10.1 Layout Guidelines

The basic PCB board layout requires a separation of sensitive signal and power paths. If the layout is not carefully done, the regulator could suffer from the instability or noise problems. Use the following checklist to get good performance for a well-designed board:

• Minimize the high current path including the switch FET, rectifier FET, and the output capacitor. This loop contains high di / dt switching currents (nano seconds per ampere) and easy to transduce the high frequency noise;
• Place the noise sensitive network like current mirror output (MON1, MON2) being far away from the SW trace;
• Split the ground for the power GND, signal GND. Use a separate ground trace to connect the current monitor and boost circuitry. Connect this ground trace to the main power ground at a single point to minimize circulating currents.