A good PCB layout for optimal thermal performance involves placing the device near a thermal pad or a heat sink, and ensuring good thermal conductivity between the device and the PCB. A 4-layer PCB with a solid ground plane and a thermal relief pattern can help to dissipate heat efficiently.
To ensure stability and prevent oscillations, it's essential to follow the recommended component values and PCB layout guidelines. Additionally, a low-ESR output capacitor and a high-quality input capacitor can help to reduce noise and oscillations.
Although the datasheet specifies a maximum input voltage of 15V, it's recommended to derate the input voltage to 13.5V to ensure reliable operation and prevent damage to the device.
While ceramic capacitors can be used, they may not be the best choice for the output filter capacitor due to their high equivalent series resistance (ESR). A low-ESR electrolytic or tantalum capacitor is recommended for better filtering and stability.
The output voltage ripple and noise can be calculated using the equations provided in the datasheet. Additionally, the output voltage ripple can be measured using an oscilloscope and a high-bandwidth probe.