SNVSAA7B December 2015 – July 2021 LM53625-Q1 , LM53635-Q1
PRODUCTION DATA
Refer to the PDF data sheet for device specific package drawings
The PCB layout of a DC-DC converter is critical for optimal performance of the application. For a buck converter the input loop formed by the input capacitors and power grounds are very critical. The input loop carries fast transient currents that cause larger transient voltages when reacting with a parasitic loop inductance. The IC uses two input loops in parallel IN1 and IN2 as shown in Figure 11-1 that cuts the parasitic input inductance in half. To get the minimum input loop area two small high frequency capacitors CIN1 and CIN2 are placed as close as possible.
To further reduce inductance, an input current return path should be placed underneath the loops IN1 and IN2. The closest metal plane is MID1 Layer2, and with a solid copper plane placed right under the IN1 and IN2 loop the parasitic loop inductance is minimized. Connecting this MID1 Layer2 plane then to GND will provide a nice bridge connection between GND1 and GND2 as well. Minimizing the parasitic input loop inductance will minimize switch node ringing and EMI.
The output current loop can be optimized as well by using two ceramic output caps COUT1 and COUT2 to each side. They will form two parallel ground return paths OUT1 from COUT1 back to the low side FET PGND1 pins 5,6,7,8 and a second symmetric ground return path OUT2 from COUT2 back to low side FET PGND2 pins 10,11,12 and 13. Having two parallel ground return path will yield into reduced “ground bouncing” and reduced sensitivity of surrounding circuits sensitive to it.
Providing adequate thermal paths to dissipate heat is critical for operation at full current. The recommended method for heat dissipation is to use large solid 2 oz copper planes well connected to the power pins VIN1, VIN2, GND1 and GND2 which transfer the heat out of the IC over the TOP Layer1 copper planes. It is important to leave the TOP Layer1 copper planes as unbroken as much as possible so that heat is not trapped near the IC. The heat flow can be further optimized by thermally connecting the TOP Layer 1 plane to large BOTTOM Layer4 2oz. copper planes with vias. MID2 Layer3 is then open for all other signal routing. A fully filled / solid BOTTOM Layer4 ground plane without any interruptions or ground splitting is beneficial for EMI as well. Most important for low EMI is to use the smallest possible switch node copper area. The switch node including the CBOOT cap has the largest dv/dt signal causing common mode noise coupling. Using any kind of grounded shield around the switch node will “shorten” and reduce this e-field.
All these DC/DC converter descriptions can be transformed into layout guidelines: