Voltage Regulator Chip: Power Supplies on a Chip
ADEPT Project: CPES at Virginia Tech is finding ways to save real estate on a computer's motherboard that could be used for other critical functions. Every computer processor today contains a voltage regulator that automatically maintains a constant level of electricity entering the device. These regulators contain bulky components and take up about 30% of a computer's motherboard. CPES at Virginia Tech is developing a voltage regulator that uses semiconductors made of gallium nitride on silicon (GaN-on-Si) and high-frequency soft magnetic material. These materials are integrated on a small, 3D chip that can handle the same amount of power as traditional voltage regulators at 1/10 the size and with improved efficiency. The small size also frees up to 90% of the motherboard space occupied by current voltage regulators.
- Research Organization:
- Center for Power Electronics Systems at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E)
- OSTI ID:
- 1046768
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Chip-Scale Power Conversion for LED Lighting: Integrated Power Chip Converter for Solid-State Lighting
Integrated Power Adapter: Isolated Converter with Integrated Passives and Low Material Stress