Texas Instruments provides a recommended PCB layout in the datasheet, but it's essential to follow good PCB design practices, such as keeping the input and output capacitors close to the IC, using a solid ground plane, and minimizing trace lengths and widths to reduce EMI and noise.
The choice of input and output capacitors depends on the specific application requirements. Generally, use low-ESR capacitors with a high ripple current rating. For the input capacitor, a 10uF to 22uF ceramic capacitor is recommended, while for the output capacitor, a 22uF to 47uF ceramic capacitor is suitable. Consult the datasheet and application notes for more information.
The TPS51218DSCT can handle a maximum input voltage of 18V, but it's recommended to operate within the specified input voltage range of 4.5V to 15V for optimal performance and reliability.
The soft-start feature can be configured by connecting a capacitor between the SS pin and GND. The soft-start time is determined by the capacitor value and the internal resistor. A larger capacitor value will result in a longer soft-start time. Consult the datasheet for more information on calculating the soft-start time.
The Power Good (PG) pin is an open-drain output that indicates when the output voltage is within the specified regulation range. It can be used to monitor the output voltage and provide a signal to the system when the output is stable and within regulation.