JAJSB26I February 2010 – March 2022 LMZ12010
PRODUCTION DATA
PCB layout is an important part of DC-DC converter design. Poor board layout can disrupt the performance of a DC-DC converter and surrounding circuitry by contributing to EMI, ground bounce and resistive voltage drop in the traces. These can send erroneous signals to the DC-DC converter resulting in poor regulation or instability. Good layout can be implemented by following a few simple design rules. A good layout example is shown in Section 10.2.
From an EMI reduction standpoint, it is imperative to minimize the high di/dt paths during PCB layout. The high current loops that do not overlap have high di/dt content that will cause observable high frequency noise on the output pin if the input capacitor (CIN) is placed at a distance away from the LMZ12010. Therefore place CIN as close as possible to the LMZ12010 VIN and PGND exposed pad. This will minimize the high di/dt area and reduce radiated EMI. Additionally, grounding for both the input and output capacitor must consist of a localized top side plane that connects to the PGND exposed pad (EP).
The ground connections for the feedback, soft-start, and enable components must be routed to the AGND pin of the device. This prevents any switched or load currents from flowing in the analog ground traces. If not properly handled, poor grounding can result in degraded load regulation or erratic output voltage ripple behavior. Additionally provide a single point ground connection from pin 4 (AGND) to EP/PGND.
Both feedback resistors, RFBT and RFBB must be located close to the FB pin. Because the FB node is high impedance, maintain the copper area as small as possible. The traces from RFBT, RFBB must be routed away from the body of the LMZ12010 to minimize possible noise pickup.
This reduces any voltage drops on the input or output of the converter and maximizes efficiency. To optimize voltage accuracy at the load, ensure that a separate feedback voltage sense trace is made to the load. Doing so will correct for voltage drops and provide optimum output accuracy.
Use an array of heat-sinking vias to connect the exposed pad to the ground plane on the bottom PCB layer. If the PCB has multiple copper layers, these thermal vias can also be connected to inner layer heat-spreading ground planes. For best results use a 10 × 10 via array or larger with a minimum via diameter of 8 mil thermal vias spaced 46.8 mil (1.5 mm). Ensure enough copper area is used for heat-sinking to keep the junction temperature below 125°C.