A proper layout is critical for the operation of any switched mode power supply, especially at high switching frequencies. Therefore, the PCB layout of the TPSM8287Bxx demands careful attention to make sure of best performance. A poor layout can lead to issues like the following:
- Bad line and load regulation
- Instability
- Increased EMI radiation
- Noise sensitivity
Refer to the Five Steps to a Great PCB Layout for a Step-Down Converter analog design journal for a detailed discussion of general best practices. The following are specific recommendations for the TPSM8287Bxx:
- Place the input capacitors as close as possible to the VIN and PGND pins of the device. This placement is the most critical component placement. Route the input capacitors directly to the VIN and PGND pins avoiding vias.
- Place the output capacitors close to the VOUT and PGND pins and route them directly avoiding vias.
- Place the IC close to the load to minimize the power loss from voltage drop on the output and to minimize parasitic inductance between the output capacitors at the TPSM8287Bxx and those at the load.
- Use vias under the exposed thermal pads to improve thermal performance. Directly connect the PGND pins to the exposed thermal pad with copper on the top PCB layer.
- Route the VOSNS and GOSNS remote sense lines as a differential pair and connect them to the lowest impedance point at the load. Do not route the VOSNS and GOSNS traces close to any switch nodes, the input capacitors, clock signals, or other aggressor signals.
- Connect the compensation components between COMP and AGND. Do not connect the compensation components directly to power ground.
- Place the VSETx resistors (and SYNC_OUT resistor in the secondary devices) close to the TPSM8287Bxx to minimize parasitic capacitance.
- In the stacked configuration, route COMP directly
to keep COMP short and avoid noisy aggressor signals.
- Refer to Figure 9-47 for an example of component placement, routing, and thermal design.