A thermal pad is recommended to be connected to a large copper area on the PCB to dissipate heat efficiently. The copper area should be at least 1 inch x 1 inch in size and should be connected to a ground plane to reduce thermal resistance.
To ensure stability, a minimum output capacitance of 10uF is recommended, and the output voltage should be decoupled with a 1uF ceramic capacitor. Additionally, the input voltage should be filtered with a 1uF capacitor to reduce noise.
Although the datasheet specifies a maximum input voltage of 18V, it is recommended to limit the input voltage to 15V to ensure reliable operation and to prevent damage to the internal circuitry.
While the AP2141DWG-7 is rated for operation up to 125°C, it is recommended to derate the output current by 50% when operating above 85°C to ensure reliable operation and to prevent overheating.
A TVS (Transient Voltage Suppressor) diode can be used to protect the AP2141DWG-7 from input voltage surges and spikes. The TVS diode should be rated for the maximum input voltage and should be connected in parallel with the input capacitor.