MAX15021 datasheet(20/24 Pages) MAXIM

20 / 24 page

Applications Information

PCB Layout Guidelines

Careful PCB layout is critical to achieve clean and sta-

ble operation. Follow these guidelines for good PCB

layout:

1) Place decoupling capacitors as close as possible to

the IC pins.

2) Keep SGND and PGND isolated and connect them

at one single point close to the negative terminal of

the input filter capacitor.

3) Route high-speed switching nodes away from sensi-

tive analog areas (FB_, COMP_, and EN_).

4) Distribute the power components evenly across the

board for proper heat dissipation.

5) Ensure timing resistor and all feedback connections

are short and direct. Place feedback resistors as

close as possible to the IC.

6) Place the bank of the output capacitors close to the

load.

7) Connect the MAX15021 exposed pad to a large

copper plane to maximize its power dissipation

capability. Connect the exposed pad to SGND

plane. Do not connect the exposed pad to the

SGND pin directly underneath the IC.

8) Use 2oz. copper to keep trace inductance and

resistance to a minimum. Thin copper PCBs can

compromise efficiency since high currents are

involved in the application. Also thicker copper con-

ducts heat more effectively, thereby reducing ther-

mal impedance.

9) A reference PCB layout included in the MAX15021

Evaluation Kit is also provided to further aid layout.

Dual, 4A/2A, 4MHz, Step-Down DC-DC

Regulator with Tracking/Sequencing Capability

MAX15021

Maxim Integrated

MAX15021 Datasheet(PDF) 20 Page - Maxim Integrated Products