Maintaining signal integrity while in
a stacked configuration is critical to the success of this part. To maximize
immunity from interfering signals, there are a couple design choices that need to be
made. For transformer based communication, be sure to select a transformer that
provides adequate isolation.
- Keep differential traces as short
as possible and as straight as possible. Minimize turns and avoid any looping on
the traces.
- Keep the differential traces on the
same layers. Run the trace in parallel with shielding and matching trace
impedance.
- Place the isolation components
close to the connectors.
- When using capacitive isolation,
place the high voltage capacitor of the COMxP/N pair (where x = H, L) close to
each other along the parallel traces.
- Create a keep-out area (no other
traces and no ground plane) around the daisy chain components in all PCB
layers.