A plurality of single-phase synchronizing converter automatically
synchronize on a peer-to-peer basis. Each synchronizing converter is
configured as a DC-to-DC converter. The synchronizing converters operate
in parallel as a multi-phase converter. A common bus between the
synchronizing converters includes a sync line and a common phase control
line. Proper phasing automatically occurs when power is applied, and the
phasing changes automatically as converters are added or removed. When
the system powers up, the converters arbitrate for phase position. The
phasing positions are random, but the phasing is relatively symmetrical
regardless of the number of phases. Preferably, a hot-swappable converter
module can be plugged into any location of a parallel multiphase bus to
produce a common output voltage. When an additional module is plugged in,
the converters readjust their phases to maintain phase symmetry.
Preferably, each module shares a substantially equal portion of the
output load.