For high-power applications that do not require accurate current-limit protection, inductor DCR current sensing is preferable. This technique provides lossless and continuous monitoring of the inductor current using an RC sense network in parallel with the inductor. Select an inductor with a low DCR tolerance to achieve a typical current limit accuracy within the range of 10% to 15% at room temperature. Components R_CS and C_CS in Figure 8-5 create a low-pass filter across the inductor to enable differential sensing of the voltage drop across the inductor DCR.

Figure 8-5 Inductor DCR Current Sensing Implementation

Use Equation 12 to calculate the voltage drop across the sense capacitor in the s-domain. When the R_CSC_CS time constant is equal to L_O/R_DCR, the voltage developed across the sense capacitor, C_CS, is a replica of the inductor DCR voltage and accurate current sensing is achieved. If the R_CSC_CS time constant is not equal to the L_O/R_DCR time constant, there is a sensing error as follows:

• R_CSC_CS > L_O/R_DCR → the DC level is correct, but the AC amplitude is attenuated.
• R_CSC_CS < L_O/R_DCR → the DC level is correct, but the AC amplitude is amplified.

Equation 12.

Choose the C_CS capacitance greater than or equal to 0.1 μF to maintain a low-impedance sensing network, thus reducing the susceptibility of noise pickup from the switch node. Carefully observe Section 11.1 to make sure that noise and DC errors do not corrupt the differential current sense signals applied between the CS and VOUT pins.