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TPS274160: How much Current is capable when using some (but not all driver) simultaneously

Part Number: TPS274160

I have Systems where i only need to use half the drivers at a time (half the drivers move the machine 1 direction, half move the other). If im only using half the drivers at a time, can i get 2.5A on 2x of the 4x drivers while the other ones are off? or is there some equation on how to do this?

  • Hi Ben,

    I assume you are talking about paralleling two channels together to get higher current? Yes, it could be paralleled, and the max current can be roughly 2x if you are paralleling 2 channels (will be a bit less because of the thermal and imbalance between the current sharing).

    Please refer to this app note about paralleling channels for more info.

    https://www.ti.com/lit/an/slva949/slva949.pdf

    Please let us know if you have additional questions.

    Regards,

    Yichi

  • i was not thinking about parallelling, i was thinking about still using the 4 channels separate, but only using half of the channels at a time. for instance, CH1 2000mA, ch2 0mA, CH3 2500mA, Ch2 100mA. is there a way to calculate the balance, and can you do more than 1.3A not using all at the same current?

  • Hi Ben,

    Thanks for clarifying. Are you thinking if Ch1 can handle more current if Ch2 is not driving current? The current is limited by the thermal performance of each channel, so not using the other channel will not increase the capability of one channel (might be a little as the die is not heating up by having multiple channels on). 

    One option I can think of is use a switch to parallel the channel when the other channel is used. However, it won't work if the other channel still needs to supply small current.

    The other option is to use a high capability high side switch, something like TPS27S100.

    You probably can get around if you have low ambient and good cooling. You will need to calculate the thermal based on the power and ambient conditions.

    Regards,

    Yichi