Power-driven innovation | HIRO delivers compact, scalable edge computing

Edge computing is essential to realizing the full potential of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Applications such as autonomous driving, smart buildings, robotics, supply chain management, and healthcare are developing rapidly and rely on fast response times from AI computers, which cannot be provided by cloud computing in large, remote data centers. To provide faster computing and data transmission speeds, AI processors need to be closer to smart devices - closer to the "edge". Powering the rapidly growing "edge" is a huge challenge that requires an equally powerful and compact power supply network .

HIRO, Dutch startup technology company HIRO develops innovative high-performance, reliable edge infrastructure (hardware and software) that delivers the intelligent edge as a service. Their Edge Micro Data Center (EMDC) - a highly scalable, compact edge computing resource that can operate reliably in harsh environments and provide the speed and performance required by today's applications. EMDC can integrate any type and number of CPUs, GPUs, FPGAs, NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) media on platforms ranging from 1.5kW shoebox-sized devices to 500kW containerized edge devices. These platforms are fully solid-state and modular, requiring not only minimal maintenance, but also no cooling. Cooling can be done through fan-supported dry coolers or fully passive dry coolers, making the EMDC completely passive.

HIRO leverages edge computing to deliver meaningful community impact. HIRO is committed to supporting hospital EMDC systems by providing privacy, high performance, and reliable edge infrastructure for their artificial intelligence models that help detect and treat cardiovascular disease, cancer, oncology, and other complex diseases.

Distributing power from 48VDC instead of 12VDC enables highly efficient power conversion. The higher voltage reduces I2R power losses across the power delivery network (PDN) by 16 times. High-density, high-efficiency power modules help enable HIRO’s solid-state, well-cooled, compact, energy-efficient EMDC design. For example, conventional solutions use standard COM Express® modules (computers on modules) that can deliver about 3kW of power in a 3U chassis. Efficiently converting this power is critical to EMDC performance. PCB Design Kft, a Hungarian hardware design company, helped HIRO design the EMDC and selected Vicor DCM power modules for their compact size, thermal performance, and efficiency. DCMs provide 48V to 12V conversion, offer flexible thermal options, and world-leading volumetric power density. This flexibility also opens up opportunities for renewable energy.