10.3 PCB Layout Recommendations
Use the following layout recommendations when designing the PCB:
- Connect the DRV8323 DVDD 1-μF bypass capacitors directly to the adjacent GND pin to minimize loop impedance for the bypass capacitor.
- Place the PVDD capacitor and charge pump capacitor directly next to the DRV8323.
- Minimize the loop length for the high-side and low-side gate drivers. The high-side loop is from the DRV8323 GH_X to the power MOSFET and returns through SH_X. The low-side loop is from the DRV8323 GL_X to the power MOSFET and returns through GND.
- Maintain equal gate path length to both the paralleled FETs.
- In the reference design, the PCB is a four-layer layout with 2-Oz (70-micron) copper thickness in every layer. The power tracks are made wide to carry a high current. The tracks are repeated in different layers and are connected by arrays of stitching vias.
- A GND star point is defined in the PCB from where the GND path for the DRV8323 and other signal circuits in the board is tapped.
- For better thermal dissipation from the MOSFET to the PCB, increase the copper area around the MOSFET pad as much as possible. Use arrays of vias under the drain pad of the MOSFET, which will spread heat better to the bottom surface copper area.