The TPS62901-Q1 is designed for a nominal 1-μH inductor. Larger values can be used to achieve a lower inductor current ripple, but they can have a negative impact on efficiency and transient response. Smaller values than 1 μH cause a larger inductor current ripple, which causes larger negative inductor current in forced PWM mode at low or no output current. Therefore, TI does not recommend them at large voltages across the inductor as it is the case for high input voltages and low output voltages. Low-output current in forced PWM mode causes a larger negative inductor current peak, which can exceed the negative current limit. At low or no output current and small inductor values, the output voltage cannot be regulated any more. More detailed information on further LC combinations can be found in the Optimizing the TPS62130/40/50/60 Output Filter application report.

The inductor selection is affected by several factors like inductor ripple current, output ripple voltage, PWM-to-PFM transition point, and efficiency. In addition, the inductor selected has to be rated for appropriate saturation current and DC resistance (DCR). Equation 15 calculates the maximum inductor current.

where

• I_L(max) is the maximum inductor current.
• ΔI_L(max) is the maximum peak-to-peak inductor ripple current.
• L_(min) is the minimum effective inductor value.
• f_sw is the actual PWM switching frequency.
• V_OUT is the output voltage.
• V_IN(max) is the maximum expected output voltage.

Calculating the maximum inductor current using the actual operating conditions gives the needed minimum saturation current of the inductor. TI recommends to add a margin of about 20%. A larger inductor value is also useful to get lower ripple current, but increases the transient response time and size as well. The following inductors have been used with the TPS62901-Q1 and are recommended for use:

The inductor value also determines the load current at which power save mode is entered: