7.3 Creepage and Clearance

When designing and building electrical systems with high voltage, two important concepts to consider are

creepage and clearance. Creepage distance refers to the shortest path that an electric current can take along

the surface of an insulating material, such as a printed circuit board (PCB) or a plastic enclosure. Clearance

distance refers to the shortest distance between two conductive parts, such as wires, terminals, or components,

through the air. Figure 7-8 illustrates creepage and clearance for a typical integrated circuit (IC).

```

PCB

Integrated Circuit

Creepage distance

Clearance distance

Groove

Creepage

Integrated Circuit

PCB

High

Voltage

PCB trace

Potentially

Low Voltage

PCB Trace

Creep

age

High

Voltage

Differentia

l Between

V+ and

V

Top view

Edge View

Creepage

and

Clearance

Figure 7-8. Creepage and Clearance in Integrated Circuits

Several standards exist with creepage and clearance guidance, but how the standards pertain to operational

amplifiers and other integrated circuits is largely left to interpretation and internal requirements. The guidance

distances are significantly affected by pollution degree, maximum voltage, and the underlying application. In

the case of creepage, the comparative tracking index (CTI) rating of the insulating material is a major factor.

Different design techniques exist to improve creepage and clearance if deemed necessary, including adding

PBC grooves, conformal coating, and, or derating the operating voltage.

Texas Instruments offers modern packaging with small dimensions that are designed to minimize PCB area.

However, the requirement to meet any creepage or clearance specifications depends on the designer’s

interpretation and implementation of any relevant IEC or system-level standards. For more information on this

topic, visit the Demystifying Clearance and Creepage Distance for High-Voltage End Equipment document.

7.4 Power Supply Recommendations

The OPAx596 operates from power supplies up to ±42.5V (85V), and as little as ±4V (8V) with excellent

performance. Most behavior remains unchanged throughout the full operating voltage range, but Section 5.7

shows parameters that vary with operating voltage. A power-supply bypass capacitor of at least 0.1µF is

required for proper operation. Make sure that the capacitor voltage is rated for high voltage across the full

operating temperature range. The OPAx596 can be powered with asymmetrical supplies to optimize power

dissipation in applications that do not require an equal positive and negative output voltage swing.

OPA596, OPA2596

SBOSA42B – JUNE 2024 – REVISED DECEMBER 2025

www.ti.com

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