Since the advent of large language models (LLMs), artificial intelligence (AI) has been utilized in various scenarios, making AI a familiar presence.
The infrastructure technology supporting this AI utilization is a hardware system capable of advanced and large-scale parallel computation, known as AI accelerators. Currently, many AI accelerators are installed in data centers, but the server/storage/network systems traditionally used in data centers are not designed specifically for the operation of AI accelerators.
Therefore, to install AI accelerators in data centers and provide services that meet the demand for AI, many technical challenges need to be addressed. Among these, cooling of the equipment is considered the most critical issue, and the development of next-generation cooling methods for AI accelerator systems is underway. Among these, immersion cooling systems are said to be the most promising technology due to their significant cooling effects.
This article introduces our company's efforts regarding passive component products for AI accelerator systems using this immersion cooling method.

TDK Corporation (TSE:6762) announces the new EPCOS B43659 series of snap-in aluminum electrolytic capacitors. This is the next generation of ultra-compact general-purpose components for voltages of 450 V (DC) featuring an extremely high CV product. It provides the same features and serves the same applications as the previous series; however, the B43659 is much more compact. In case sizes of only 22 mm x 25 mm to 35 mm x 50 mm (D x H), these components achieve capacitances ranging from 140 µF to 1030 µF. In addition to the standard versions with 2 terminals, versions with 3 terminals are also available to ensure correct installation.

TDK Corporation (TSE:6762) presents the B40910 series of hybrid polymer capacitors which can handle up to 4.6 A (100 kHz, +125 °C). This is because at room temperature the surface mount components offer an extremely low ESR value of 17 mΩ and 22 mΩ, respectively. Furthermore, their ESR does not change as much with temperature as standard electrolytic capacitors with liquid electrolytes. The 10 x 10.2 mm or 10 x 12.5 mm (D x H) small components have a rated voltage of 63 V and cover a capacitance range from 82 µF to 120 µF.

TDK Corporation (TSE:6762) presents the new EPCOS B43657* aluminum electrolytic capacitor series with snap-in terminals. The capacitors achieve a service life of at least 2000 h at a maximum operating temperature of 105 °C and cover a rated voltage range from 450 V DC to 475 V DC with capacitance values from 120 µF to 1250 μF. An important performance feature is their high ripple current capability of up to 8.54 A (120 Hz, 60 °C). Accurate lifetime calculation under application-specific conditions is quick and easy with the online AlCap Tool.

With the increasing market for electrified vehicles (EVs), the demand for on-board chargers (OBCs) is growing fast. OBCs open up the possibility to charge the car not only at fast-charging DC stations but also with AC sources in a reasonable time. Such systems are currently going up to 22 kW with operating voltages up to 800 V. The function of the OBC is to convert the AC voltage from an external source to a specific DC voltage that is based on the requirements of the battery management system. By this, a battery-saving and fast charging process can be reached. Especially in remote areas without sufficient fast DC charging infrastructure, OBCs are essential to make EVs more attractive.
Due to the complexity of such systems, the OBC needs a certain bulk capacitance to stabilize the DC voltage that is charging the battery. Aluminum electrolytic capacitors are an attractive solution here since they can fulfill the key requirements, such as high voltage ratings of up to 500 V, large capacitance of up to 820 µF and high ripple current capabilities at an operating temperature range of -40 °C to 105 °C.

High energy, reliable and volumetric efficient inverters are essential to reducing emissions of vehicles based on 48 V technology. DC-link capacitors can significantly contribute to this target by reducing parasitic losses and increasing thermal efficiency. High inverter powers can be theoretically achieved with multiple capacitor connections. However, a high number of parallel-connected parts also increase the complexity of the system stability. In the field of Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors, the Hybrid Polymer technology offers higher ripple current densities by a factor of, e.g., 5x compared to standard Liquid Electrolyte technology. By applying the Hybrid Polymer technology to the large axial capacitor can sizes, with solid mechanical construction and special thermal dissipation feature, a compact DC-link solution with a reduced amount of capacitor and minimized thermal escalation risk through stable and efficient thermal design can be achieved.

Find the optimal products for you based on the product type, performance, temperature and useful life.

Find the optimal products for you based on the product type, voltage class, temperature and ripple current.