SNVSB95 July 2019 LM3421-Q1 , LM3423-Q1
PRODUCTION DATA.
For boost and buck-boost regulators, the output capacitor (CO) provides energy to the load when the recirculating diode (D1) is reverse biased during the first switching subinterval. An output capacitor in a buck topology simplys reduce the LED current ripple (ΔiLED-PP) below the inductor current ripple (ΔiL-PP). In all cases, CO is sized to provide a desired ΔiLED-PP. As mentioned in the Inductor section, ΔiLED-PP is recommended by manufacturers to be less than 40% of the average LED current (ILED).
CO should be carefully chosen to account for derating due to temperature and operating voltage. It must also have the necessary RMS current rating. Ceramic capacitors are the best choice due to their high ripple current rating, long lifetime, and good temperature performance. An X7R dieletric rating is suggested.