10.1 Layout Guidelines

1. The TPS56528 can supply large load currents up to 5 A, so heat dissipation may be a concern. The top-side area adjacent to the TPS56528 must be filled with ground as much as possible to dissipate heat.
2. The bottom side area directly below the IC must a dedicated ground area. It must be directed connected to the thermal pad of the device using vias as shown. The ground area must be as large as practical. Additional internal layers can be dedicated as ground planes and connected to vias as well.
3. Keep the input switching current loop as small as possible.
4. Keep the SW node as physically small and short as possible to minimize parasitic capacitance and inductance and to minimize radiated emissions. Kelvin connections must be brought from the output to the feedback pin of the device.
5. Keep analog and non-switching components away from switching components.
6. Make a single point connection from the signal ground to power ground.
7. Do not allow switching current to flow under the device.
8. Keep the pattern lines for VIN and PGND broad.
9. Exposed pad of device must be connected to PGND with solder.
10. VREG5 capacitor must be placed near the device, and connected to PGND.
11. Output capacitor must be connected to a broad pattern of the PGND.
12. Voltage feedback loop must be as short as possible, and preferably with ground shield.
13. Lower resistor of the voltage divider which is connected to the VFB pin must be tied to SGND.
14. Providing sufficient via is preferable for VIN, SW, and PGND connection.
15. PCB pattern for VIN, SW, and PGND must be as broad as possible.
16. VIN capacitor must be placed as near as possible to the device.

10.2 Layout Example

Figure 17. PCB Layout

10.3 Thermal Information

This 8-pin SO PowerPAD package incorporates an exposed thermal pad that is designed to be directly to an external heat sink. The thermal pad must be soldered directly to the printed-circuit board (PCB). After soldering, the PCB can be used as a heat sink. In addition, through the use of thermal vias, the thermal pad can be attached directly to the appropriate copper plane shown in the electrical schematic for the device, or alternatively, can be attached to a special heat sink structure designed into the PCB. This design optimizes the heat transfer from the integrated circuit (IC).

For additional information on the exposed thermal pad and how to use the advantage of its heat dissipating abilities, see PowerPAD™ Thermally Enhanced Package (SLMA002) and PowerPAD™ Made Easy (SLMA004).

The exposed thermal pad dimensions for this package are shown in Figure 18.

Figure 18. Thermal Pad Dimensions (Top View)