGA series, according to TDK.

TDK lists computing form factors including PCI Express (PCIe), VPX, Smart Mobility Architecture (SMARC), and one rack unit (1U) to three rack unit (3U) rack systems. Evaluation boards for 25 A and 50 A are in stock at DigiKey and Mouser, and stackable boards for 100 A and 200 A are available upon request. TDK also points to FS1525 Starter Design schematics and PCB layout at Ultra Librarian and provides an FS1525 SIMPLIS model and power distribution network (PDN) libraries at TDK.