LTC3606B Datasheet, PDF (11/20 Pages) Linear Technology – 800mA Synchronous Step-Down DC/DC with Average Input Current Limit

LTC3606B
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
Input Capacitor (C_IN) Selection
In continuous mode, the input current of the converter is a
square wave with a duty cycle of approximately V_OUT/ V_IN.
To prevent large voltage transients, a low equivalent series
resistance (ESR) input capacitor sized for the maximum
RMS current must be used. The maximum RMS capacitor
current is given by:
I_RMS
I_MAX
V_OUT(V_IN  V_OUT )
V_IN
Where the maximum average output current I_MAX equals
the peak current minus half the peak-to-peak ripple cur-
rent, I_MAX = I_LIM – ΔI_L /2. This formula has a maximum at
V_IN = 2V_OUT, where I_RMS = I_OUT/2. This simple worst-case
is commonly used to design because even significant
deviations do not offer much relief. Note that capacitor
manufacturer’s ripple current ratings are often based on
only 2000 hours lifetime. This makes it advisable to further
derate the capacitor, or choose a capacitor rated at a higher
temperature than required. Several capacitors may also be
paralleled to meet the size or height requirements of the
design. An additional 0.1μF to 1μF ceramic capacitor is
also recommended on V_IN for high frequency decoupling
when not using an all-ceramic capacitor solution.
Output Capacitor (C_OUT) Selection
The selection of C_OUT is driven by the required effective
series resistance (ESR). Typically, once the ESR require-
ment for C_OUT has been met, the RMS current rating
generally far exceeds the I_RIPPLE(P-P) requirement. The
output ripple ΔV_OUT is determined by:
V_OUT


I_L

ESR

+
1
8f_OC_OUT



where f_O = operating frequency, C_OUT = output capacitance
and ΔI_L = ripple current in the inductor. For a fixed output
voltage, the output ripple is highest at maximum input
voltage since ΔI_L increases with input voltage.
If tantalum capacitors are used, it is critical that the
capacitors are surge tested for use in switching power
supplies. An excellent choice is the AVX TPS series of
surface mount tantalum. These are specially constructed
and tested for low ESR so they give the lowest ESR for a
given volume. Other capacitor types include Sanyo POSCAP,
Kemet T510 and T495 series, and Sprague 593D and
595D series. Consult the manufacturer for other specific
recommendations.
Using Ceramic Input and Output Capacitors
Higher values, lower cost ceramic capacitors are now
becoming available in smaller case sizes. Their high ripple
current, high voltage rating and low ESR make them
ideal for switching regulator applications. Because the
LTC3606B control loop does not depend on the output
capacitor’s ESR for stable operation, ceramic capacitors
can be used freely to achieve very low output ripple and
small circuit size.
However, care must be taken when ceramic capacitors are
used at the input. When a ceramic capacitor is used at the
input and the power is supplied by a wall adapter through
long wires, a load step at the output can induce ringing at
the input, V_IN. At best, this ringing can couple to the output
and be mistaken as loop instability. At worst, a sudden
inrush of current through the long wires can potentially
cause a voltage spike at V_IN, large enough to damage the
part. For more information, see Application Note 88.
When choosing the input and output ceramic capacitors,
choose the X5R or X7R dielectric formulations. These
dielectrics have the best temperature and voltage
characteristics of all the ceramics for a given value and
size.
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