11.1 Layout Guidelines

As for all switching power supplies, the layout is an important step in the design. If the layout is not carefully done, the regulator could show poor line or load regulation, stability issues, as well as EMI problems. It is critical to provide a low-inductance, low-impedance ground path. Therefore, use wide and short traces for the main current paths. The input capacitor must be placed as close as possible to the IC pins as well as the inductor and output capacitor.

Connect the GND Pin of the device to the PowerPAD of the PCB and use this pad as a star point. Use a common Power GND node and a different node for the Signal GND to minimize the effects of ground noise. Connect these ground nodes together to the PowerPAD (star point) underneath the IC. Keep the common path to the GND PIN, which returns the small signal components and the high current of the output capacitors as short as possible to avoid ground noise. The FB line must be connected right to the output capacitor and routed away from noisy components and traces (for example, SW line).

11.2 Layout Example

Figure 24. Layout Recommendation