JAJSAC1H November 2007 – October 2024 LM3481
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 by:
The input capacitor should be capable of handling the rms current. Although the input capacitor is not as critical in a SEPIC application, low values can cause impedance interactions. Therefore a good quality capacitor should be chosen in the range of 100 µF to 200 µF. If a value lower than 100 µF is used, then problems with impedance interactions or switching noise can affect the LM3481. To improve performance, especially with VIN below 8 V, it is recommended to use a 20Ω resistor at the input to provide a RC filter. This resistor is placed in series with the VIN pin with only a bypass capacitor attached to the VIN pin directly (see Figure 7-5). 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.