Polaris Semiconductor Releases Guide to Scaling Output Current with Parallel Enhanced Linear Regulators
FLIR thermal images of single ELR versus paralleled ELR
Alexandria, VA – January 29, 2026 – Polaris Semiconductor today announced the release of a new Application Note, PSAN003, titled "Keep It Simple: Paralleling Enhanced Linear Regulators for Scalable Output Current."
The document provides hardware engineers with validated design methodologies to scale the output current of Polaris Enhanced Linear Regulators (ELRs). ELRs are a new class of power management device that utilize patented optocoupler technology to recycle power within the package, bridging the efficiency gap between switching regulators and low-dropout (LDO) regulators.
While ELRs offer the signal purity and footprint of a linear regulator with the efficiency of a switcher, high-power applications often require more current than a single package can support. PSAN003 addresses this by detailing robust parallel configurations for both Buck (step-down) and Boost (step-up) topologies.
"We see many engineers who want the clean power of our BK and BT series but simply need more amps than a single chip provides," said Matthew Lumb, CEO of Polaris Semiconductor. "This application note gives those designers a roadmap. We demonstrate that with a few low-cost components, you can reliably scale up to 2A and beyond, maintaining the high efficiency and low noise that makes our technology unique."
Key technical insights from the application note include:
Input Balancing for Linear Boost: A specialized circuit topology for paralleling Polaris BT29 boost regulators. Because standard output balancing does not provide sufficient headroom when sourcing the op-amp supply from VIN, the note details an input-current balancing technique to overcome this limitation.
Thermal Performance: Test data showing that paralleling significantly improves heat management, reducing effective thermal resistance from 59°C/W (single) to 46°C/W (parallel).
Simplified Ultra-Low Noise Scaling: A guide to paralleling the BK30 series. The note demonstrates how the device's architecture allows for passive current balancing using only ballast resistors, eliminating the need for active circuitry while reducing the theoretical noise floor by a factor of 1/sqrt{n}.
The application note, including complete schematics, bill of materials (BOM), and layout recommendations, is available for download immediately at https://www.polarissemiconductor.com/techdocs#PSAN003
About Polaris Semiconductor
Polaris Semiconductor designs and manufactures advanced DC voltage regulators optimized for ultra-low noise, compact integration, and high efficiency across aerospace, defense, instrumentation, and high-performance computing sectors. Based in Alexandria, VA, the company’s mission is to push the boundaries of what’s possible in analog power design.
More information: www.polarissemiconductor.com
