A good PCB layout for optimal thermal performance would be to have a solid ground plane on the bottom layer, and to use thermal vias to connect the exposed pad to the ground plane. This helps to dissipate heat efficiently.
To ensure stability of the output voltage, it's recommended to use a minimum output capacitance of 10uF, and to choose a capacitor with a low ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) to minimize voltage ripple.
Although the datasheet specifies a maximum input voltage of 18V, it's recommended to derate the input voltage to 16V to ensure reliable operation and to prevent damage to the device.
The AP7313-18SRG-7 is rated for operation up to 125°C, but it's recommended to derate the output current and input voltage at higher temperatures to ensure reliable operation and to prevent thermal shutdown.
The power dissipation of the device can be calculated using the formula: Pd = (Vin - Vout) x Iout, where Vin is the input voltage, Vout is the output voltage, and Iout is the output current.