11.1 Layout Guidelines
The performance of any switching converter depends as much upon the layout of the PCB as the component selection. Following a few simple guidelines maximizes noise rejection and minimizes the generation of EMI within the circuit. Figure 59 shows a sample layout and the associated current loops.
- Discontinuous currents are the type of current most likely to generate EMI, therefore care should be taken when routing these paths. – The main path for discontinuous current contains the input capacitor, the recirculating diode, the MOSFET (CSN pin to SW pin), and the sense resistor (RSENSE) shown as LOOP2. Make LOOP2 as small as possible. – Make the connections between all three components short and thick to minimize parasitic inductance. In particular, the switchnode (where L1, D1 and the SW pin connect, shown as LOOP1) should be only large enough to connect the components without excessive heating from the current it carries.
- In some applications the LED load can be far away (several inches or more) from the device, or on a separate PCB connected by a wiring harness. When an output capacitor is used and the LED load is large or separated from the main converter, the output capacitor must be placed close to the LEDs to reduce the effects of parasitic inductance on the AC impedance of the capacitor.