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LM76202-Q1: Should RTN plane be shared between multiple units?

Adam Berger
Prodigy 70 points
Part Number: LM76202-Q1

I am developing a design using two LM76202-Q1s in a diode-OR configuration. The inputs to the two units are potentially independent (for redundancy), depending on end-user wiring harness configuration.

Should the RTN plane of each LM76202 be separate, or is it acceptable to join the planes to create a single RTN plane? Are any protections sacrificed if they are joined? The motivation for joining them would be for increased thermal dissipation in the critical case of one unit taking the full current load.

  • 0
    TI__Expert 8630 points

    Hello Adam,

    By joining RTN planes of two devices (LM76202-Q1) together,  It can lead to unnecessary flow of currents from RTN of 1 device to RTN of 2 device when there is reverse voltage  on input of one of the devices.

    In case of reverse voltage/polarity on LM76202-Q1 device, the RTN pin will go negative.

    If reverse polarity/voltage on input could be present in your system, it would not be recommended to join RTN pins/Thermal PAD together.