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Load Sharing
Load sharing occurs when two or more DRQ-11.4/88-L48NB-C s are con-
nected in parallel at both the input and output terminals to supply greater
output current than one unit alone or to offer system redundancy for moderate
loads. If one converter fails, the other converter(s) will carry the load until the
system is repaired.
The DRQ-11.4/88-L48NB-C ’s design allows load sharing using the “droop”
method, also called the “direct connect” technique. Simply put, at light loads,
the converter with slightly higher output voltage will carry more of the output
current. Since the DRQ-11.4/88-L48NB-C ’s synchronous rectifier design
will not accept appreciable reverse output current, starting at zero load, the
DRQ-11.4/88-L48NB-C with the higher output voltage will carry more of the
full load until the voltage at the output drops to that of the lower DRQ-11.4/88-
L48NB-C ’s.
Load Sharing Guidelines
If you wish to operate two or more DRQ-11.4/88-L48NB-C ’s in load sharing,
use these guidelines:
[1] Operate both converters connected in parallel to the same 50V input
power source. This simplifies the design and makes more balanced power
sharing. Using two different 50V input supplies must be carefully analyzed to
avoid overloading one of the converters and is not recommended.
Make sure the single 50V input source can supply the total current needed
by all the parallel-connected DRQ-11.4/88-L48NB-C ’s. (Actually, it is pos-
sible to rate the full system at more than the current capacity of a single
DRQ-11.4/88-L48NB-C . However, you now lose the redundancy protection
feature.)
[2] Use conservative loading. Do not assume for example that two parallel
DRQ-11.4/88-L48NB-C ’s can always supply “times two” amounts of output
current. Allow for limits in input voltage and other factors.
If one DRQ-11.4/88-L48NB-C overloads while in load share, it will protect
itself by entering the overcurrent mode. If the whole system is running close
to maximum output current, the remaining good DRQ-11.4/88-L48NB-C will
soon also enter overcurrent mode. These two events probably will not happen
together, possibly leaving the system operating in degraded mode for awhile.
The solution here is conservative design to avoid getting close to the load
limits.
TECHNICAL NOTES [3] Make the input wiring lengths and wire gauges identical on both inputs
and outputs. If in doubt, make some precision measurements under full load.
But if you attempt to measure the current in one of the converters using a
series shunt, remember that the current meter itself may introduce enough
finite resistance to affect the readings. (Hint: Use a non-contacting “clamp-on”
Hall effect DC current meter with zero IR loss.)
[4] If you add the optional input filters, use identical components with the
same layout.
[5] Operate both converters in the same temperature and airflow environ-
ment. Under load sharing, small differences in cooling can amplify into load
imbalances.
[6] Avoid operation near the low input voltage limit of the converter. Another
subtle factor here is the external source impedance of the input supply. A
source with higher source impedance at full load may make the net input
voltage seen by the converter close to its minimum input voltage. Be sure to
account for the decrease in effective input voltage under load.
For battery sources, this means that the batteries should be freshly charged
and that the AC trickle charger is in good working order. Note that older batter-
ies increase their internal cell impedance even if their no-load output voltage
appears acceptable. Remember that what counts here is the voltage seen at
the DRQ-11.4/88-L48NB-C input connections with full current.
[7] As with any system design, thoroughly test the DRQ-11.4/88-L48NB-C ’s
connected in load sharing before committing the design to a real application.
CAUTION – This converter is not internally fused. To avoid danger to persons
or equipment and to retain safety certification, the user must connect an
external fast-blow input fuse as listed in the specifications. Be sure that the PC
board pad area and etch size are adequate to provide enough current so that
the fuse will blow with an overload.
Start Up Considerations
When power is first applied to the DC/DC converter, there is some risk of start
up difficulties if you do not have both low AC and DC impedance and adequate
regulation of the input source. Make sure that your source supply does not
allow the instantaneous input voltage to go below the minimum voltage at all
times.
Use a moderate size capacitor very close to the input terminals. You may
need two or more parallel capacitors. A larger electrolytic or ceramic cap sup-
plies the surge current and a smaller parallel low-ESR ceramic cap gives low
AC impedance.
Remember that the input current is carried both by the wiring and the
ground plane return. Make sure the ground plane uses adequate thickness
copper. Run additional bus wire if necessary.
On/Off Control
The input-side, remote On/Off Control function (pin 2) can be ordered to oper-
ate with either logic type:
Negative (“N” suffix): Negative-logic devices are off when pin 2 is left open
(or pulled high, applying +3.5V to +20V), and on when pin 2 is pulled low (0 to
0.8V) with respect to –Input as shown in Figure 3.
SDC_DRQ-11.4/88-L48NB-C.A02 Page 10 of 14
DRQ-11.4/88-L48NB-C
Regulated Quarter-Brick, 986W Isolated DC-DC Converter
+48V
POWER
SOURCE
+Vout
OPTIONAL INPUT FILTERS
RBQ 1
RBQ 2
VIN
VIN VOUT
VOUT
ILOAD
RLOAD
Figure 2. Load Sharing Block Diagram
DRQ1
DRQ2