Our speaker, Shea Petricek, Director of Marketing and Applications, Infrastructure Power, Renesas, reviewed the unique challenges and great opportunity for digitally controlled power delivery systems that include modern computer loads in combination with the dominance of hyper-scale data-centers.  Modern digital power solutions address the increasingly complex Power Delivery Network (PDN) impacts and also allow unprecedented remote access … modern digital power solutions are delivering on a dream more than 10 years in the making.  

The buck converter and its multiphase extension are the workhorses that make high-current, high-efficiency step-down conversion possible. Data Centers are full of low-voltage DC/DC voltage regulators – so there are many single point failure opportunities, requiring strict performance requirements. Digital voltage regulator ICs benefit data center operations, and also have capabilities beyond that available in an analog setting, including advanced remote management, increasing complexity and flexibility to address diverse needs. While most digital VR designs are confidential and proprietary, Shea discussed operations with a digital Black Box example. He reviewed the technical complexity of the Power Delivery Network (PDN) from the digital VR to the load, noting that modeling is critical to the success of this complex solution. Shea wrapped up with a comparison of real-world and simulated results and examples of the application flexibility of digital VRs. The audience, equally split in-person and virtual, asked questions as the discussion proceeded, which added to the great presentation

About the Speaker:

Shea Petricek is a 25-year veteran in the computer power industry with more than 20 years in the semiconductor industry.  He has held positions across the spectrum from technical sales to product definition.  Currently, Shea is Sr. Director of Marketing and Applications, Infrastructure Power, Renesas.  Education: BSE Oral Roberts University