11.1 Layout Guidelines

As for all switching power supplies, the layout is an important step in the design. Proper function of the device demands careful attention to PCB layout. Take care in board layout to get the specified performance. If the layout is not carefully done, the regulator could show poor line and/or load regulation, stability issues as well as EMI problems. It is critical to provide a low inductance, impedance ground path. Therefore, use wide and short traces for the main current paths as indicated in bold in Figure 36.

The input capacitor should 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. For each converter 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 output voltage sense lines (FB1, ADJ2, DEF_1) should be connected right to the output capacitor and routed away from noisy components and traces (that is, SW line). If the EasyScale™ interface is operated with high transmission rates, the MODE/DATA trace must be routed away from the ADJ2 line to avoid capacitive coupling into the ADJ2 pin. A GND guard ring between the MODE/DATA pin and ADJ2 pin avoids potential noise coupling.

11.2 Layout Example

Figure 36. Layout Diagram

Figure 37. PCB Layout