The PCB layout of any DC/DC module is
critical to the optimal performance of the design. Poor PCB layout can disrupt the
operation of an otherwise good schematic design. Even if the module regulates
correctly, bad PCB layout can mean the difference between a robust design and one
that cannot be mass produced. Furthermore, to a great extent, the EMI performance of
the regulator is dependent on the PCB layout. In a buck converter module, the most
critical PCB feature is the loop formed by the input capacitor or capacitors and
power ground, as shown in Figure 8-22. This loop carries large transient currents that can cause large transient
voltages when reacting with the trace inductance. These unwanted transient voltages
disrupt the proper operation of the power module. Because of this, the traces in
this loop must be wide and short, and the loop area as small as possible to reduce
the parasitic inductance. Layout Exmple shows a recommended layout for the critical
components of the TLVM236x5.
- Place the input capacitors as
close as possible to the VIN and GND terminals. VIN and GND pins are
adjacent, simplifying the input capacitor placement.
- Place bypass capacitor for VCC
close to the VCC pin. This capacitor must be placed close to the device
and routed with short, wide traces to the VCC and GND pins.
- Place the feedback divider as
close as possible to the FB pin of the device. Place RFBB,
RFBT, and CFF, if used, physically close to the
device. The connections to FB and GND must be short and close to those pins on
the device. The connection to VOUT can be somewhat longer. However,
the latter trace must not be routed near any noise source (such as the SW node)
that can capacitively couple into the feedback path of the regulator.
- Use at least one ground plane
in one of the middle layers. This plane acts as a noise shield and as a
heat dissipation path.
- Provide wide paths for VIN,
VOUT, and GND. Making these paths as wide and direct as possible reduces
any voltage drops on the input or output paths of the power module and maximizes
efficiency.
- Provide enough PCB area for
proper heat-sinking. Sufficient amount of copper area must be used to
ensure a low RθJA, commensurate with the maximum load current and
ambient temperature. The top and bottom PCB layers must be made with two ounce
copper and no less than one ounce. If the PCB design uses multiple copper layers
(recommended), these thermal vias can also be connected to the inner layer
heat-spreading ground planes.
- Use multiple vias to
connect the power planes to internal layers.
See the following PCB layout resources
for additional important guidelines: