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LTC4278_12 Datasheet, PDF (36/42 Pages) Linear Technology – Synchronous No-Opto Flyback Controller
LTC4278
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
Capacitor Selection
In a flyback converter, the input and output current flows
in pulses, placing severe demands on the input and output
filter capacitors. The input and output filter capacitors are
selected based on RMS current ratings and ripple voltage.
Select an input capacitor with a ripple current rating
greater than:
IRMS(PRI)
=
PIN
VIN(MIN)
1– DCMAX
DCMAX
Continuing the example:
IRMS(PRI)
=
29.5W
41V
1– 49.4%
49.4%
=
0.728A
Keep input capacitor series resistance (ESR) and
inductance (ESL) small, as they affect electromagnetic
interference suppression. In some instances, high ESR can
also produce stability problems because flyback converters
exhibit a negative input resistance characteristic. Refer to
Application Note 19 for more information.
The output capacitor is sized to handle the ripple current
and to ensure acceptable output voltage ripple. The output
capacitor should have an RMS current rating greater than:
IRMS(SEC) = IOUT
DCMAX
1– DCMAX
Continuing the example:
IRMS(SEC) = 5.3A
49.4%
1– 49.4%
=
5.24A
This is calculated for each output in a multiple winding
application.
ESR and ESL along with bulk capacitance directly affect the
output voltage ripple. The waveforms for a typical flyback
converter are illustrated in Figure 17.
The maximum acceptable ripple voltage (expressed as a
percentage of the output voltage) is used to establish a
starting point for the capacitor values. For the purpose of
simplicity, we will choose 2% for the maximum output
PRIMARY
IPRI
CURRENT
SECONDARY
IPRI
CURRENT
N
OUTPUT VOLTAGE
RIPPLE WAVEFORM
∆VCOUT
∆VESR
RINGING
DUE TO ESL
4278 F17
Figure 17. Typical Flyback Converter Waveforms
ripple, divided equally between the ESR step and the
charging/discharging DV. This percentage ripple changes,
depending on the requirements of the application. You can
modify the following equations.
For a 1% contribution to the total ripple voltage, the ESR
of the output capacitor is determined by:
( ) ESRCOUT
≤
1%
•
VOUT
•
1– DCMAX
IOUT
The other 1% is due to the bulk C component, so use:
COUT
≥
1%
•
IOUT
VOUT
•
fOSC
In many applications, the output capacitor is created from
multiple capacitors to achieve desired voltage ripple,
reliability and cost goals. For example, a low ESR ceramic
capacitor can minimize the ESR step, while an electrolytic
capacitor satisfies the required bulk C.
Continuing our example, the output capacitor needs:
ESRCOUT
≤
1%
•
5V
•
(1– 49.4%)
5.3A
=
4mΩ
COUT
≥
1%
•
5.3A
5 • 200kHz
=
600µF
These electrical characteristics require paralleling several
low ESR capacitors possibly of mixed type.
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