- Should the exposed pad of a device always be connected to the ground? If so, why? If the exposed pad should always be connected to the ground, then why do manufacturers, in this case, Microchip, do not connect the exposed pad and ground pins of the device together internally?
Like, is the exposed pad solely for thermal dissipation or does it serve as a ground pin as well?
Can the exposed pad be left floating in any case, if I am taking care of thermal dissipation?