IBM 01AF086 Power8 Enterprise Server Memory Voltage Regulator Module (VRM)

Overview

The IBM 01AF086 (engineered under CCIN 6B32) is a high-reliability, mission-critical Memory Voltage Regulator Module (VRM). It is purpose-built for IBM’s enterprise-class multi-chassis Scale-Up systems powered by the POWER8 processor architecture—specifically the IBM Power E870, E870C, E880, and E880C servers.

The module provides high-amperage, ultra-precise step-down DC-to-DC voltage transformation. It strictly isolates the memory subsystem from incoming planar power fluctuations, delivering stable low-voltage DC rails directly to the IBM Centaur Memory Buffer chips and high-density Custom DIMM (CDIMM) enterprise memory banks.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Specification Details
FRU Part Number	01AF086
CCIN Code	6B32
Cross-Reference / Subs	00E9014, 01AF555, 01AF090, 00RR677
Component Type	Memory Voltage Regulator Module / Power Control Module
Input Infrastructure	System Board / Midplane DC Input
Output Type	Multi-phase, low-voltage, high-current synchronous DC-to-DC
Form Factor	Hot-swappable proprietary plug-in card cartridge with pull-tab
Workload Profile	Continuous 24/7 mission-critical data center operations

Architecture & Subsystem Protection

1. High-Density Phase Regulation

• Transient Response: Employs advanced multi-phase synchronous buck topology to deliver lightning-fast transient response loops, maintaining strict millivolt tolerances even during intense, unpredictable transactional database spikes.

• Thermal Dissipation: Designed with a high-efficiency solid-state planar design and heavy-duty integrated heat-sinking to operate continuously within high-ambient-temperature enterprise server nodes without thermal throttling.

2. Centaur Buffer & CDIMM Power Delivery

Unlike standard x86 servers where voltage regulation is integrated broadly near common slots, the IBM POWER8 architecture decouples scheduling and L4 cache onto an external Centaur Memory Buffer chip on the memory riser. The 6B32 VRM supplies the highly sensitive rails required for:

• On-chip eDRAM L4 cache arrays embedded in the Centaur chips.

• Dual-channel DDR3 or DDR4 high-density CDIMM signaling blocks running at 1600 MHz.

Enterprise System Compatibility

The 01AF086 VRM is used explicitly in the multi-chassis nodes of enterprise scale-up servers and is installed in dedicated, redundant power slots adjacent to the system memory risers.

Supported Machine Types & Models

• IBM Power E870 (Machine Type 9119-MME)

• IBM Power E870C (Machine Type 9080-MME)

• IBM Power E880 (Machine Type 9119-MHE)

• IBM Power E880C (Machine Type 9080-MHE)