Diodes Incorporated AP1117K15L-13

Overview

AP1117K15L-13 from Diodes Incorporated is a 1A low-dropout linear regulator with fixed 1.5V output, TO263-3L package, 1.4V max dropout at full load, ±2% output voltage accuracy, and integrated thermal shutdown. It delivers stable power for FPGA core supplies, DDR memory termination, and industrial microcontroller I/O rails requiring precise low-noise 1.5V bias.

For engineers reviewing the AP1117K15L-13 datasheet, AP1117K15L-13 pinout, AP1117K15L-13 application, or AP1117K15L-13 equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage under 1.4V at 1A, thermal resistance of 3.5°C/W (junction-to-case), fixed 1.5V output tolerance, and compatibility with 10µF minimum output capacitance in TO263-3L surface-mount packaging.

Technical Context

The AP1117K15L-13 implements a PNP pass transistor architecture with internal bandgap reference and error amplifier, enabling fast transient response to load steps up to 1A. Its fixed-output configuration eliminates external resistor networks, reducing BOM count and layout sensitivity.

Designed for input ranges from 2.8V to 18V, it maintains regulation down to 1.3V above VOUT - critical for 1.5V output operation with ≤2.8V supply headroom. Built-in current limiting and thermal shutdown ensure robustness during short-circuit or overload events without external protection circuitry.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AP1117K15L-13 uses the TO263-3L (D²PAK) thermally enhanced surface-mount package with exposed thermal pad on the underside. The tab is electrically connected to VOUT and serves as primary heat path to PCB copper.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LD1117S15TR and TLV1117-15CDCYR, AP1117K15L-13 uniquely supports full 1A continuous output in TO263-3L with 3.5°C/W θ_JC, enabling higher power density and simpler thermal design in space-constrained industrial PCBs.

Availability

AP1117K15L-13 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for PC peripheral power, VGA card core supply, FPGA I/O bank bias, and industrial microcontroller I/O rails requiring stable component supply across extended production cycles.

Supply support for AP1117K15L-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.

The AP1117 product line delivers cost-optimized, thermally robust LDO regulators targeting high-current, low-noise applications in PC peripherals, graphics cards, and embedded systems with stringent voltage accuracy and transient response requirements.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for AP1117K15L-13 to regulate at 1.5V?

The device requires VIN ≥ VOUT + 1.3V to maintain regulation, so minimum input is 2.8V. At full 1A load, dropout rises to 1.4V - meaning 2.9V input is recommended for margin. Below this threshold, output voltage drops linearly with input.

Can AP1117K15L-13 be used with ceramic output capacitors?

Yes, but only with ESR ≥0.15Ω. Standard X7R/X5R ceramics typically have ESR <0.05Ω and may cause instability. Use RC-damped ceramics or add a 0.15–20Ω series resistor to meet the specified 0.15–20Ω ESR range required for loop stability.

How does thermal shutdown behave during overload conditions?

When junction temperature reaches ~150°C, the regulator disables output and enters thermal shutdown. Once die cools to ~135°C, it automatically resumes regulation. This hiccup-mode behavior prevents permanent damage but causes intermittent output - external current limiting is advised for sustained overloads.

Is the TO263-3L tab electrically isolated from the pins?

No - the tab is internally connected to Pin 2 (VOUT). It must be soldered to a dedicated VOUT copper pour and cannot be grounded or floated. Isolation would compromise thermal performance and violate the device's internal electrical topology.