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Current sharing in power arrays – Vicor Micro Family of DC-DC Converter User Manual

Page 24

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Design Guide & Applications Manual

For Maxi, Mini, Micro Family DC-DC Converters and Configurable Power Supplies

Maxi, Mini, Micro Design Guide

Rev 4.9

vicorpower.com

Page 23 of 88

Apps. Eng. 800 927.9474

800 735.6200

5. Current Sharing In Power Arrays

The synchronous current-sharing method applies to
quasi-resonant, frequency-modulated converters with the
necessary intelligence, such as the Vicor Maxi, Mini, Micro
Family of high-density DC-DC converters, where the energy
per pulse is fixed.

Finally, no matter what method is used, current sharing
reduces thermal problems, improves transient response,
and helps extend the lifetimes of all modules in an
array. Nevertheless, all current-sharing schemes require
careful attention to electrical and mechanical design to
operate effectively.

Ground

Plane

+S

+OUT

SC

–S

–OUT

–IN

PR

PC

+IN

+S

+OUT

SC

–S

–OUT

–IN

PR

PC

+IN

Return

DC-DC Converter

DC-DC Converter

Parallel

Bus

+VIN

+VOUT

-VIN

Figure 5–2 — Synchronous power architecture simplifies current sharing control and enhances fault tolerance.

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