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 #SNVSAY78391. 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. GUID-C0A6EE29-1490-494E-8A4D-C5C039090D50.html#SNVSAN37962 shows a recommended layout for the critical components of the TPSM365Rx.
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: