A good PCB layout for the MAX1846EUB+ involves keeping the input and output capacitors close to the IC, using a solid ground plane, and minimizing the length of the traces between the IC and the capacitors. Additionally, it's recommended to use a 4-layer PCB with a dedicated power plane and a dedicated ground plane.
To ensure the stability of the output voltage, it's essential to choose the right output capacitor value and type. A minimum capacitance of 10uF is recommended, and the capacitor should have a low ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) to minimize voltage ripple. Additionally, the output voltage can be stabilized by adding a small ceramic capacitor (e.g., 100nF) in parallel with the output capacitor.
The MAX1846EUB+ can handle input voltages up to 28V, but it's recommended to keep the input voltage below 24V to ensure reliable operation and to prevent overheating.
The output current capability of the MAX1846EUB+ depends on the input voltage, output voltage, and the package thermal resistance. A rough estimate can be calculated using the formula: Iout = (Vin - Vout) / (Rds(on) * (Tj - Ta) / (θJA * RθJA)), where Rds(on) is the on-resistance of the internal FET, Tj is the junction temperature, Ta is the ambient temperature, θJA is the junction-to-ambient thermal resistance, and RθJA is the thermal resistance of the package.
The MAX1846EUB+ is rated for operation up to 125°C, but it's recommended to derate the output current and input voltage at higher temperatures to prevent overheating and ensure reliable operation. It's also essential to ensure good thermal design and heat sinking to keep the junction temperature below 125°C.