10.1 Layout Guidelines
Good layout is essential for stable power supply operation. Follow these guidelines for an efficient PCB layout:
- Separate the power ground and analog ground planes. Connect them together at one location.
- Use 6 vias to connect the thermal pad to power ground.
- Place VIN, BP7 and BP3 decoupling capacitors as close to the device as possible.
- Use wide traces for VIN, PGND and SW. These nodes carry high-current and also serve as heat sinks.
- Place feedback and compensation components as close to the device as possible.
- Keep analog signals (FB, COMP) away from noisy signals (SW, VBST).