DC-DC|Design
Layout for Synchronous Rectification Designs
2021.05.26
Points of this article
・Points to be aware of in PCB layout are basically the same for diode rectification and for synchronous rectification
The PCB layouts explained up to this point have all assumed the step-up converters using diode rectification (asynchronous rectification) described in “Current Paths in Step-up DC-DC Converters“, but in this article, PCB layout is explained for cases in which a synchronous rectification type IC is used.
PCB Layout for Synchronous Rectification Step-up DC-DC Converters
In step-up DC-DC converters also, like step-down DC-DC converters, there are diode-rectified (asynchronous rectification) and synchronous rectification devices. In this chapter, we have explained board layouts using diode rectification ICs, which are the essence of these devices; but in recent years an increasing number of synchronous rectification step-up converter ICs have also appeared, and so here we explain important points of layouts for synchronous rectification designs. It should be noted that the evaluation boards, circuit diagrams, and layout examples presented in the first discussion, “The Importance of PCB Layout Design“, were for synchronous rectification designs.
In the case of synchronous rectification, the freewheel diode D2 is integrated within the IC as the switching transistor Q2H, and so an example with an internal switching transistor is shown. A layout for the diode rectification design that has been explained in previous articles is also shown for comparison.
Points to consider regarding input and output capacitors, inductors, switching nodes that include inductors, thermal vias, feedback paths, and grounds are similar to those for the diode rectification circuits explained previously. And similar considerations relating to a snubber circuit to deal with high-frequency spike noise also apply.


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This is a hand book for understanding the basics of linear regulators, such as operating principles, classification, characteristics by circuit configuration, advantages and disadvantages. In addition, typical specifications of linear regulators, efficiency and thermal calculations are also explained.
DC-DC
Basic
- Operation During Shutdown of a Boost DC-DC Converter
- Linear Regulator Basics
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Switching Regulator Basics
- Types of Switching Regulators
- Advantages vs Disadvantages in Comparison with Linear Regulator
- Supplement-Current Paths during Synchronous Rectifying Step-Down Converter Operation
- Operating Principles of Buck Switching Regulator
- Differences between Synchronous and Nonsynchronous Rectifying DC-DC Conversion
- Control Methods (Voltage Mode, Current Mode, Hysteresis Control)
- Efficiency Improvements at Light Load for the Synchronous Rectifying Type
- Protective and Sequencing Functions
- Considerations on Switching Frequencies
- Behavior when Vin Falls Below Vout
- Supplement-Protective Function: Output Pre-bias Protection
- Seven Representative Power Supply Circuits: From Low-noise to Boost Specs
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- What is a DC/DC Converter?
Design
- Overview of Selection of Inductors and Capacitors for DC-DC Converters
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Overview of DC-DC Converter PCB Layout
- Ringing at switching nodes
- Placement of input capacitors and output diodes
- Placement of Thermal Vias
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- Placement of Output Capacitors
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- Ground
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- Noise countermeasures: corner wiring, conducted noise, radiated noise
- Noise countermeasures: snubber, bootstrap resistor, gate resistor
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PCB Layout of a Step-Up DC-DC Converter – Introduction
- The Importance of PCB Layout Design
- Current Paths in Step-up DC-DC Converters
- PCB Layout Procedure
- Placement of Input Capacitors
- Placement of Output Capacitors and Freewheel Diodes
- Inductor Placement
- Placement of Thermal Vias
- Feedback Path Wiring
- Ground
- Layout for Synchronous Rectification Designs
- Resistance and Inductance of Copper Foil
- Relationship Between Corner Wiring and Noise
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Evaluation
- Overview of Characteristics and Evaluation Method of Switching Regulators
- How to Read Power Supply IC Datasheets: Cover, Block Diagram, Absolute Maximum Ratings and Recommended Operating Conditions
- Evaluating a Switching Regulator: Output Voltage
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Introduction
- Definitions and Heat Generation
- Losses in Synchronous Rectifying Step-Down Converters
- Conduction Losses in Synchronous Rectifying Step-Down Converters
- Switching Losses in Synchronous Rectifying Step-Down Converters
- Dead Time Losses in Synchronous Rectifying Step-Down Converters
- Controller IC Power Consumption Losses in a Synchronous Rectifying Step-Down Converter
- Gate Charge Losses in a Synchronous Rectifying Step-Down Converter
- Conduction Losses due to the Inductor DCR
- Example of Power Loss Calculation for a Power Supply IC
- Simplified Method of Loss Calculation
- Heat Calculation for Package Selection: Example 1
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- Loss Factors
- Matters to Consider When Studying Miniaturization by Raising the Switching Frequency
- Important Matters when Studying High Input Voltage Applications
- Important Matters when Studying Large Output Currents Applications: Part 1
- Important Matters when Studying Large Output Currents Applications: Part 2
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Application
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Important Points in the Design of a Power Supply Using a Linear Regulator
- Typical Application Circuit Examples of Linear Regulator ICs
- Input/output capacitor design and ripple prevention for linear regulator ICs
- How to determine efficiency and Thermal design for linear regulator ICs
- Protection of Linear Regulator IC Terminals
- Soft Starting of a Linear Regulator IC
- Overcurrent Protection(OCP) and Thermal Shutdown(TSD) of Linear Regulator IC
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Important Points in the Design of a Power Supply Using a Floating Type Linear Regulator
- Example of Power Supply Circuit Based on a Floating Type Linear Regulator IC
- Input/output capacitor design and ripple prevention for linear regulator ICs
- How to determine efficiency and Thermal design for Floating Type Linear Regulator ICs
- Terminal protection for linear regulator ICs
- Startup characteristics for linear regulator ICs
- Failure to Start of a Power Supply Using a Linear Regulator, Case 1: Damage to the IC and Peripheral Components Due to Hand-Soldering
- About Parallel Connections of LDO Linear Regulators
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Introduction
- Power Supply Sequence Specification ①: Power Supply Sequence Specifications and Control Block Diagrams
- Power Supply Sequence Specification①: Sequence Operation at Power Turn-on
- Power Supply Sequence Specification①: Sequence Operation at Power Shutoff
- Power Supply Sequence Specification①: Example of Actual Circuit and Component Value Calculations
- Power Supply Sequence Specification①: Example of Actual Operations
- Power Supply Sequence Specification②:Power Supply Sequence Specifications and Control Block Diagrams
- Power Supply Sequence Specification②:Sequence Operation at Power Turn-on
- Power Supply Sequence Specification②: Sequence Operation at Power Shutoff
- Power Supply Sequence Specification②: Example of Actual Circuit and Component Value Calculations
- Power Supply Sequence Specification②: Example of Actual Operations
- Circuits to Implement Power Supply Sequences Using General-Purpose Power Supply ICs ーSummaryー
- Easy Stabilization/Optimization Methods for Linear Regulators – Introduction
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