MIC23201 Datasheet, PDF (15/20 Pages) Micrel Semiconductor – 2MHz PWM 2A Buck Regulator

Micrel Inc.
MIC23201
PCB Layout Guidelines
Warning!!! To minimize EMI and output noise, follow
these layout recommendations.
PCB Layout is critical to achieve reliable, stable and
efficient performance. A ground plane is required to
control EMI and minimize the inductance in power,
signal and return paths. Thickness of the copper planes
is also important in terms of dissipating heat. The 2
ounce copper thickness is adequate from thermal point
of view and also thick copper plain helps in terms of
noise immunity. Keep in mind thinner planes can be
easily penetrated by noise
The following guidelines should be followed to insure
proper operation of the MIC23201 converter.
IC
 Place the IC close to the point of load (POL).
 Use fat traces to route the input and output power
lines.
 The signal ground pin (AGND) must be connected
directly to the ground planes.
 Signal and power grounds should be kept separate
and connected at only one location.
Input Capacitor
 Place the input capacitor next to the power pins.
 Place the input capacitors on the same side of the
board and as close to the IC as possible.
 Keep both the VIN pin and PGND connections short.
 Place several vias to the ground plane close to the
input capacitor ground terminal.
 Use either X7R or X5R dielectric input capacitors.
Do not use Y5V or Z5U type capacitors.
 Do not replace the ceramic input capacitor with any
other type of capacitor. Any type of capacitor can be
placed in parallel with the input capacitor.
 If a Tantalum input capacitor is placed in parallel
with the input capacitor, it must be recommended for
switching regulator applications and the operating
voltage must be derated by 50%.
 In “Hot-Plug” applications, a Tantalum or Electrolytic
bypass capacitor must be used to limit the over-
voltage spike seen on the input supply with power is
suddenly applied.
Inductor
 Keep the inductor connection to the switch node
(SW) short.
 Do not route any digital lines underneath or close to
the inductor.
 Keep the switch node (SW) away from the feedback
(FB) pin.
 To minimize noise, place a ground plane underneath
the inductor.
 The inductor can be placed on the opposite side of
the PCB with respect to the IC. It does not matter
whether the IC or inductor is on the top or bottom as
long as there is enough air flow to keep the power
components within their temperature limits. The
input and output capacitors must be placed on the
same side of the board as the IC.
Output Capacitor
 Use a wide trace to connect the output capacitor
ground terminal to the input capacitor ground
terminal.
 Phase margin will change as the output capacitor
value and ESR changes. Contact the factory if the
output capacitor is different from what is shown in
the BOM.
 The feedback trace should be separate from the
power trace and connected as close as possible to
the output capacitor. Sensing a long high current
load trace can degrade the DC load regulation.
RC Snubber
 Place the RC snubber on either side of the board
and as close to the SW pin as possible.
August 2012
15
M9999-082912-A