rating equal to the converter output current rating plus the
single cycle ripple current peak given by Eq. (4). With that
guideline followed, the risk of saturation becomes only a
dynamic problem. Under the situation of placing a dynamic
load on the output of the converter, saturation may occur.
Fortunately, unlike off-line powered converters, battery
powered converters tend to be quite forgiving of dynamic
saturation, due to the limitation of available power.
Startup of the converter is an example of a practically
unavoidable dynamic load change (complicated by an out-
put operating point change) that can cause saturation of the
inductor. However, this particular phenomenon applies to
single cell powered converters, too - so saturation is not
entirely avoidable, yet does not cause system problems. It
is beyond the scope of this application note to quantify the
practical limitations of allowed dynamic saturation and how
stressful it may be to the various components involved. It is
left to the user to examine empirically the dynamic satura-
tion phenomenon and determine what performance is ac-
ceptable. In most cases no problem will be exhibited.
TK65025
2
February, 1997 Toko, Inc.
Page 9