Ground planes instead of star ground

[svokke]

I almost finihed the PCB for my OPA549T amp. Just need to route the grounds. Is there any reason why most prefer a starground layout instead making one big ground plane? It's a lot less drawing with the etching pen...

[SY]

Star gounds are MUCH less susceptible to ground loops, noise pickup, and oscillation. You might think and hope that your ground plane is unipotential, but it normally won't be.

[jackinnj]

if you are doing it via PCB, consider running the ground "leads" on the topside to a central point, then place the ground plane on the bottom side -- connect all through one via near the power ground.

[mrfeedback]

There is a good reference on the Analog Devices (App Note AN-345) site about earths, and currents in ground planes - required reading.

Eric.