10.1 Layout Guidelines

Good layout is essential for stable power supply operation. Follow these guidelines for an efficient PCB layout:

• Separate the power ground and analog ground. Connect analog ground to GND plane with single via or a 0-Ω resistor at a quiet place.
• Use 4 vias to connect the thermal pad to power ground.
• Place VIN and VREG3 decoupling capacitors as close to the device as possible.
• Use wide traces for VIN, VOUT, PGND and SW. These nodes carry high-current and also serve as heat sinks.
• Place feedback and compensation components as close to the device as possible.
• Keep analog signals (FB, COMP) away from noisy signals (SW, VBST).
• See 5-A Step-Down Regulator with Integrated Switcher (SLUU671) for a layout example.

10.2 Layout Example

Figure 54. Layout Recommendation