Cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and high-end data centers are just two of the obvious reasons why the demand for processing power continues to increase. At the same time, the power to drive those processors continues to climb along a similar trajectory. The density and efficiency of the power system, including the front end that transforms the AC line voltage into the DC voltages required for powering electronic circuitry, is of paramount importance.

Innovation on the power-delivery side hasn’t progressed quite as quickly as the compute side, but that’s beginning to change. It seems like a “why hasn’t anyone thought of that” moment to me, but no one has really taken advantage of bringing three-phase power into the rack. That’s what Vicor is offering with its RFM module.

The three-phase RFM AC-to-DC converter module can deliver 10 kW of regulated 48 VDC in a power tablet that measures 9.4 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches. It provides a power-factor-corrected, regulated, and isolated DC output with integrated filtering and built-in fault protection for redundant operation.

Operating globally, the module can be configured to accept three-phase AC mains from 200 to 480 VAC. The high-efficiency RFM translates into fewer losses, simpler cooling requirements, and improved space utilization.

The RFM’s low-profile design adds to its flexibility. For example, four RFMs in parallel, including input-disconnect circuitry, rectification, and hold-up energy storage at 48 V, can supply 40 kW of power within 1U of rack space.

The 10-kW power tablet RFM is the first in a series of three--phase (and single-phase) AC-to-DC modules featuring power outputs from 150 W to 15 kW.