A 4-layer PCB with a solid ground plane and a separate power plane is recommended. Keep the input and output capacitors close to the IC, and use short, wide traces for the power paths.
Ensure that the output capacitor has a low ESR, and the input capacitor has a high capacitance. Also, keep the feedback loop short and avoid using long wires or traces.
The maximum input voltage is 18V, but it's recommended to keep it below 15V for optimal performance and reliability.
Yes, but ensure that the ceramic capacitor has a low ESR and is rated for the output voltage. Also, consider using an X5R or X7R dielectric for better performance.
The output voltage ripple can be calculated using the formula: ΔVout = (Iout * ESR) / (f * Cout), where Iout is the output current, ESR is the output capacitor's ESR, f is the switching frequency, and Cout is the output capacitance.