SBVS457A August 2024 – September 2024 TPS7A20U
PRODUCTION DATA
Refer to the PDF data sheet for device specific package drawings
Circuit reliability demands that proper consideration be given to device power dissipation, circuit location on the PCB, and correct thermal plane sizing. Make sure the printed circuit board (PCB) area around the regulator is as free as possible of other heat-generating devices that cause added thermal stresses.
As a first-order approximation, power dissipation in the regulator depends on the input-to-output voltage difference and load conditions. Use Equation 2 to approximate PD:
Power dissipation is minimized, and thus greater efficiency achieved, by proper selection of the system voltage rails. Proper selection allows the minimum input-to-output voltage differential to be obtained. The low dropout of the TPS7A20U allows for maximum efficiency across a wide range of output voltages.
The main heat conduction path for the device is through the thermal pad on the package. As such, solder the thermal pad to a copper pad area under the device. This pad area contains an array of plated vias that conduct heat to any inner plane areas or to a bottom-side copper plane.
The maximum power dissipation determines the maximum allowable junction temperature (TJ) for the device. According to Equation 3, power dissipation and junction temperature are most often related by the RθJA of the combined PCB and device package and the TA. RθJA is the junction-to-ambient thermal resistance and TA is the temperature of the ambient air. Equation 4 rearranges Equation 3 for output current.
Unfortunately, this thermal resistance (RθJA) is highly dependent on the heat-spreading capability built into the particular PCB design. Therefore, this resistance varies according to the total copper area, copper weight, and location of the planes. The RθJA recorded in the Thermal Information table is determined by the JEDEC standard, PCB, and copper-spreading area. RθJA is only used as a relative measure of package thermal performance. For a well-designed thermal layout, RθJA is actually the sum of the DSBGA RθJC(bot) plus the thermal resistance contribution by the PCB copper. RθJC(bot) is the package junction-to-case (bottom) thermal resistance.