The maximum voltage rating for the TL494IDR is 40V. However, it's recommended to operate within 30V to ensure reliable operation.
The inductor value depends on the output voltage, current, and switching frequency. A good starting point is to use the inductor selection guide in the datasheet or online tools like TI's Power Stage Designer.
The soft-start pin (SS) is used to slowly ramp up the output voltage during startup to prevent inrush currents. Connect a capacitor from SS to GND and adjust the value to set the soft-start time.
Connect the external clock signal to the RT/CT pin and set the RT/CT pin high to enable synchronization. Ensure the clock frequency is within the recommended range (100 kHz to 500 kHz).
The maximum duty cycle for the TL494IDR is 95%. However, it's recommended to operate within 80% to 90% duty cycle for reliable operation and to prevent over-voltage conditions.