JAJSOT1J December 2008 – June 2022 LM5088 , LM5088-Q1
PRODUCTION DATA
The inductor value is determined based on the operating frequency, load current, ripple current, and the input and output voltages.
Knowing the switching frequency (fSW), maximum ripple current (IPP), maximum input voltage (VIN(max)), and the nominal output voltage (VOUT), the inductor value can be calculated as follows:
The maximum ripple current occurs at the maximum input voltage. Typically, IPP is selected between 20% and 40% of the full load current. Higher ripple current results in a smaller inductor. However, it places more burden on the output capacitor to smooth out the ripple current to achieve low output ripple voltage. For this example, 40% ripple was chosen for a smaller sized inductor.
The nearest standard value of 6.8 µH is used. To prevent saturation, the inductor must be rated for the peak current. During normal operation, the peak current occurs at maximum load current (plus maximum ripple). With properly scaled component values, the peak current is limited to VCS(TH)/RSduring overload conditions. At the maximum input voltage with a shorted output, the chosen inductor must be evaluated at elevated temperature. Note that the saturation current rating of inductors drops significantly at elevated temperatures.