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How Analog Isolation Affects PCB Design

Published Date
Author Cadence PCB Solutions

Key Takeaways

  • Analog isolation plays an important role in PCB design, particularly in scenarios where precision and signal integrity are paramount.

  • Isolation ensures that analog signals remain unaffected by noise and interference from other parts of the circuit, digital components, or external sources.

  • When designing a PCB with analog isolation in mind, engineers must carefully consider factors such as layout, component placement, and the choice of shielding techniques.

An analog isolation area of the PCB protected with a shield.

An analog isolation area of the PCB protected with a shield.

Analog isolation can impact PCB design (PCBs) because of the need to separate and isolate different sections of the circuit. Analog isolation refers to separating electronic circuit components to prevent unwanted interactions or interference between them. This separation is achieved using components or techniques that isolate the analog signals, meaning signals that vary continuously over time from one part of a circuit to another. Here are several ways in which analog isolation affects PCB design:

8 Ways To Achieve Analog Isolation in PCB Design

1) Component Placement

✔ Physically separate sections of the PCB to prevent interference and minimize crosstalk and electromagnetic interference.

✔ Place components that provide isolation, such as transformers or optocouplers, strategically to achieve effective isolation. 

2) Signal Routing

✔ Route signals that require isolation on separate PCB traces. 

✔ Establish keepout areas around isolated components to ensure that other signals or components do not encroach upon isolation zones.

3) Grounding

✔ Separate ground planes or grounds to maintain the integrity of isolated signals.

✔ Use proper grounding techniques, such as star grounding or isolation transformers, to prevent ground loops and maintain signal quality.

4) Power Supply Design

✔ Use isolated power sources for different sections of the circuit. 

✔ Consider power supply placement and routing carefully.

5) Shielding

✔ Select appropriate shielding materials, such as conductive foils or metal cans, to enclose sensitive components.

✔ Cover all sides and the top while soldering it down to the ground plane under the components.

6) Clearance and Creepage

✔ Follow safety standards for specific clearance and creepage requirements.

✔ Ensure isolation barriers are robust enough to prevent electrical arcing or breakdown.

7) Thermal Considerations

✔ Consider proper thermal management to ensure isolated components operate within specified temperature limits.

8) PCB Layer Stackup

✔ Choose a PCB layer stackup to accommodate isolated power planes and signal layers.

Analog Isolation Applications

Analog isolation finds applications in various fields where it's essential to separate different circuit sections to ensure signal integrity, minimize interference, and enhance safety. Some typical applications that use analog isolation include:

  • Audio Systems: Analog isolation is crucial in audio systems to prevent ground loops and reduce noise, ensuring high-quality audio signals.
  • Medical Devices: Analog isolation is necessary to ensure patient safety by preventing electrical currents flow between different parts of a device.
  • Industrial Instrumentation: Analog isolation protects sensitive measurement and control circuits with components using isolation amplifiers, transformers, and optocouplers.
  • Power Supplies: Analog isolation is essential in power supply circuits to prevent electrical coupling between input and output, ensuring user safety and protecting connected devices.
  • Motor Control: Analog isolation helps prevent noise and interference from affecting the control circuitry in motor control applications.
  • Communication Systems: Analog isolation is used to protect sensitive communication circuits from interference and ensure data transmission's reliability.
  • Automotive Electronics: Analog isolation is used to prevent interference between different vehicle systems, where electrical noise is common.
  • Test and Measurement Equipment: Analog isolation is used to maintain signal accuracy and prevent interference in precision measurement applications, 
  • Renewable Energy Systems: Analog isolation is employed in power electronics for renewable energy systems to protect control circuits and ensure safe operation.
  • Sensors: Analog isolation is often required in industrial and medical sensors to prevent ground loops and interference.

These applications highlight the importance of analog isolation in diverse fields, contributing to improved performance, safety, and reliability of electronic systems. The specific components used for isolation depend on the requirements of each application.

How Cadence PCB Design Tools Can Help

If you want to use best practices and achieve analog isolation in your PCB design, use Cadence PCB design and analysis software for professional design teams. OrCAD PCB designer has the necessary tools for component placement and ground plane pour to implement an ideal grounding strategy.

Leading electronics providers rely on Cadence products to optimize power, space, and energy needs for a wide variety of market applications. To learn more about our innovative solutions, talk to our team of experts or subscribe to our YouTube channel.