Diodes Incorporated AP1086K18G-13

Overview

AP1086K18G-13 from Diodes Incorporated is a 1.5A low-dropout linear regulator in fixed 1.8V output mode, housed in TO263-3L package with thermal shutdown and current limiting. It delivers stable 1.8V at up to 1.5A with ≤1.4V dropout at full load, supports 4.8–12V input range, and targets low-voltage logic supplies and VGA card power rails.

For engineers reviewing the AP1086K18G-13 datasheet, AP1086K18G-13 pinout, AP1086K18G-13 application, or AP1086K18G-13 equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 1.4V max dropout at 1.5A, ±1.2% output voltage tolerance at 25°C, fast transient response for bus termination, and TO263-3L thermal resistance of 83°C/W (junction-to-ambient, no heatsink).

Technical Context

The AP1086K18G-13 implements a fixed-output LDO architecture with internal reference (1.25V), error amplifier, and PNP pass transistor. Its 1.4V dropout enables regulation from 4.8V input down to 1.8V output while sustaining 1.5A load.

Stability relies on ≥10µF output capacitance; ripple rejection reaches 70dB at 120Hz with 25µF tantalum capacitor. Thermal shutdown activates at 150°C junction temperature, and current limiting engages above 1.6A typical.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AP1086K18G-13 uses TO263-3L (D²PAK) surface-mount package with exposed tab electrically connected to VOUT for enhanced thermal conduction. Package dimensions: 10.2mm × 15.2mm × 4.45mm height; recommended land pattern per Diodes AP02001.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar fixed-output LDO applications.

Compared with AP1086K18G-13, AP1117K18G-13 trades 0.5A current capacity for better thermal efficiency, while TLV1117-18CKC adds sequencing control but reduces maximum load by 47% - both require redesign of thermal layout and current path routing.

Availability

AP1086K18G-13 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed bus termination, VGA card power delivery, and industrial embedded controller core supply requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for AP1086K18G-13 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Diodes Incorporated is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and analog ICs, specializing in power management, signal integrity, and protection solutions for industrial, computing, and consumer markets.

AP1086 belongs to Diodes' low-dropout linear regulator product line, engineered specifically for high-current, low-voltage logic and bus termination applications where tight regulation and fast transient response are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for AP1086K18G-13 to regulate at 1.8V?

The device requires VIN ≥ VOUT + 1.4V = 3.2V minimum under full 1.5A load. However, the datasheet specifies 4.8V minimum input for guaranteed 1.8V output performance across temperature and line regulation. Below 4.8V, dropout margin shrinks and load regulation degrades beyond specification limits.

Can AP1086K18G-13 be used in adjustable mode?

No. AP1086K18G-13 is a factory-configured fixed 1.8V output variant. The "K" prefix denotes TO263-3L package and "18" indicates 1.8V mask-programmed output; the Adj pin is internally grounded and not functional for external adjustment.

Is an input capacitor required for stable operation?

While not strictly required for stability (output capacitor provides primary compensation), a ≥1µF ceramic input capacitor placed near the VIN pin is strongly recommended to suppress high-frequency noise and prevent input voltage sag during load transients, especially when sourced from a switching regulator.

How does the TO263-3L package's thermal performance compare to TO252-3L?

TO263-3L has θJA = 83°C/W (no heatsink), versus 101°C/W for TO252-3L - a 18°C/W improvement due to larger copper tab area and better PCB thermal spreading. This allows 1.5A operation at higher ambient temperatures or with smaller thermal pads.