6
www.irf.com
AFL270XXD Series
Figure III. Preferred Connection for Parallel Operation
Synchronization of Multiple Converters
Parallel Operation-Current and Stress Sharing
Internally, these ports differ slightly in their function. In use,
a low on Enable 1 completely shuts down all circuits in the
converter, while a low on Enable 2 shuts down the second-
ary side while altering the controller duty cycle to near zero.
Externally, the use of either port is transparent to the user
save for minor differences in idle current. (See specification
table).
When operating multiple converters, system requirements
often dictate operation of the converters at a common fre-
quency. To accommodate this requirement, the AFL series
converters provide both a synchronization input and out-
put.
The sync input port permits synchronization of an AFL co-
nverter to any compatible external frequency source oper-
ating between 500 and 700 KHz. This input signal should
be referenced to the input return and have a 10% to 90%
duty cycle. Compatibility requires transition times less th an
100 ns, maximum low level of +0.8 volts and a minimum
high
level of +2.0 volts. The sync output of another converter
which has been designated as the master oscillator pro-
vides a convenient frequency source for this mode of op-
eration. When external synchronization is not indicted, the
sync in pin should be left unconnected thereby permitting
the converter to operate at its’ own internally set frequency.
The sync output signal is a continuous pulse train set at
550 ±50 KHz, with a duty cycle of 15 ±5%. This signal is
referenced to the input return and has been tailored to be
compatible with the AFL sync input port. Transition times
are less than 100 ns and the low level output impedance is
less than 50 ohms. This signal is active when the DC input
voltage is within the specified operating range and the con-
verter is not inhibited. This synch output has adequate
drive reserve to synchronize at least five additional con-
verters. A typical synchronization connection option is il-
lustrated in Figure III.
Power
Input
(Other Converters)
Share Bus
1
6
AFL
7
12
- Output
Enable 2
+ Output
Return
Trim
Share
Vin
Rtn
Case
Enable 1
Sync Out
Sync In
1
6
AFL
7
12
- Output
Enable 2
+ Output
Return
Trim
Share
Vin
Rtn
Case
Enable 1
Sync Out
Sync In
1
6
AFL
7
12
- Output
Enable 2
+ Output
Return
Trim
Share
Vin
Rtn
Case
Enable 1
Sync Out
Sync In
Optional
Synchronization
Connection
to Positive Load
to Negative Load
Figure III. illustrates the preferred connection scheme for
operation of a set of AFL converters with outputs operating
in parallel. Use of this connection permits equal current shar-
ing among the members of a set whose load current ex-
ceeds the capacity of an individual AFL. An important fea-
ture of the AFL series operating in the parallel mode is that
in addition to sharing the current, the stress induced by
temperature will also be shared. Thus if one member of a
paralleled set is operating at a higher case temperature, the
current it provides to the load will be reduced as compensa-
tion for the temperature induced stress on that device.