Parallel Linear Regulators With Differential Current Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current linear voltage supplies face challenges in providing high current while maintaining low noise, as parallel operation of multiple regulators can lead to output imbalances and excessive thermal dissipation due to component mismatches and temperature coefficients, resulting in potential overload conditions.
Innovation Solution
A current-balanced linear voltage source system is implemented, comprising multiple regulated linear voltage sources connected in parallel with a differential amplifier that provides feedback to ensure equal output current contribution from each source, using balancing resistors and a control circuit to stabilize the output voltage and current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple linear voltage regulators are operated in parallel to provide high current output, then the current supply capability is improved, but output imbalances and thermal dissipation occur due to component mismatches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the output voltages of multiple parallel regulators are monitored and fed back to individual control circuits. Each regulator receives feedback about its own output voltage and the output voltages of other regulators, allowing real-time adjustment of control voltages to maintain equal current distribution and prevent overload conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate control circuits and balancing resistors as mediators between the parallel regulators. These intermediaries receive feedback signals, process them through differential amplifiers, and generate adjusted control voltages that ensure each regulator contributes equally to the total output current, thereby maintaining system reliability.
2Power
If multiple linear voltage regulators are operated in parallel to provide high current output, then the current supply capability is improved, but excessive thermal dissipation occurs due to component mismatches
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism monitors output voltages and adjusts control signals to ensure equal current sharing among parallel regulators. By maintaining precise current balance, the system prevents any single regulator from being overloaded, which would cause excessive thermal dissipation, while still achieving high total current output capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If component mismatches and temperature coefficients are present in parallel regulators, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but output imbalances and potential overload conditions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback system compensates for component mismatches and temperature coefficient variations by continuously monitoring output voltages and adjusting control signals. This allows the use of standard, easily manufactured regulators without requiring precision-matched components, while still achieving reliable current distribution through active control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes control parameters (control voltages) based on feedback signals to compensate for component variations and temperature effects. By adjusting these parameters in real-time, the system maintains balanced current distribution despite manufacturing tolerances and environmental changes, preserving both ease of manufacture and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A current-balanced voltage source may include two regulated voltage sources, each having an input and an output, and an amplifier to receive a control voltage at a positive input and a feedback voltage at a negative input. The output of each amplifier is coupled to the input of the respective regulated voltage source. The outputs of the regulated voltage sources are coupled together to source a current to a load. A differential amplifier may include positive and negative differential inputs, and positive and negative differential outputs. The positive differential input is coupled to the output of the first regulated voltage source and the negative differential input is coupled to the output of the second regulated voltage source. The positive differential output provides the feedback to the first regulated voltage source, and the negative differential output provides the feedback to the second regulated voltage source.