Final answer:
The minimum inductance L required for a step-up converter to maintain continuous-conduction mode can be calculated using the formula involving the minimum input voltage, the regulated output voltage, the switching frequency, and the minimum inductor current.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question is related to an engineering concept in electronics, specifically a step-up converter and the calculation of minimum inductance required to maintain continuous-conduction mode. In continuous-conduction mode, the inductor current never falls to zero. The formula to find minimum inductance, L, for a step-up converter is derived from the inductor voltage-second balance, which in steady state requires the average voltage across the inductor over a full cycle to be zero. Considering the least favorable condition where the input voltage, Vd, is at its minimum value, 8 V, we can find the minimum inductance, L, required to keep the converter operation in continuous conduction mode using the formula: L > (Vo - Vdmin) × Dmax / (fs × ILmin), where Dmax is the maximum duty cycle. While the exact current, ILmin, is not provided, it can be calculated or estimated based on the minimum power and voltage levels provided.