Tool/software: WEBENCH® Design Tools
Dear Knowledgeable Engineers,
I refer to the Q1 version.
The data sheet states that the NC pins are reserved and must be connected to ground. What are they reserved for and which ground should they be connected to, A or P? I understood NC pins were used for manufacturing purposes when connection was intact and then fused out to become NC (in other words they were reserved for the manufacturer but on purchase by the customer they are no longer reserved!).
It also states that TI recommends connecting NC with AGND. Since NC pins are by definition 'no connection' (electrically); would the only reason for this recommendation be to improve thermal management?
WEBENCH generated a PCB showing the 2 NC pins clearly (and so very intentionally) routed out to 2 test points! What use are test points to no connections? It is against the recommendations of TI.
Top layer shown, tracks in question confirmed on bottom layer. U1 = TPS55340-Q1
