Multilayer X5R or X7R ceramic capacitors are excellent choices for the input decoupling of the step-up converter as they have extremely low ESR and are available in small footprints. Input capacitors must be located as close as possible to the device. While a 10-μF input capacitor is sufficient for most applications, larger values may be used to reduce input current ripple without limitations. Take care when using only ceramic input capacitors. When a ceramic capacitor is used at the input and the power is being supplied through long wires, a load step at the output can induce ringing at the VIN pin. This ringing can couple to the output and be mistaken as loop instability or could even damage the part. In this circumstance, place additional bulk capacitance (tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitor) between the ceramic input capacitor and the power source to reduce ringing that can occur between the inductance of the power source leads and ceramic input capacitor.