10.1 Layout Guidelines

Audio amplifiers which incorporate switching output stages must have special attention paid to their layout and the layout of the supporting components used around them. The system level performance metrics, including thermal performance, electromagnetic compliance (EMC), device reliability, and audio performance are all affected by the device and supporting component layout. Ideally, the guidance provided in the Application Information section with regard to device and component selection can be followed by precise adherence to the layout guidance shown in Figure 70. The examples represent exemplary baseline balance of the engineering trade-offs involved with laying out the device. The designs can be modified slightly as needed to meet the needs of a given application. For example, in some applications, solution size can be compromised to improve thermal performance through the use of additional contiguous copper near the device. Conversely, EMI performance can be prioritized over thermal performance by routing on internal traces and incorporating a via picket-fence and additional filtering components.