3.1.2 Ground

A low impedance ground path to a noise-free ground domain is essential for operation. Ensure the PCB layout design sufficiently connects the KSZ8081MNX Paddle Ground and GND pin to a large ground plane. Measure the ground near the KSZ8081MNX device to ensure it is noise-free and ground shift across the PCB is as close to zero as possible.

The KSZ8081MNX Paddle Ground is also the primary thermal relief pathway. It is essential to fill the ground pad with many vias to a large ground plane to aid in dissipation of thermal energy originating from KSZ8081MNX. Refer to the PCB Design Guidelines for QFN and DQFN packages for more details on how to space the vias.