Navitas and EPFL Unveil 250kW Solid-State Transformer for 800V DC Data Centers
Event summary
- Navitas and EPFL will demonstrate a 250kW Solid-State Transformer (SST) solution at APEC 2026 in San Antonio, Texas, from March 22-26.
- The SST platform converts 3.3kV-AC to 800V-DC, enabling higher efficiency and modularity in AI data centers.
- The solution uses Navitas' GeneSiC™ ultra-high voltage (3300V) and high voltage (1200V) Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFETs.
- The project is part of EPFL’s HeatingBits initiative, aimed at deploying advanced technologies in real-world data centers.
The big picture
The collaboration between Navitas and EPFL highlights the growing need for advanced power solutions in AI data centers, where energy efficiency and thermal management are critical. The shift towards 800V DC architecture represents a strategic move to reduce energy losses and improve system modularity, aligning with broader industry trends toward sustainable and scalable data center operations. This demonstration could set a new benchmark for power conversion technologies in high-performance computing environments.
What we're watching
- Adoption Pace
- How quickly AI data centers will integrate 800V DC architecture and solid-state transformers.
- Efficiency Gains
- Whether the demonstrated efficiency improvements will translate into cost savings and scalability for large-scale deployments.
- Market Differentiation
- The extent to which Navitas can leverage this collaboration to differentiate itself in the competitive power semiconductor market.
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