Efficient Power Conversion Corporation (EPC) has announced the release of a high-efficiency, high-power-density 5 kW AC-to-48 V DC reference design. The new system highlights the full performance potential of GaN technology for next-generation data center, server, and AI power architectures.
The complete 5 kW solution includes two modular systems: the EPC91107KIT 4-Level Totem-Pole Power Factor Correction (PFC) stage and the EPC91110KIT Input-Series Output-Parallel (ISOP) LLC Converter. Together, they deliver up to 96.5% system efficiency with a combined power density of 116 W/in³. The design meets Open Rack V3 (OCP ORv3) size specifications and achieves superior performance with significantly smaller size and lower cost compared to traditional silicon-based solutions.
The EPC91107KIT front-end converts 240 VAC to 400 VDC using a 4-Level Flying Capacitor Totem-Pole PFC topology built around EPC2304 (200 V, 5 mΩ) GaN FETs. This stage achieves up to 98.5% efficiency at 5 kW and delivers 25 A input current at a 240 VAC nominal input with a 140 kHz switching frequency. It also reduces the size of the PFC inductor by nine times and the EMI filter by 40% compared to conventional two-level designs.
The EPC91110KIT isolation stage steps down the 400 V bus to 50 VDC using four 1.375 kW LLC converter modules in an ISOP configuration. Each module, built with EPC2305 (150 V, 3 mΩ) GaN FETs, achieves 98.2% peak efficiency, combining for a total output of 5.5 kW.
As AI workloads drive unprecedented demand for efficient and compact power solutions, GaN technology enables smaller magnetics, reduced thermal requirements, and higher switching frequencies—leading to higher power density and lower system costs.
EPC’s 5 kW reference design is scalable to larger systems, supporting 33 kW, 48 kW, and even 108 kW rack architectures. This makes it ideal for next-generation AI servers, data centers, and telecom power shelves that demand maximum efficiency and reliability.
“GaN is transforming power conversion for AI and data centers, delivering higher efficiency, smaller size, and lower cost—without compromising scalability or reliability,” said Alex Lidow, CEO of EPC.
All reference design boards and GaN devices are available now through authorized distributors, including Digi-Key.
The 5 kW reference design demonstrates EPC’s continued leadership in GaN-based power conversion, showcasing how advanced wide bandgap devices can deliver superior efficiency, scalability, and performance for AI-driven and high-performance computing applications.
Original – Efficient Power Conversion