SNVS085X July 2000 – December 2017 LM3478
PRODUCTION DATA.
Observation of the boost converter circuit shows that the average current through the diode is the average load current, and the peak current through the diode is the peak current through the inductor. The diode should be rated to handle more than its peak current. The peak diode current can be calculated using Equation 27.
Thermally the diode must be able to handle the maximum average current delivered to the output. The peak reverse voltage for boost converters is equal to the regulated output voltage. The diode must be capable of handling this voltage. To improve efficiency, a low forward drop schottky diode is recommended.