Coupled-inductor multi-phase buck converter for AI and servers
This technology improves the efficiency of multi-phase buck converters — the power circuits that step down voltage inside computers, servers, and electronics — by magnetically linking the inductors across all phases so each phase benefits from the energy stored in the others. The result is less wasted energy, smoother power delivery with reduced ripple, and faster response when load demands spike or drop suddenly. A specially designed multi-aperture magnetic core minimizes wiring length and copper losses, making the hardware more compact. At light loads, the system can selectively engage phases in binary or continuous steps to maintain efficiency even when demand is low.
What you could build
A high-efficiency voltage regulator module (VRM) for server processors or AI accelerators, sold to hyperscale data center operators and semiconductor companies as a drop-in efficiency upgrade over conventional multi-phase designs.
Who in Virginia should care
Northern Virginia's massive data center concentration makes server power delivery efficiency an active procurement concern for operators like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google facilities there.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Ming Xu, Fred C. Lee, Yucheng Ying
- Granted
- September 7, 2010
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 7791321
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.