When to Split Ground Planes in Analog-Digital Mixed Designs?
In mixed-signal PCB designs, proper grounding is critical to maintaining signal integrity and minimizing noise interference. Improper grounding can introduce EMI, degrade analog performance, and cause circuit malfunctions. One of the most debated topics among engineers is whether to split ground planes between analog and digital sections or keep them unified. This article provides clear guidelines on when splitting is necessary and explores best practices for grounding in mixed-signal designs.