Load-sharing techniques: Paralleling power modules with overcurrent protection:Paralleling low-current, low-voltage power modules for
high-current, low-voltage applications has many benefits.
Among them are: redundancy for enhanced reliability, hotswap
capability, distributed heat removal, and design flexibility.
Paralleling power stages requires load sharing in
order to equalize the stresses among the modules. One
method of load sharing, based upon the automatic master/
slave architecture, is to use a dedicated controller, such as
the UCC39002, to provide for equal current distribution of
the load current among the parallel-connected power supplies.
The power modules must be equipped with true
remote-sense capability or an output-adjustment terminal.
The output current of each module is measured and compared
to a common load-share bus. The positive sense
voltage or the voltage of the output voltage adjust pin of
each module is adjusted to provide equal current sharing.