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TCA9548A: Thermal pad connection VQFN package

Miguel Sanches
Prodigy 150 points
Part Number: TCA9548A


Dear all,

I am currently designing a PCB and wish to use the TCA9548A I2C. Due to the space amount available I chose the VQFN package. I notice that such a package has a thermal pad. However, I did not see any reference on the datasheet concerning the thermal pad connection to the GND copper pour. All it states is " The package thermal pad must be soldered to the printed circuit board for thermal and mechanical performance."

Should I connect the thermal pad to GND or leave it NC?

Thanks in advance!
Best regards,

Miguel

  • +1
    TI__Guru 53575 points

    Hi Miguel,

    Echoing this previous post. 

    The thermal pad on the VQFN package is thermally connected, but not electrically connected. We generally recommend connecting this to the GND plane as this net usually has larger thermal mass and low thermal resistance. If a more thermally ideal net exists near the device, the thermal pad may be connected here instead as there is no electrical connection to the device. 

    Regards,
    Eric Schott