The data processing capability of computers and other information technology has been improving with the progression of the digital transformation (DX) and the increase in remote work. While IT devices had previously been used mainly to surf the web, nowadays, thin and lightweight devices that can be used to edit videos or work remotely are preferred by consumers, and the specs required in these devices have changed along with these preferences.
Meanwhile, deep learning and machine learning capabilities have also become indispensable at data centers, where large volumes of data must be processed at high speeds.
For these reasons, there is demand for IT devices to be both compact and capable of processing large volumes of data. With this demand, it has become important for accelerator boards to be capable of improving the processing power of IT devices.
Because accelerator boards must be capable of decentralized high-speed processing, high-density ICs made possible by the latest semiconductor technology are being used, and there has been an increase in power supply circuits with lower voltages due to miniaturization and larger currents from the larger numbers of cells mounted.
To achieve these specifications, it is important to reduce power supply noise and for voltage be stable even with high loads (→ 1. Low ripple noise、2. Voltage fluctuation stability with respect to load fluctuations).
There are also concerns regarding heat buildup from the heat generated with the larger currents used. To counter this, the peripheral electronic components must match in height so that a large heat sink with good thermal efficiency can be mounted on the top surface of the high-density IC.
As mentioned above, the current market trend is toward low voltage, high current accelerator boards. In addition to these specifications, accelerator boards must also have components with a high capacity, low ESR, and a low profile.