Schneider Electric and AMD have released an initial shared reference design for the AMD Helios rack-scale architecture. The design helps organizations deploy high-density AI factories faster, more securely, and with less complexity.
Schneider Electric and AMD are releasing a joint reference design for the AMD Helios rack-scale solution to accelerate the deployment of large-scale AI infrastructure. This validated model serves as a guide to significantly shorten the planning and implementation process for so-called ‘AI factories’.
The reference design marks the first milestone in the collaboration between the two technology companies. By designing computing power, networking technology, cooling, and power supply as a single integrated whole from the start, the manufacturers aim to greatly reduce operational risks and integration issues when building AI factories.
High power density and liquid cooling
The new design is specifically tailored to the AMD Helios architecture, which is powered by GPUs, CPUs, and network cards from the chipmaker. The blueprint is built for heavy AI applications and supports individual IT racks with a power capacity of up to 246 kW. For large-scale new construction projects, the system is also modularly scalable to AI clusters with a total IT load of up to 10.4 MW.
To effectively manage the extreme heat generation of the hardware, the partners utilize advanced cooling technology from Motivair. Through coolant distribution units and hybrid solutions for air and liquid cooling, up to 84 percent of the heat produced can be dissipated directly. This approach increases the energy efficiency of the site, where the PUE value can drop to approximately 1.12 at full load.
Digital simulation
The reference design includes detailed guidelines for four crucial technical areas: power supply, cooling infrastructure, physical IT space, and the software cycle. Administrators can model the electrical and thermal behavior of the installation in advance using simulation tools. This makes it possible to digitally test the performance of the data center before physical construction begins. Digital twins can also be developed for daily management.
With the launch of this reference design, Schneider Electric and AMD offer a standardized approach for the construction and modernization of AI data centers. The blueprint is currently officially validated according to US standards. In a later phase, the companies plan to comply with international standards for a global rollout. Schneider Electric also designs blueprints around Nvidia technology.