
LM2574
11
MOTOROLA ANALOG IC DEVICE DATA
Procedure (Fixed Output Voltage Version) (continued) 
In order to simplify the switching regulator design, a step–by–step
design procedure and example is provided.
Procedure
Example
5. Output Capacitor Selection (Cout)
A.
Since the LM2574 is a forward–mode switching regulator 
with voltage mode control, its open loop 2–pole–1–zero 
frequency characteristic has the dominant pole–pair 
determined by the output capacitor and inductor values. For
stable operation and an acceptable ripple voltage, 
(approximately 1% of the output voltage) a value between 
100 
μ
F and 470 
μ
F is recommended.
B.
Due to the fact that the higher voltage electrolytic capacitors
generally have lower ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) 
numbers, the output capacitor’s voltage rating should be at 
least 1.5 times greater than the output voltage. For a 5.0 V 
regulator, a rating at least 8.0 V is appropriate, and a 10 V 
or 16 V rating is recommended.
5. Output Capacitor Selection (Cout)
A.
Cout = 100 
μ
F to 470 
μ
F standard aluminium electrolytic.
B.
Capacitor voltage rating = 20 V.
Procedure (Adjustable Output Version: LM2574–ADJ)
Procedure
Example
Given Parameters:
Vout = Regulated Output Voltage
Vin(max) = Maximum DC Input Voltage
ILoad(max) = Maximum Load Current
Given Parameters:
Vout = 24 V
Vin(max) = 40 V
ILoad(max) = 0.4 A
1. Programming Output Voltage
To select the right programming resistor R1 and R2 value (see
Figure 2) use the following formula:
where Vref = 1.23 V
Resistor R1 can be between 1.0 k
 and 5.0 k
. (For best 
temperature coefficient and stability with time, use 1% metal 
film resistors).
Vout
Vref
Vout
Vref1.0
R2
R1
R2
R1
1.0
1. Programming Output Voltage (selecting R1 and R2)
Select R1 and R2 :
Vout = 1.23
 Select R1 = 1.0 k
R2 = 18.51 k
, choose a 18.7 k
 metal film resistor.
1.0
R2
R1
R2
R1
Vout
Vref
1.0
1.0 k
10 V
1.23 V
1.0
2. Input Capacitor Selection (Cin)
To prevent large voltage transients from appearing at the input
and for stable operation of the converter, an aluminium or 
tantalum electrolytic bypass capacitor is needed between the 
input pin +Vin and ground pin Gnd. This capacitor should be 
located close to the IC using short leads. This capacitor should
have a low ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) value.
For additional information see input capacitor section in the 
“EXTERNAL COMPONENTS” section of this data sheet.
2. Input Capacitor Selection (Cin)
A 22 
μ
F aluminium electrolytic capacitor located near the input
and ground pin provides sufficient bypassing.
3. Catch Diode Selection (D1)
A.
Since the diode maximum peak current exceeds the 
regulator maximum load current the catch diode current 
rating must be at least 1.2 times greater than the maximum 
load current. For a robust design, the diode should have a 
current rating equal to the maximum current limit of the 
LM2574 to be able to withstand a continuous output short.
B.
The reverse voltage rating of the diode should be at least 
1.25 times the maximum input voltage.
3. Catch Diode Selection (D1)
A. 
For this example, a 1.0 A current rating is adequate.
B.
Use a 50 V MBR150 Schottky diode or any suggested fast 
recovery diodes in Table 1.