Figure 9-7 shows a
PCB with a top-side etch pattern. Place an etch for the leads as well as etch
for the thermal pad.
Place 13 holes in the area of the thermal pad.
The recommended holes size is 0.01 inch (0.254 mm) in diameter. Keep the holes
small so that solder wicking through the holes is not a problem during
reflow.
Additional vias can be placed anywhere along the
thermal plane outside of the thermal pad area. These additional vias help
dissipate the heat generated by the THS309x device. The additional vias can be
larger than the 0.01-inch (0.254 mm) diameter vias directly under the thermal
pad. The additional vias can be larger because these vias are not in the thermal
pad area to be soldered so that wicking is not a problem.
Connect all holes to the internal ground plane.
The PowerPAD is electrically isolated from the silicon and all leads. Therefore,
connecting the PowerPAD to any potential voltage, such as VS–, is
acceptable because there is no electrical connection to the silicon.
When connecting these holes to the ground plane,
do not use the typical web or spoke via connection methodology. Web connections
have a high thermal resistance that is useful for slowing the heat transfer
during soldering operations. This high thermal resistance makes the soldering of
vias that have plane connections easier. In this application, however, low
thermal resistance is desired for the most efficient heat transfer. Therefore,
connect the holes under the THS309x PowerPAD package connection to the internal
ground plane with a complete connection around the entire circumference of the
plated-through hole.
On the top-side solder mask, leave the terminals
of the package and the thermal pad area with the 13 holes exposed. On the
bottom-side solder mask, cover the 13 holes of the thermal pad area. This
guideline prevents solder from being pulled away from the thermal pad area
during the reflow process.
Apply solder paste to the exposed thermal pad
area and all of the device pins.
With these preparatory steps in place, the device
is simply placed in position and run through the solder reflow operation as with
any standard surface-mount component. This process results in a device that is
properly installed.