The datasheet-specified
junction-to-ambient thermal resistance, RθJA, is primarily useful for
comparing various drivers or approximating thermal performance. However, the actual
system performance may be better or worse than this value depending on PCB stackup,
routing, number of vias, and copper area around the thermal pad. The length of time
the driver drives a particular current will also impact power dissipation and
thermal performance. This section considers how to design for steady-state and
transient thermal conditions.
The data in this section was simulated
using the following criteria:
- 2-layer PCB, standard FR4, 1-oz (35 mm copper thickness) or
2-oz copper thickness. Thermal vias are only present under the thermal pad (2
vias, 1.2mm spacing, 0.3 mm diameter, 0.025 mm Cu plating).
- Top layer: DRV8212P WSON package footprint
and copper plane heatsink. Top layer copper area is varied in
simulation.
- Bottom layer: ground plane thermally connected through
vias under the thermal pad for DRV8212P. Bottom layer copper
area varies with top copper area.
- 4-layer PCB, standard FR4. Outer
planes are 1-oz (35 mm copper thickness) or 2-oz copper thickness. Inner planes
are kept at 1-oz. Thermal vias are only present under the thermal pad (2 vias,
1.2mm spacing, 0.3 mm diameter, 0.025 mm Cu plating).
- Top layer: DRV8212P WSON package footprint
and copper plane heatsink. Top layer copper area is varied in
simulation.
- Mid layer 1: GND plane thermally connected to DRV8212P thermal pad through
vias. The area of the ground plane is 74.2 mm x 74.2 mm.
- Mid layer 2: power plane, no thermal connection. The
area of the power plane is 74.2 mm x 74.2 mm.
- Bottom layer: signal layer with small copper pad
underneath DRV8212P and thermally connected
through via stitching from the TOP and internal GND planes. Bottom layer
thermal pad is the same size as the package (2 mm x 2 mm). Bottom pad
size remains constant as top copper plane is varied.
Figure 9-13 shows an example of the simulated board for the HTSSOP package. Table 9-5 shows the dimensions of the board that were varied for each simulation.
Table 9-5 Dimension A for 16-pin PWP
package
Cu area (mm2) |
Dimension A (mm) |
2 |
15.11 |
4 |
20.98 |
8 |
29.27 |
16 |
40.99 |