In the design of switching power supplies, the physical layout of the PCB is a critical final step. If not executed properly, the board can emit excessive electromagnetic interference (EMI), leading to instability in the power supply's operation. This article outlines key considerations for each stage of the design process:
**From Schematic to PCB Design Flow:**
The process begins with the input principle netlist, followed by design parameter settings, manual placement, manual routing, design verification, review, and finally CAM output.
**Component Layout Best Practices:**
Proper component placement is crucial for ensuring the reliability of the electronic device. For instance, if two thin parallel lines are too close, signal delay and reflection noise may occur at the end of the transmission line. Mismatched power and ground lines can degrade performance. Therefore, it's essential to use proper design techniques during PCB layout.
Each switching power supply has four main current loops:
1. Power switch AC circuit
2. Output rectifier AC circuit
3. Input signal source loop
4. Output load current loop
These loops should be carefully routed to minimize EMI. The input and output filter capacitors play a vital role in storing energy and reducing noise. Their terminals must be directly connected to the respective power switches or rectifiers to prevent radiated interference.
**AC Loops and EMI Considerations:**
The AC loops of the power switch and rectifier contain high-amplitude trapezoidal currents with significant harmonic components. These high-frequency signals can easily cause EMI. To reduce this, these loops should be placed first on the board, with the three main components—filter capacitors, power switches/rectifiers, and inductors/transformers—placed adjacent to one another to minimize current path length.
**PCB Layout Principles:**
When laying out the PCB, consider the following guidelines:
- Keep the board size optimal—too large increases impedance, while too small causes heat issues. A rectangular shape with a 3:2 or 4:3 aspect ratio is ideal.
- Avoid dense placements to facilitate soldering.
- Center core components and arrange them neatly, minimizing lead lengths.
- Place decoupling capacitors close to VCC pins.
- For high-frequency circuits, consider distributed parameters and aim for parallel layouts for better manufacturability.
- Arrange components according to the signal flow for better circuit performance.
- Ensure a high wiring rate and group connected components together.
- Minimize loop areas to suppress radiated interference.
**Parameter Settings:**
Ensure that conductor spacing meets electrical safety standards. Wider spacing is preferable for easier manufacturing. Maintain at least 8 mils between traces. Pad-to-board edges should be at least 1mm to avoid defects during processing.
**Wiring Techniques:**
High-frequency signals on the PCB can act as antennas. Shorter and wider traces reduce inductance and improve performance. Power and ground lines should be wide and aligned with current direction to enhance noise immunity. Grounding is essential, and improper grounding can lead to instability. Use single-point grounding where possible, and ensure thick ground lines for high-current paths.
**Grounding Design Tips:**
Avoid mixing different grounds to prevent interference. Connect power and output rectifier grounds to their respective filter capacitors. If single-point grounding isn't feasible, use copper foil or small resistors to maintain stability.
**Routing Guidelines:**
Follow the schematic orientation for easier debugging. Minimize bends and ensure corners are at least 90 degrees. Avoid crossing traces by using vias or wire bridges. Keep unused areas grounded for better EMI control.
**Output Grounding:**
For DC-DC switching power supplies, the input and output grounds should share a common reference point. Connect both sides via copper to form a shared ground.
**Final Checks:**
After routing, verify that all design rules are met, including trace widths, spacing, and pad distances. Confirm that the layout satisfies production requirements. Adjust ground lines where necessary and reapply copper after any modifications.
**Review Process:**
Use a PCB checklist to evaluate design rules, layer definitions, line widths, spacing, pads, and vias. Review the layout, power/ground routing, high-speed clock shielding, and decoupling capacitor placement.
**CAM Output Preparation:**
Ensure correct layers are exported, including the bottom layer, silkscreen, solder mask, drill file, and NCD drill. Select appropriate silkscreen elements and avoid unnecessary part types. Use default settings when generating drilling files.
By following these guidelines, you can significantly improve the performance, stability, and reliability of your switching power supply PCB design.
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