Question
The ADP2441 has a peak current limit of 1.6A. Does this mean I can operate
the ADP2441 at 1.6A Load current?
Answer
No, peak inductor current does not mean the average load current. The average
inductor current is equal to the output (load) current. For a given constant
load level, the inductor current will be ramping above and below this level as
the power switch is turned on and off. Thus the peak inductor current, and
therefore the peak high-side power switch current, will be higher than the
output current.
If a user operates at a load current of 1.6A then the peak current will be
higher than 1.6A causing it to hit current limit to protect the internal FETS.
The maximum load current for ADP2441 is 1A.