Now Let’s continue to learn about the virtual partition Layout of analog ground and digital ground on PCB:
In PCB design, the virtual division layout of analog and digital grounds is a technique where the separation of analog and digital grounds is not shown in the schematic, but they are treated separately in the actual PCB layout. This layout method requires designers to draw an imaginary dividing line between analog and digital grounds to guide the layout. This imaginary line is virtual, meaning it does not physically sever the circuit, but it serves as a reference during layout to ensure that the analog and digital ground sections are correctly separated, thereby reducing mutual interference. As show in the cover figure.
During the design, designers must remember this virtual dividing line and ensure that digital and analog signal traces do not cross this line. This practice prevents digital noise from contaminating analog signals. The shape of the virtual dividing line should be kept simple, as complex shapes may increase the difficulty of design and manufacturing and do not provide additional isolation effects, since there are no physical barriers to keep analog and digital return currents separated.
