Intel FIVR gets a new inductor

Our recent analysis of the Intel Xeon CPU Max 9462 revealed Intel's latest advancement in voltage regulation technology: the Coaxial Magnetic Integrated Inductor (Coax MIL). This new inductor, integrated into the printed wiring board (PWB) with magnetic material wrapped around through-core vias, represents a significant evolution in Intel's approach to Fully Integrated Voltage Regulation (FIVR).

Initially, Intel processors relied on on-motherboard voltage regulators (MBVRs). With the introduction of FIVR, these regulators were moved into the CPU package, freeing up motherboard space and offering benefits like increased battery life and higher peak power. Over subsequent technology nodes, Intel refined its inductor designs to meet the demands of thinner profiles and higher core counts.

The Coax MIL inductors in Intel's latest processors, such as Sapphire Rapids at the 7 nm node, signify a leap forward. They are designed to handle significantly higher current densities compared to previous magnetic inductor arrays (MIA) and air core inductors (ACI), enhancing reliability and performance in high core count environments.

Looking ahead to Meteor Lake, Intel appears to be exploring new directions, possibly shifting from FIVR to linear voltage regulators. This ongoing evolution reflects Intel's commitment to advancing packaging technologies to meet the demands of modern computing.