JAJSB08P December 2009 – April 2019 LMZ10504
PRODUCTION DATA.
Use the current derating curves in the Typical Characteristics section to obtain an estimate of power loss (PIC_LOSS). For the design case of VIN = 5 V, VOUT = 2.5 V, IOUT = 4 A, TA(MAX) = 85°C , and TJ(MAX) = 125°C, the device must see a thermal resistance from case-to-ambient (θCA) of less than:
Given the typical thermal resistance from junction to case (θJC) to be 1.9°C/W (typical). Continuously operating at a TJ greater than 125°C will have a shorten life span.
To reach θCA = 41°C/W, the PCB is required to dissipate heat effectively. With no airflow and no external heat, a good estimate of the required board area covered by 1-oz. copper on both the top and bottom metal layers is:
As a result, approximately 12 square cm of 1-oz. copper on top and bottom layers is required for the PCB design.
The PCB copper heat sink must be connected to the exposed pad (EP). Approximately thirty six, 8 mils thermal vias spaced 59 mils (1.5 mm) apart must connect the top copper to the bottom copper. For an extended discussion and formulations of thermal rules of thumb, refer to AN-2020 Thermal Design By Insight, Not Hindsight (SNVA419) and for an example of a high thermal performance PCB layout, refer to the evaluation board application note AN-2022 LMZ1050x Evaluation Board (SNVA421).