Use good PCB layout practices for best operational
performance of the device, including:
- To avoid converting
common-mode signals into differential signals and thermal electromotive
forces (EMFs), make sure that both input paths are symmetrical and
well-matched for source impedance and capacitance.
- Place the external gain
resistor close to the RG pins to keep the loop inductance as low as possible
and to avoid a potential parasitic coupling path, but also so that
capacitance mismatch between the RG pins is minimized.
- Noise can propagate into
analog circuitry through the power pins of the circuit as a whole and of the
device. Bypass capacitors reduce the coupled noise by providing
low-impedance power sources local to the analog circuitry.
- Connect low-ESR,
0.1-µF, ceramic bypass capacitors between each supply pin and
ground, placed as close as possible to the device.
- A single bypass
capacitor from V+ to ground is applicable for single-supply
applications.
- To reduce parasitic coupling,
run the input traces as far away as possible from the supply or output
traces. If these traces cannot be kept separate, crossing the sensitive
trace perpendicular is much better than in parallel with the noisy
trace.
- Keep traces as short as
possible.
- Minimize the number of
thermal junctions. Ideally, the signal path is routed within a single layer
without vias.
- Keep sufficient distance from
major thermal energy sources (circuits with high power dissipation). If not
possible, place the device such that it matches the thermal energy source on
the differential signal path.