Load-sharing techniques: Paralleling power modules with ...

1 5 Analog Applications JournalLoad- sharing techniques: Paralleling powermodules with overcurrent protectionParalleling low-current, low-voltage power modules forhigh-current, low-voltage applications has many them are: redundancy for enhanced reliability, hot-swap capability, distributed heat removal, and design flexi-bility. Paralleling power stages requires load sharing inorder to equalize the stresses among the modules . Onemethod of load sharing , based upon the automatic master/slave architecture, is to use a dedicated controller, such asthe UCC39002, to provide for equal current distribution ofthe load current among the parallel-connected power sup-plies.

2 The power modules must be equipped with trueremote-sense capability or an output-adjustment output current of each module is measured and com-pared to a common load -share bus. The positive sensevoltage or the voltage of the output voltage adjust pin ofeach module is adjusted to provide equal current modules are paralleled so that the entire assem-bly can support a full load much greater than an individualmodule would be capable of supplying. Due to manufactur-ing tolerances and component variations, startup delaytimes typically vary slightly from module to module . Whenthe modules to be paralleled have an overcurrent protectioncircuit featuring constant current limit with automaticrecovery, starting up fully enabled into the full system loaddoes not pose a problem.

3 Inevitably, one module will haveTexas Instruments IncorporatedPower ManagementBy Lisa Dinwoodie (Email: Applications Specialist1Q and Mixed-Signal Productsa faster turn-on than the others. The eager module willcarry as much of the load as it can, sometimes up to 140%of its individual current capacity, before its output voltagefalters. Meanwhile, the next module will come up and con-tribute to the load . After a brief transition time, all of themodules will be up, the master will be recognized, andaccurate load sharing will take the modules to be paralleled have an overcurrentprotection circuit featuring a hiccup mode, starting up fullyenabled into full system load , regardless of the load sharingtechnique used, does pose a problem.)

4 The module withthe fastest turn-on profile will come up into an overcurrentcondition. Immediately, in an act of self-preservation, itwill go into hiccup mode, alternately sinking and sourcingcurrent. The next module to come up into the load willalso fall into this hiccup mode, sinking current when theother module sources it. Because the load -share circuitryessentially adds a voltage loop to the output of each mod-ule, this hiccupping overcurrent protection mode will prevent loop closure. Simultaneously enabling the moduleswill prevent this hiccup mode from starting, and load shar-ing can be successfully 1 shows a simple comparator circuit that willsimultaneously enable two modules and can be expandedto accommodate more if needed.

5 It assumes that the onlyIN+ fromModule 1IN+ fromModule 2E2 module 2ON/OFFE1 module 1 FC21 FU2:BLM393U2:ALM393Q22N2907 ASN74 AHC1G00C11 k D115 VD215 VD215 k k k R7143 k R4357 k R8357 k M M 26354811254U3 GND3 VCC7R9143 k R1210 k R1310 k k k k Q12N2907J1J2 Figure 1. Logic circuit to turn on two power modules simultaneouslyTexas Instruments IncorporatedPower Management6 Analog Applications JournalAnalog and Mixed-Signal 2003bias available for the logic gates is the 48-Vdc bus used asthe input to the modules themselves. The circuit is designedto short the modules on/off pins to ground simultaneouslywhen their inputs reach 35 V, assuming that the modules input range is between 36 V and 75 V and that they have aturn-on threshold of approximately 33 PNP transistor, Q1, its emitter and base resistors,and the two 15-V Zener diodes provide a 15-V, 5-mA biasto the comparators and the NAND gate from the inputline, which could vary from 36 Vdc to 75 Vdc.

6 The TL431is set up to provide a regulated 10-V reference voltage forthe inverted comparator inputs. The non-inverted com-parator input signals are derived from resistively dividingthe input voltages of the modules . Because the bias andcomparator signals are from the same source, capacitorsare needed to delay the comparator input signals longenough so that the LM393, U2, is operational and smart. This circuit is added to the load -share board and success-fully turns on the modules simultaneously into a full systemload without triggering the overcurrent hiccup mode ofthe Web partnumberwith LM393, SN74 AHC1G00, TL431or UCC39002 IMPORTANT NOTICE Texas Instruments Incorporated and its subsidiaries (TI)

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