The Power Stamp Alliance has defined a standard product footprint and functions that provide a multiple sourced, standard modular board-mounted solution ('power stamps') for power conversion for 48Vin to low voltage, high current DC-DC applications.
Purpose
To create collaborative solutions for 48V-to-low-voltage on-board isolated and non-isolated DC-DC power converters.
Mission Statement
- Develop product standards for DC-DC power converters, in particular those used for 48V direct conversion.
- Assure customers of practical levels of alternate source capability, while allowing for differentiation in topology, circuitry and performance from multiple, independent manufacturers to enable a competitive market.
Multiple sourced standard footprint units ('power stamps')
that are used for (but not exclusively) ASIC, AI accelerator, FPGA,
GP-GPU, CPU and network processors
Future-proof:
The demand for higher core current solutions is expected to grow.
A scalability roadmap that expands the number of cells.
Energy proportional, the units are designed to automatically optimize to the load required to maintain optimal efficiency
Members have high volume manufacturing capability with industry standard processes and components.
Mechanically and electrically dimensioned to meet the demand of server applications
Easy to implement dynamic response
Fully digitally controlled solution on the secondary side
Stable working solution – proven with a reference design for:
600A 6-stamp ASIC & 1000A 12-stamp ASIC
Intel VR13 Skylake & Intel VR13-HC Ice Lake
With roadmap to future requirements
Provides ease of isolation
The main stamp and satellite stamps share the same powertrain footprint
The solution control functions will be:
PMBus AVS Protocol
Standard SVID control
Remote sense function
Consistent, standardized, repeatable testing tools and methodology significantly reduces integration and validation time and project risk.
To learn more about our members, our rules of engagement and how to join the Power Stamp Alliance, visit our members page.
FAQ
Why have the Founding Members decided to cooperate on product specifications?
Users of DC-DC power modules, especially those with 48V direct conversion needs, are looking for independent alternate sources for compatible products. The competition and market opportunity created drives innovation and lowers costs.
PSA members are developing power stamps to address 48V to 1V, 48V to 1.8V, 48V to 0.9V and many other 48V to low voltage or 48V to CPU/memory conversion requirements.
What is the extent of the cooperation?
The Founding Members have created the Power Stamp Alliance to define a standard product footprint and functions for modular board-mounted solutions for power conversion for 48Vin to low voltage, high current applications. This is neither a private labeling nor licensing agreement. It is a cooperative alliance between competitors, initially targeting applications in large data centers, many of which are following the ideas of the Open Compute Project (OCP). The principle is to cooperate on mechanical details of new platforms early in the development cycle and create a market with multiple sources.
Why is this different from other attempts to bring standardization to DC power?
This alliance is focused on developing standards that are focused on specific markets and applications, not currently addressed by a standard, multiple-sourced product supply chain.
Will the alternate sources provide identical product?
The Power Stamp Alliance will agree mechanical interface and controls to minimize alternate source qualification for customers. Because independent power supply companies are developing their own versions, some parametric product performance variability is expected. The customer is responsible for determining the benefit or adaptation required for the differences in competing products.
Will the Alliance assure the quality of all competitive products?
The Power Stamp Alliance will assure that products with the PSA label are developed to meet the technical requirements set forth in the Alliance standard. As with any vendor, other attributes for being an acceptable alternative supplier will need to be judged and confirmed by the customer.
Will customers only have PSA labeled products to select from for alternative sources?
PSA standards will be shared with non-members and the public through early product announcements and details made available on the PSA web site. Suppliers wishing to provide PSA compatible modules will have access to the technical details necessary to design such products. Customers purchasing these products will need to confirm their compatibility through proper qualification and testing.
Are there any proprietary or restrictive specifications that inhibit others from being a PSA compatible alternate source?
No. The desire of the Power Stamp Alliance is to establish market standards that are available for adoption by fellow members and non-members.
Is there any licensing of technology among members?
No. It is expected that the independent development of product will yield unique technology from each manufacturer. There will be a limited amount of technology shared between Power Stamp Alliance members and licensing agreements may be established when necessary.
How will the Alliance affect the independent development of new product improvements?
We expect that PSA standards will accelerate the development of DC-DC modules or “power stamps”. The independent development of standard modules by members and non-members, based upon Power Stamp Alliance published standards, will result in increased customer adoption rates, continued market competition and the advancement of technology and product performance. Each alliance member is free to pursue any course of product development and improvement.
Will you accept other DC-DC converter manufacturers as members?
Founding Members of the Alliance are open to accepting new members that will add value to the Alliance.
Will alliance compatible products function as true drop-in replacements?
PSA specification compliance between the members is defined at a mechanical and control function level. The PSA membership companies will offer products that comply with the footprint, size and control specifications that will consequently fit on the PSA footprint, however, PSA compliant products are independently designed and manufactured by the members of the alliance, they may require manufacturer-specific configuration files.
Does the alliance comply with antitrust considerations?
Yes. Each party acknowledges that it has been advised by counsel of relevant antitrust laws and restrictions applicable to them in connection with their participation in the Power Stamp Alliance. The parties agree to comply with all US federal and state laws and specifically with the anti-trust laws.
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