Trust M centre pad connection

[GrahamS_21]

In the Optiga Trust M datasheet, the exposed centre pad is labelled as n.c. but with the following comment

Connect the exposed pad with the copper area in the PCB to improve thermal dissipation.

Can this pad be connected to ground? or must any connection be floating?

thanks in advance

[GrahamS_21 · Accepted solution]

Have already heard back -

Connect the middle pad to ground.

For thermal reasons a big copper body is advised to transfer the heat. Further if ground is used this adds robustness against noise and disturbances.

Hope this helps anyone else who has the same questions