As AI data centers scale to support high-power GPU clusters, the industry is shifting toward 800V DC rack power architectures to improve distribution efficiency, increase power density and support next-generation server designs. To help accelerate this transition, Microchip Technology and Navitas Semiconductor (Nasdaq: NVTS) have collaborated on an 800V DC-to-6V DC reference design for AI data center rack power applications.
The platform combines Microchip’s digital power control and security technologies with Navitas’ GaNFast gallium nitride (GaN) power devices to give developers a practical path to implement high-efficiency power conversion aligned with the Open Compute Project (OCP) 800V DC standard. Complete with reference hardware, software and design documentation, the solution helps reduce design risk, shorten development cycles and accelerate deployment of next-generation AI infrastructure.
“AI infrastructure optimization is driving one of the most significant power architecture transitions the data center industry has experienced in decades,” said Joe Thomsen, corporate vice president of Microchip’s digital signal controller business unit. “As the ecosystem moves toward higher-voltage rack power systems, developers need proven control and security to help reduce implementation risk. Our collaboration with Navitas combines digital control, hardware-based security and advanced GaN power conversion to help customers bring 800V rack power systems to market more quickly.”
At the core of the reference platform are Microchip’s dsPIC33AK Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs) and TA100 CryptoAuthentication security IC, paired with Navitas’ GaNFast FETs. The dsPIC33AK provides deterministic digital power control for high-frequency, high-efficiency DC/DC conversion, while the TA100 helps establish a hardware root of trust for authentication, secure boot and protected firmware updates. Together, these technologies make up the precision control and security foundations required for connected OCP power supply designs. The dsPIC33AK256MPS306 family is powered by a 200 MHz 32-bit core with a double-precision floating-point unit (FPU), 78 ps high-resolution Pulse Width Modulators (PWMs) and multiple 12-bit Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs) operating at up to 40 MSPS. The devices include library support for Commercial National Security Algorithm (CNSA) Suite 2.0 recommended post-quantum cryptographic algorithms and hardware-accelerated cryptographic functions for connected real-time control designs.
This PDB is powered by 16 × NV6034, 650 V, 17 mΩ GaNFast FETs in a stacked half-bridge topology on the primary side. The DFN8×8 dual-side-cooled package extends the performance advantages of GaN by reducing thermal resistance, allowing higher continuous power operation while maintaining exceptional efficiency. The PDB targets delivering up to 96% peak efficiency at full load with 1 MHz switching frequency, enabling a power density of 2,100 W/in³.
Approximately 20% thinner than a mobile phone, its ultra-low profile enables extremely close integration with the GPU board, maximizing transient performance and improving power distribution efficiency. Navitas’ system-level approach helps translate advances in GaN technology into measurable improvements in efficiency, power density, transient performance and total cost of ownership. Direct conversion from 800V DC to 6V DC combines both 800V DC to 50V DC and 50V DC to 6V DC conversion stages into one converter, delivering higher end-to-end efficiency.
“As AI infrastructure scales to support increasingly demanding computing platforms, Navitas’ GaNFast technology is a critical enabler of higher power density, greater efficiency and improved system performance,” said Vipin Bothra, vice president of Global Solution Marketing at Navitas Semiconductor. “By combining Navitas’ leadership in power semiconductors with Microchip’s digital control expertise, this collaboration accelerates the delivery of advanced power solutions tailored to the evolving requirements of next-generation AI data centers.”
Hardware-based security is integrated through Microchip’s TA100 CryptoAuthentication IC, enabling developers to establish a trusted foundation for system authentication and protection without implementing these capabilities from scratch. The TA100 device provides support for code authentication, including secure boot, Message Authentication Code (MAC) generation, trusted firmware updates, multiple key management protocols including Transport Layer Security (TLS), and other root-of-trust-based operations.
The Microchip and Navitas reference design provides a platform for developing high-voltage, high-power, compact rack power systems for AI data centers. The design is supported with a reference board, software and documentation, giving developers access to the resources needed to evaluate and accelerate deployment of 800V DC power conversion systems for AI data center applications.
