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Summary

2021.02.24

This article concludes the section on “Parallel Connections of LDO Linear Regulators.” In this series of articles, we have explained methods for connecting LDOs in parallel to increase the output current of a power supply circuit and to avoid exceeding the allowable dissipation for individual LDOs.

As explained in ”About Parallel Connections of LDO Linear Regulators” parallel connection of LDOs is a method that has been around for quite some time. Basically and ideally, by for example connecting two 1 A LDOs in parallel, twice the current or 2 A is obtained, and from the standpoint of distribution of losses, when two devices connected in parallel the losses of each are halved.

However, if the outputs of LDOs are simply connected together directly, because there is a difference in the output voltages of the LDOs, the load (output) current is not distributed between them. In general, the tolerance in the output voltage of an LDO is stipulated to be within plus/minus a few percent of the nominal voltage, and as a practical matter, the output voltages of LDOs connected in parallel are never exactly the same. Hence a contrivance in the circuit is needed in order that the output current is distributed among the parallel-connected LDOs.

As parallel connection methods that distribute the output current, a method using diodes and a method using ballast resistors were presented. Both methods distribute the output current by relaxing the difference in the output voltages of the parallel-connected LDOs, but both have advantages and drawbacks. Moreover, it is difficult to perfectly realize “double/half” operation as per principles, and these methods must be used with the understanding that compromises are inevitable, given the output voltage precision, load regulation, and other power supply characteristics.

Below, the circuits of each of the parallel connection methods, equations representing the principles involved, and important points are presented.

Parallel Connection Using Diodes	Parallel Connection Using Ballast Resistors

Relations for Balancing of Output Voltages
V_OUT1-V_F1(IOUT1)=V_OUT2-V_F(IOUT2) V_OUT1：LDO1 output voltage V_OUT2：LDO2 output voltage V_{F1（IOUT1）}： V_F of D1 when current is I_OUT1 V_{F2（IOUT2）}： V_F of D2 when current is I_OUT2	V_OUT1-I_OUT1×R_BALLAST=V_OUT2-I_OUT2×R_BALLAST V_OUT1：LDO1 output voltage V_OUT2：LDO2 output voltage I_OUT1：LDO1 output current I_OUT2：LDO2 output current R_BALLAST：Ballast resistance
Key Points
・In parallel connections using diodes, because diodes are present in the output paths, the output voltages drop by the amount of the diode V_F values, and so measures such as adding a voltage equivalent to V_F to the LDO setting output voltage are necessary. ・There is scattering in diode V_F values among devices, and the values also change according to the load current and the temperature, and therefore precision in the output voltage (load regulation) cannot be expected. ・Some buffering is achieved by inserting diodes, but in any case, the difference in the output voltages of two LDOs will cause considerable variation in the fractional output currents of the two LDOs.	・Parallel connections using ballast resistors can cause output currents to be distributed according to a value calculated using an equation. ・Output currents flow in the ballast resistors, so that a voltage drop occurs at the load point, and power losses occur in the resistors. ・There is a tradeoff between the difference in the LDO output voltages, the output current distribution, and the output voltage drop. The value of the ballast resistors must be determined while balancing all characteristics.

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