Using Multiple Power Supplies
Configuring Multiple Supplies for Current Sharing Operation (APG Method)
Up to four power supplies can be connected in parallel to increase the output current. One of the units will operate as the master unit and the remaining units will operate as slave units controlled by the master unit. The master unit uses the analog programming lines to set the output voltages and currents of the slave units to match its output.
In remote digital operation, only the master unit can be programmed remotely while the slave units that are connected remotely will only provide voltage, current and status readback information.
In APG current sharing topologies, only the master unit can be programmed using any of the input methods (front panel, remote digital, or analog programming control). The slave unit(s) voltage and current
output(s) are determined by the master unit through the REF_I input to 3 each slave unit. The readback using any of the monitoring methods (front
panel display, user monitor lines or SCPI measure commands) of each unit (master or slave) will provide individual unit status, not system status.
Setting up the Master Unit
Set the output voltage of the master unit to the desired voltage. Program the current set point of the master unit to the desired load current set point divided by the number of parallel units. During operation, the master unit operates in Constant Voltage mode, regulating the load voltage at the programmed output voltage. Send the Current share command.
The SCPI command (s) for these instructions are:
[[:]SOURce[<channel>]]:COMBine:CSHare[:MODE]
Setting up the Slave Units
The output voltage and current of the slave units should be programmed to maximum value. During parallel operation, the slave units operate as a controlled current source following the master unit’s output current.
All slave units must be configured with the SCPI command to enable current sharing.
The SCPI command (s) for these instructions are:
[[:]SOURce[<channel>]]:COMBine:CSHare[:MODE]
