430 mA continuous, 460 mA saturation — the current derating decision
The LQH2HPN220MGRL: Rated 430 mA continuous with a saturation current of 460 mA — the margin between the two is tight, only 30 mA. In a DC-DC converter output stage, the inductor sees the peak-to-peak ripple current plus the DC load; if the ripple amplitude pushes the peak above 460 mA, inductance drops sharply and the output ripple climbs. Budget the saturation current as the hard ceiling for the peak current, not the average. The 1.63 Ω max DCR sets the I²R loss floor — at 430 mA the copper loss is 0.3 W, which in the 1008 package (2.5×2.0×1.0 mm) translates to a temperature rise that depends on board copper and airflow. Self-resonant frequency is 15 MHz — above that the inductor behaves capacitively. For a switching regulator switching at 2-3 MHz, the SRF is comfortably above the fundamental, but the impedance roll-off above SRF means the inductor's filtering effectiveness drops at the harmonics. Keep the switching frequency below one-tenth of the SRF for predictable attenuation.
1008 footprint, shielded — board integration note
Shielded construction contains the magnetic flux within the ferrite core, so adjacent traces carrying sensitive analog signals or RF paths see minimal coupling. No exposed paddle; standard reflow profile for the 1008 body applies.