Microchip Highlights AI Data Center Power Solutions and dsPIC Control
Microchip Highlights AI Data Center Power Solutions and dsPIC Control 
At APEC 2026, Microchip Technology showcased how it is addressing the rapidly increasing power demands of AI-driven data centers. Speaking at the booth, Jose Navarro explained how traditional power architectures are reaching their limits—and how Microchip’s reference designs and digital control solutions are helping engineers move forward.
As AI workloads continue to scale, data centers are seeing dramatic increases in both power consumption and thermal constraints. Microchip is responding with a portfolio of reference designs that target both DC-DC conversion and power factor correction (PFC), helping engineers build more efficient and higher-density systems.
Designing for Higher Power Density
One of the key challenges highlighted at the booth is the need to support significantly higher power levels without increasing system size. As power requirements double, there is a parallel demand for higher power density and improved thermal performance.
Microchip demonstrated several reference designs, including high-power DC-DC converters and voltage regulation modules (VRMs). Some of these designs are built in collaboration with EPC and leverage gallium nitride (GaN) technology to improve efficiency and reduce losses.
Among the solutions shown was an 800V-class DC-DC converter, designed to support next-generation data center architectures. Additional designs focused on lower power stages, such as kilowatt-level VRMs, which are critical for delivering stable power to processors and accelerators.
Expanding Reference Design Ecosystem
Microchip emphasized its growing library of reference designs aimed at accelerating development. These include:
- DC-DC converter reference designs for high-voltage systems
- Multi-level PFC (power factor correction) solutions
- CRPS (Common Redundant Power Supply) platforms
- CLLC converter architectures for efficient power transfer
Some of these designs are already available, while others are in the process of being released with full documentation and support resources. This approach allows engineers to quickly evaluate and implement proven architectures rather than starting from scratch.
The Role of dsPIC Digital Signal Controllers
A central part of Microchip’s strategy is the use of its dsPIC digital signal controllers (DSCs). These devices combine the functionality of a traditional microcontroller with a dedicated DSP engine, making them well-suited for real-time control applications.
In power electronics, this capability is critical. The dsPIC platform enables precise control of pulse-width modulation (PWM), helping manage switching behavior, reduce energy loss, and improve overall system stability.
During the demonstration, Microchip showed how its control algorithms can smooth out voltage spikes and synchronize switching waveforms. This reduces thermal stress and improves efficiency—both essential in high-power data center environments.
Built for Real-Time Power Control
Compared to standard microcontrollers, dsPIC DSCs are optimized for high-speed signal acquisition and real-time processing. This makes them particularly effective for applications where fast, accurate control loops are required—such as AI server power systems.
Microchip also introduced its latest dsPIC33A family, which is expected to be integrated into future reference designs. This next-generation platform is designed to further enhance performance and efficiency in demanding applications.
Enabling the Future of AI Infrastructure
Microchip’s showcase at APEC 2026 highlights a broader shift in how power systems are designed for AI data centers. With increasing demands for efficiency, thermal management, and scalability, engineers need solutions that combine advanced power conversion with intelligent digital control.
By pairing GaN-based power stages with dsPIC digital control, Microchip is positioning itself to help designers meet those challenges—and build the next generation of high-performance data center infrastructure.
To learn more, visit https://www.microchip.com/.
