POWER
More power, less compromise: active load sharing for DIN rail systems
By Maximilian Hülsebusch – PULS GmbH W
hen industrial applications demand more power than a single DIN rail power supply can deliver, parallel operation is the obvious solution. But connecting several power supplies in parallel creates a critical challenge: how can the load be shared evenly without compromising output voltage stability?
This is where active load sharing offers a this technology in its 960 W three-phase replacing the limitations of conventional passive sharing methods. The result is more stable voltage, better utilisation of each unit, simpler installation and improved long-term reliability.
The limits of passive load sharing Traditional paralleled power supplies typically rely on passive load sharing using a droop characteristic. In this method, the output voltage is deliberately reduced as the output current increases. When all units are set-up identically, this behaviour can help distribute the load evenly. In practice, however, this approach has notable drawbacks. First, the output voltage demand rises, the voltage drops - an effect that can be particularly problematic in applications requiring short-term peak power while maintaining stable system performance.
sharing assumes nearly identical output settings and cable resistances across all paralleled power supplies. In reality, even minor variations caused by tolerances, wiring differences, temperature drift, or ageing can result in one unit carrying a disproportionate share of the load. Over time, this imbalance reduces load-sharing effectiveness and places additional stress on the most heavily loaded unit, ultimately impacting system reliability and lifespan. careful commissioning, including manually settings.
A smarter way to share the load approach. Instead of relying on voltage
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droop, power supplies communicate via continuously measures its own output current and adjusts accordingly, ensuring that all parallel-connected units contribute evenly to the total load.
First, the output voltage remains stable, load distribution stays balanced over the long term, because the system actively compensates for deviations that would otherwise occur through drift, tolerances or ageing. Third, the method is robust: voltage differences of up to 0.4 V can be compensated, and the communication bus operates at a high signal level, making it resistant to interference.
preserve torque.
Here, the combination of active load sharing and 200 per cent peak power possibilities.
Faster installation, lower risk of error
makes installation easier and faster. Quick-Connect terminals allow tool-free wiring for all cable types, while the terminal design keeps the front of the unit accessible. output utilisation at a glance and also signals overload or short-circuit conditions. can reduce installation time by up to 95 per cent compared with solutions using passive load sharing.
Compact power for demanding loads
The advantages become particularly clear in applications with high short-term power demand, such as motor starting. In these cases, maintaining full voltage is essential to
APRIL 2026 | ELECTRONICS FOR ENGINEERS
A broader performance gain total cost of ownership, active load sharing represents a logical next step. Rather than accepting the compromises of droop- based parallel operation, designers can now achieve stable voltage, precise load distribution and easier integration in a single solution. For applications where parallel power supplies must do more than simply function, active load sharing offers a clear technical advantage.
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