SSL Application Note # 1

Parallel operation of Tropo and Strato LED Drivers

Introduction

This application note addresses configuring multiple Roal drivers in parallel to enable support of higher
powered LED loads then a single driver is capable of. Since the Tropo and Strato drivers are constant
current devices, if done properly, connecting multiple drivers in parallel can be done simply and with
no adverse effects to the driver or LED.

Why connect drivers in parallel?

While the Tropo and Strato drivers provide a wide variety of output current levels, sometimes a driver is
needed that is a higher power level then available. For constant current drivers, the solution can simply be to
parallel drivers that have the same output voltage ratings.

For instance, lets examine a sample application.

LED Voltage: 36V nominal
LED Current: 700mA
LED Power: 25.2W
Dimming: Triac dimming required

Since the Tropo family is limited to 16W, at first glance it would appear that Tropo would not support this
application. However, the Tropo model RLDD015L-350 is rated at 350mA and 24V to 48V output voltage.
Connecting 2 of these drivers in parallel will meet the requirement perfectly. No special techniques or external
circuitry is required to connect 2 drivers in parallel and have a solution utilizing drivers in stock.

Use Caution !

More than 2 drivers can be connected in parallel. However, care must be taken to ensure that the output wiring
is sufficient for the total LED current and if the system is required to meet Class 2 or LPS requirements that the
total current is within the required ratings.

Only connect drivers in parallel of the same model number. Do not connect drivers in parallel with different
output voltage or current ratings.

Be certain the application and installation complies with the manufacturer’s installation guidelines for
all components of the system (dimmer, LED etc) as well as all local, state and federal laws,
requirements and codes.
 SSL Application Note # 1
Parallel operation of Tropo and Strato LED Drivers

Connecting Tropo in parallel

Connecting Tropo is parallel is very simple since there are no secondary controls to be concerned with.
Simply connect the input leads to either the AC power source or a dimmer and connect the output
leads in parallel to a single LED.

Figure 1 shows the basic connection of two Tropo drivers to a single Triac Based Dimmer and a single
LED assembly.

Triac
Based
Dimmer
Tropo

AC Source
LED

Tropo

Figure 1

Eu and RoW North America

ROAL Electronics S.p.A ROAL Electronics USA, Inc.

Via Jesina 56/A 701 Main St., Suite 405
60022 – Castelfidardo (AN) - Italy Stroudsburg, PA 18360
Tel:+39 071 721461 www.roallivingenergy.com Phone: + 1 570 421 5750
Fax:+ 39 071 72146 480 Fax: +1 570 421 5687
AN1_SSL_Par_Rev02 - Page 2/4
 SSL Application Note # 1
Parallel operation of Tropo and Strato LED Drivers

Connecting Strato in parallel

Connecting Strato drivers in parallel is slightly more complex than Tropo due to the output signal
connections. Figure 2 shows the basic input and output connections for two Strato drivers connected
to a single LED load.

Red +LED

Black -LED

To AC
Strato Purple + Dim
Power
Driver
Source
Orange Ts

Grey - Dim

Red +LED

Black -LED
To AC
Strato Purple + Dim
Power
Driver
Source
Orange Ts

Grey - Dim

FIGURE 2

Eu and RoW North America

ROAL Electronics S.p.A ROAL Electronics USA, Inc.

Via Jesina 56/A 701 Main St., Suite 405
60022 – Castelfidardo (AN) - Italy Stroudsburg, PA 18360
Tel:+39 071 721461 www.roallivingenergy.com Phone: + 1 570 421 5750
Fax:+ 39 071 72146 480 Fax: +1 570 421 5687
AN1_SSL_Par_Rev02 - Page 3/4
 SSL Application Note # 1
Parallel operation of Tropo and Strato LED Drivers

When the application requires 0-10V dimming and or the use of the Temperature Sense (Ts) input of
Strato, the application connection gets a little more complex. When paralleling Strato drivers, the
dimming input should be connected to a single dimmer (in parallel) and the Ts input should be
connected to a single device (NTC resistor, thermistor etc). For specific details on the Dim or Ts input
of Strato drivers, refer to Roal Application Note 24.

Figure 3 shows a diagram of an application that utilizes 2 Strato drivers, a single dimmer switch and
multiple NTC resistors for temperature sensing of the LED.

Red +LED

Black -LED

To AC
Strato Purple + Dim
Power
Driver
Source
Orange Ts

Grey - Dim

NTC2

Red +LED
NTC1

Black -LED
To AC
Strato Purple + Dim
Power
Driver
Source
Orange Ts
0-10V Wall
Dimmer

Grey - Dim

Figure 3

Refer to Roal Application Note 24 for additional details on connection of the Dim and Temperature
Sense inputs with multiple drivers.

Roal Electronics, S.p.A. may change product specifications and accordingly the information presented in this document. Customers are responsible for
their products and applications using Roal Electronics, S.p.A. products. Roal Electronics, S.p.A. assumes no liability from the use of its products outside
of specifications. No license is granted to any intellectual property rights by this document. ROAL ELECTRONICS, S.P.A. DISCLAIMS ALL
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF NONINFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

Eu and RoW North America

ROAL Electronics S.p.A ROAL Electronics USA, Inc.

Via Jesina 56/A 701 Main St., Suite 405
60022 – Castelfidardo (AN) - Italy Stroudsburg, PA 18360
Tel:+39 071 721461 www.roallivingenergy.com Phone: + 1 570 421 5750
Fax:+ 39 071 72146 480 Fax: +1 570 421 5687
AN1_SSL_Par_Rev02 - Page 4/4