A proper layout is essential for
optimum performance of the circuit. In particular, the following guidelines should
be observed:
- CIN: The loop
consisting of input capacitor (CIN), VIN pin, and RTN pin
carries switching currents. Therefore, the input capacitor must be placed close
to the IC, directly across VIN and RTN pins and the connections to
these two pins should be direct to minimize the loop area. In general it is not
possible to accommodate all of input capacitance near the IC. A good practice is
to use a 0.1-μF or 0.47-μF capacitor directly across the VIN and RTN
pins close to the IC, and the remaining bulk capacitor as close as possible (see
Figure 10-1).
- CVCC and
CBST: The VCC and bootstrap (BST) bypass capacitors
supply switching currents to the high and low side gate drivers. These two
capacitors should also be placed as close to the IC as possible, and the
connecting trace length and loop area should be minimized (see Figure 10-1).
- The Feedback trace carries the
output voltage information and a small ripple component that is necessary for
proper operation of LM5018. Therefore, care must be taken while routing the
feedback trace to avoid coupling any noise to this pin. In particular, feedback
trace must not run close to magnetic components, or parallel to any other
switching trace.
- SW trace: The SW node switches
rapidly between VIN and GND every cycle and is therefore a possible
source of noise. The SW node area should be minimized. In particular, the SW
node should not be inadvertently connected to a copper plane or pour.