Clarification on Paralleling MP5000A for Higher Current

Applications
1

I am currently using the MP5000A load switch in my design and wanted to clarify a point regarding increasing current capability.

Application details:

  • Input voltage: 12 V

  • Load requirement: Up to ~8 A peak (steady current lower)

  • Considering MP5000A for power path control and protection

My question is:

Is it recommended or supported to parallel two MP5000A devices to achieve higher current capability (close to ~8 A)?

Specifically, I would like to understand:

  • Whether current sharing between devices is stable without additional circuitry

  • If any precautions (e.g., ballast resistors, layout considerations) are required

  • Potential risks related to current limit interaction, thermal imbalance, or fault behavior

  • Whether MPS recommends an alternative device instead of paralleling

If paralleling is not advised, could you please suggest a suitable MPS device for:

  • ~8 A current capability

  • 12 V input

  • Integrated protection (current limit, thermal, soft-start)

2

Paralleling these devices is possible, but not a tested typical application that we have verified.

However, there are the following inherent risks in doing so which explains why this configuration wouldn’t be common:

  • The potential risks that you have listed like current sharing is a valid concern.
  • Also, because since these devices are paralleled together, the unexpected failing as a short would cause concerns for the failed case on the system if this happened to one of the switches.
  • The timing of the switches engaging/disengaging when they need to may not be the same, which would localize transients.
3

We do have the following device that could be of interest:
MP5022A | 16V, 12A, 3mΩ RDS(ON) Hot-Swap Protection Device with Current Monitoring | MPS