For best performance, all traces should be as short as possible. To be most effective, the input and output capacitors should be placed close to the device to minimize the effects that parasitic trace inductances may have on normal operation. Using wide traces for VIN, VOUT, and GND helps minimize the parasitic electrical effects. In general, the components should be placed close to the device such that traces remain as short as possible to avoid parasitic capacitance. In addition, due to the possibility of large power dissipation in fault conditions (short at VOUT), thermal vias should be placed in the PCB for the thermal pad.