SNVS085X July 2000 – December 2017 LM3478
PRODUCTION DATA.
Similar to a boost converter, the SEPIC has an inductor at the input. Hence, the input current waveform is continuous and triangular. The inductor ensures that the input capacitor sees fairly low ripple currents. However, as the input capacitor gets smaller, the input ripple goes up. The RMS current in the input capacitor is given using Equation 54.
The input capacitor should be capable of handling the RMS current. Although the input capacitor is not as critical in a boost application, low values can cause impedance interactions. Therefore a good quality capacitor should be chosen in the range of 10µF to 20µF. If a value lower than 10 µF is used, then problems with impedance interactions or switching noise can affect the LM3478. To improve performance, especially with VIN below 8 volts, TI recommends that the user uses a 20Ω resistor at the input to provide a RC filter. The resistor is placed in series with the VIN pin with only a bypass capacitor attached to the VIN pin directly (see Figure 31). A 0.1-µF or 1-µF ceramic capacitor is necessary in this configuration. The bulk input capacitor and inductor will connect on the other side of the resistor with the input power supply.