Inductors in AI Servers: Key Requirements, Applications, and Selection Criteria

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is fueling exponential growth in the AI server market. As reported by IDC and Inspur Information’s 2025 China AI Computing Power Development Assessment, the global AI server market reached $125.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $158.7 billion by 2025.

1. Key Inductor Requirements in AI Servers

AI servers impose significantly higher demands on performance, power density, and energy efficiency compared to conventional servers, directly influencing inductor specifications.

First, AI servers utilize high-performance GPUs or dedicated AI accelerators that operate under high current conditions, necessitating inductors with high saturation current ratings. Insufficient saturation current can lead to overheating, functional failure, or permanent damage, compromising system integrity.

Second, to maximize power within limited data center space, AI servers require inductors with compact form factors and low DC resistance (DCR) to minimize heat loss and improve efficiency.

Third, high power conversion efficiency is essential to reduce operational energy costs. Inductors must therefore exhibit superior high-frequency performance to align with modern high-frequency DC-DC converters.

Finally, under sustained high-load operations, thermal stability and long-term reliability are non-negotiable for inductors used in AI server environments.

2. Applications of Inductors in AI Servers

Inductors are integral to multiple core modules within AI servers, performing essential functions including energy storage, filtering, noise suppression, and voltage regulation.

2.1 Power Management (DC-DC Converters, VR Circuits)

Critical components such as GPUs, CPUs, and AI accelerators require highly stable and efficient power delivery. High-performance DC-DC converters use inductors to maintain voltage stability.
In buck converters, typical inductance values range from 0.1–0.68 μH, operating at currents around 60A, with saturation currents between 60–120A, and packages under 12mm. These components smooth voltage fluctuations and ensure reliable server operation.

2.2 Signal Filtering and Noise Suppression

Common-mode chokes, ferrite beads, and differential inductors suppress high-frequency noise in AC-DC conversion and signal lines, improving signal integrity and EMI performance.

3. Critical Factors for Inductor Selection

Selecting suitable inductors is vital to achieving optimal efficiency, thermal performance, and reliability in AI server power designs.

3.1 Inductance Value

Determines energy storage capacity and ripple current suppression. Lower inductance (often below 1μH) is typical in high-current, high-frequency POL (Point-of-Load) converters.

3.2 Saturation Current

Inductors must avoid core saturation under high GPU/CPU load currents. Materials with high saturation flux density and thermal stability (e.g., ferrite or alloy powders) are essential.

3.3 DC Resistance (DCR)

Low DCR reduces conduction losses, critical for energy-efficient operation. Molded inductors often offer the best balance of low DCR and high power density.

3.4 Operating Frequency

High-frequency DC-DC converters demand inductors with low core loss and optimized winding techniques to maintain efficiency under fast switching conditions.

4. Recommended Inductor Types for AI Servers

4.1 High-Current Power Inductors

Designed for power delivery to CPUs/GPUs, these provide high saturation current, low thermal rise, and stable performance under continuous high load.

4.2 Molded Inductors

Encapsulated construction reduces EMI and improves reliability, offering high power density and excellent noise suppression.

4.3 TLVR Inductors

Trans-Inductor Voltage Regulators improve transient response, reduce output capacitance, and increase efficiency in low-voltage, high-current applications.

5. Enabling the Next Generation of AI Servers with Advanced Magnetics

Inductors play a foundational role in the power integrity and signal quality of AI servers. With increasing demands for power density and efficiency, high-performance magnetics are essential.

As a leading magnetic solutions provider, Codaca offers a wide range of inductor series tailored for AI servers, including:
◾ TCAB series: common-mode chokes for AC-DC power supplies;
◾ CSBA/CSBX series: compact, high-saturation, high-current inductors;
◾ CSAB/CSEB/CSEC/CSHB/CSHN series: low-loss molded inductors;
◾ CSFED series: TLVR inductors for fast-response voltage regulation.

By understanding key inductor parameters and appropriate application strategies, engineers can significantly enhance the performance and energy efficiency of AI-driven systems.