LT3480
12
3480fb
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
capacitor if the compensation network is also adjusted
to maintain the loop bandwidth. A lower value of output
capacitor can be used to save space and cost but transient
performance will suffer. See the Frequency Compensation
section to choose an appropriate compensation network.
When choosing a capacitor, look carefully through the
data sheet to fi nd out what the actual capacitance is under
operating conditions (applied voltage and temperature).
A physically larger capacitor, or one with a higher voltage
rating, may be required. High performance tantalum or
electrolytic capacitors can be used for the output capacitor.
Low ESR is important, so choose one that is intended for
use in switching regulators. The ESR should be specifi ed by
the supplier, and should be 0.05 or less. Such a capacitor
will be larger than a ceramic capacitor and will have a larger
capacitance, because the capacitor must be large to achieve
low ESR. Table 2 lists several capacitor vendors.
Catch Diode
The catch diode conducts current only during switch off
time. Average forward current in normal operation can
be calculated from:
I
D(AVG)
= I
OUT
(V
IN
– V
OUT
)/V
IN
where I
OUT
is the output load current. The only reason to
consider a diode with a larger current rating than necessary
for nominal operation is for the worst-case condition of
shorted output. The diode current will then increase to the
typical peak switch current. Peak reverse voltage is equal
to the regulator input voltage. Use a Schottky diode with a
reverse voltage rating greater than the input voltage. The
overvoltage protection feature in the LT3480 will keep the
switch off when V
IN
> 38V which allows the use of 40V
rated Schottky even when V
IN
ranges up to 60V. Table 3
lists several Schottky diodes and their manufacturers.
Table 3. Diode Vendors
PART NUMBER
V
R
(V)
I
AVE
(A)
V
F
AT 1A
(mV)
V
F
AT 2A
(mV)
On Semicnductor
MBRM120E
MBRM140
20
40
1
1
530
550
595
Diodes Inc.
B120
B130
B220
B230
DFLS240L
20
30
20
30
40
1
1
2
2
2
500
500
500
500
500
International Rectifi er
10BQ030
20BQ030
30
30
1
2
420
470
470
Ceramic Capacitors
Ceramic capacitors are small, robust and have very low
ESR. However, ceramic capacitors can cause problems
when used with the LT3480 due to their piezoelectric nature.
When in Burst Mode operation, the LT3480’s switching
frequency depends on the load current, and at very light
loads the LT3480 can excite the ceramic capacitor at audio
frequencies, generating audible noise. Since the LT3480
operates at a lower current limit during Burst Mode
VENDOR
PHONE
URL
PART SERIES
COMMANDS
Panasonic
(714) 373-7366
www.panasonic.com
Ceramic,
Polymer,
Tantalum
EEF Series
Kemet
(864) 963-6300
www.kemet.com
Ceramic,
Tantalum
T494, T495
Sanyo
(408) 749-9714
www.sanyovideo.com
Ceramic,
Polymer,
Tantalum
POSCAP
Murata
(408) 436-1300
www.murata.com
Ceramic
AVX
www.avxcorp.com
Ceramic,
Tantalum
TPS Series
Taiyo Yuden
(864) 963-6300
www.taiyo-yuden.com
Ceramic
Table 2. Capacitor Vendors
