Split AGND and DGND Planes with Solid Copper Connection Under Data Converter:
Solid Ground Plane for AGND and DGND:
Which is better a single ground plane or a split ground plane?
Precision Data Converters Wiki
FAQ: Which is better a single ground plane or a split ground plane?
A: This is rather difficult to answer. There are many viewpoints on this, so every PCB designer must consider the ramifications of using either of the grounding methods. In general, the single ground plane eliminates any possible ground loops and provides for the lowest impedance path for the ground return.
Q: Won't noisy digital signals interfere with the analog inputs using a single ground plane?
A:This is a multi-faceted topic. Yes, a single ground plane can indeed create noise problems unless you are very careful about your total layout. Almost all of the return current will want to flow under the trace where it originated. So, there should be analog only portions of the board, and digital only portions of the board. Signals from one portion of the board should never cross over to the opposite portion of the board. In other words, route very carefully. If using an autorouter, make sure that you have specific rules that only allow routing within each designated portion. Always check the completed routing to verify signal integrity.
Q: So if the single plane is so good, why use a split at all?
A:In years gone by, high power devices were common with large currents running around the board. Ground and power splits were used to isolate one noisy section from another. In some cases it also separated high voltages from lower voltages. Lower power devices are now common place, so highly radiated current noise is not the issue it was at one time. If you plan early to use a single ground plane in your circuit and layout design, you will achieve success. However, power supply connections, clock speeds, board interconnect positions, heat sources and many other factors are outside the PCB designer's control. In these cases a split-plane may be beneficial. In this way the split can guide the return current in the right direction so that one noise source from one section of the board (like a switching power supply) does not interfere with another section (like the analog inputs.)
Q: Where do I begin?
A:You should always start your layout with the ground as your priority. One way to approach the layout is to utilize the split-plane concept. Create a digital portion and an analog portion to your PCB. Place a split between them so as to create a digital ground and a separate analog ground. Place the data converter over the top of the split. Place all your analog components in the analog portion, and the digital components on the digital portion. Only route signals for the analog portion within the analog ground area. The same is true for the digital, so keep all digital traces within the digital ground area. Once you have verified that all signals are routed appropriately, connect the two grounds together under the data converter. If you desire to have the single plane area, remove the split entirely.
I don't need a ground plane do I?
Precision Data Converters Wiki
FAQ: I don't need a ground plane do I?
A: A ground plane is best because it provides the lowest impedance for the return current path.
Q: As long as the grounds are all connected, why does it matter?
A: From a schematic point of view, all the grounds just connect to a symbol(s) and is basically a reference point. A simulation of the schematic places the ground symbol at a specific node. Usually that node is 0V. In reality it is quite different. If you take a good look at a finished 2-layer PCB, from the edge side you see two copper layers separated by some form of dielectric material (usually FR4.) This is one form of capacitance on the PCB. Any trace will have material characteristics which will impede electron flow (resistance) and have some value of inductance. This is also true for any holes or vias on the PCB. So the difference between the schematic and the PCB is that a real value of impedance exists between any two ground connection points.
Q: If I use thick traces, won't that be good enough?
A: Maybe, but usually doubtful for high resolution analog-to-digital converters (ADC). This is primarily due to noise. The noise can be a result of poor return current paths, or from noise pick up on the ground traces from external sources. Some external sources of noise can be a result of EMI/RFI, or AC power lines. Often times ground traces will act like an antenna and pick up the stray radiated noise (like from a cellular phone.) Trace inductance can be a real threat to damaging the data converter from short term events like ESD.
Q: My PCB is 2-layer, and I don't have enough space for a ground plane. What problems can I expect?
A: With an ADC, the noise will affect performance. You will see a much larger than expected code variation between conversion results. A 24-bit converter can easily lose half the resolution due to noise. If you suffer from noise, take a long hard look at your overall layout. Try to utilize as much ground area as possible on both sides of the board.
Q: My PCB is single layer, what do I do?
A: This is challenging and your overall performance is not likely to come close to the datasheet performance. However, many have succeeded in making this work for their system. Not everyone needs full performance of a device, so less than ideal layouts can be implemented successfully. In this case, very careful steps must be undertaken for the complete layout. Sometimes good use of connecting wire on the non-copper side of the board is useful. The overall concept is to create a low impedance path for the ground. When laying out the board, try different component placements to try and get the best possible ground areas. Try to create some form of large, low inductance ground area, especially around the data converter.
Should I be concerned with layout if the converter is only 16-bit?
Precision Data Converters Wiki
FAQ: Should I be concerned with layout if the converter is only 16-bit?
A: A great circuit design can be ruined with a poor layout. So even with a 12-bit system layout can be critical. Obviously with even higher resolution converters the layout becomes even more critical. One of the layout pitfalls include mixing of digital and analog signals where they can cross each other and increases noise. Another is poor grounding where noise can be picked up through a ground trace, or where return currents are forced into a noisy area of the board.
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