Minimal external components mean easier,
more direct PCB routing occupying less PCB area. Proper PCB layout is important to
achieve optimum electrical and thermal performance. Automotive systems taking advantage
of the high-performance features offered by the UCC14240-Q1 are likely to use
multi-layer PCB designs. It is recommended to plan for at least a four-layer PCB design
with 2-ounce copper preferred. The following thought given in terms of component
placement and routing priority should also be applied as best as possible.
- Place the 2.2-µF and 0.1-µF
decoupling capacitors as close as possible to the input and output device pins with
the 0.1-µF bypass capacitors closest to the IC pins. For the input, place the
capacitor between pins 6, 7 (VIN) and pins 1, 2, 5, 8-18 (GNDP). For the isolated
output, place the capacitor(s) between pin 28, 29 (VDD) and pins 19-27, 30-31, 35-36
(VEE). This location is of particular importance to the input decoupling capacitor,
because this capacitor supplies the transient current associated with the fast
switching waveforms of the power drive circuits.
- Because the device does not have a
thermal pad for heat-sinking, heat is extracted through the respective GND pins.
Ensure that enough copper – preferably a connection to the ground plane – is present
on GNDP and VEE pins for best heat-sinking.
- If space and layer count allow, it is
also recommended to connect the VIN, GNDP, VDD, RLIM, and VEE pins to internal
ground or power planes through multiple vias of adequate size. Alternatively, make
traces for these nets as wide as possible to minimize losses.
- TI also recommends grounding the
no-connect pins (NC) to their respective ground planes. For single output option
pins 32 and 34, connect to VEE. This will allow more continuous ground planes and
larger thermal mass for heat-sinking.
- A minimum of four layers is
recommended to allow sufficient internal layer GND shielding and low thermal
impedance vias connecting the top and bottom layers for heat sinking the
UCC14240-Q1. Inner layers can be used to create a high-frequency, common-mode stitch
capacitor between GNDP and VEE, which in turn mitigates radiated emissions. An
example showing the design of an internal PCB stitch capacitor can be found in the
UCC12050EVM-022 EVM User's Guide.
- Pay close attention to the spacing
between primary ground plane (GNDP) and secondary ground plane (VEE) on the PCB's
outer layers. The effective creep-age and or clearance of the system will be reduced
if the two ground planes have a lower spacing than that of the UCC14240-Q1
package.
- To ensure isolation performance
between the primary and secondary side, avoid placing any PCB traces or copper below
the UCC14240-Q1 device.
Additional PCB guidance can be found
within the UCC14240EVM-052 User's Guide.