Sensor ICs for modern data centers

As servers in data centers (shown in Figure 2) store and analyze an ever-increasing flow of data, server power consumption is growing as well. Achieving higher power densities and thus improved efficiency in server power-supply units (PSUs) is one way to optimize data center operations.

Meeting the strictest efficiency standards for PSUs, 80 Plus Titanium has become a minimum requirement for current and next-generation data centers. Current sensing plays a major role in helping achieve this level of efficiency and can be implemented with isolated amplifiers and Hall-effect current sensors. Sensors like the AMC3302 and TMCS1100 precision isolated current sensing ICs can help server PSUs meet the >96% system efficiency threshold required by the 80 Plus Titanium standard.

The AMC3302 isolated amplifier provides input voltages of ±50 mV, enabling the use of a shunt resistor with smaller resistance to help reduce the amplifier’s power dissipation and improve system efficiency. While the TMCS1100 Hall-effect sensor converts signals through the magnetic field inside the IC itself, eliminating the need for an isolated power rail. These sensors also reduce power losses through their input conductor resistance, which can be >1 mΩ for high-current sensing.