Diodes Incorporated AP1117KL-U
- Part No.:
- AP1117KL-U
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Package:
- TO-263-3, D2PAK (2 Leads + Tab), TO-263AB
- Datasheet:
-
AP1117KL-U.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR POS ADJ 1A TO263
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,238
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Product details
Overview
AP1117KL-U from Diodes Incorporated is a 1A low-dropout positive fixed-mode linear regulator in TO263-3L package, delivering stable 3.3V output with ≤1.4V dropout at full load and 60–70dB ripple rejection at 180Hz. It integrates thermal shutdown and current limiting, and is designed for high-speed bus termination and low-current 3.3V logic supply in VGA cards and PC peripherals.
For engineers reviewing the AP1117KL-U datasheet, AP1117KL-U pinout, AP1117KL-U application, or AP1117KL-U equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage under 1.4V at 1A, fixed 3.3V output tolerance (±1%), thermal resistance θJA = 60°C/W, and compatibility with 10µF minimum output capacitance (ESR 0.15–20Ω).
Technical Context
The AP1117KL-U employs a PNP pass transistor architecture with internal bandgap reference (1.25V nominal) and error amplifier to maintain regulation across input voltages from 4.8V to 12V. Its fast transient response is enabled by low-output-impedance design and optimized internal compensation.
Thermal protection activates at 150°C junction temperature, cycling output off/on during overtemperature events. Current limiting is fixed at ≥1.1A and operates independently of input-output differential, ensuring safe operation during short-circuit conditions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 3.3V ±1% at 10mA, 4.8V–12V input, 25°C - ensures precise logic-level compliance for 3.3V I/O domains. |
| Dropout Voltage | 1.3V typ / 1.4V max at 1A load - enables stable 3.3V output from as low as 4.7V input, reducing power loss vs. older LDOs. |
| Ripple Rejection | 60–70dB at 180Hz with 25µF tantalum output cap - suppresses switching noise from upstream DC/DC converters feeding the LDO. |
| Thermal Resistance θJA | 60°C/W (TO263-3L, FR-4, 2oz Cu, no airflow) - defines maximum power dissipation (≤15W) before thermal shutdown triggers. |
| Load Regulation | 26–33mV over 0–1A load (VIN = 5V) - limits output sag during dynamic CPU or FPGA core current transients. |
| Quiescent Current | 5–10mA minimum load required for regulation - sets lower bound for standby current in always-on subsystems. |
Pinout & Package
AP1117KL-U uses TO263-3L (D²PAK) package with exposed thermal tab electrically connected to VOUT. The tab must be soldered to a large copper pour for thermal performance and electrical continuity.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Adj/GND) | Reference node | Ground terminal for fixed-output variants; connects internally to bandgap reference - must be tied to system ground with low-inductance path. |
| 2 (VOUT) | Regulated output | Delivers 3.3V; requires ≥10µF capacitor (0.15–20Ω ESR) to ground for stability and transient response. |
| 3 (VIN) | Unregulated input | Accepts 4.8–12V; must remain ≥1.3V above VOUT to sustain regulation - decoupling capacitor essential to prevent sag during load steps. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Fast transient response | Sub-100µs recovery from 100mA→1A load step - maintains voltage within ±50mV window for sensitive digital logic. |
| Built-in thermal shutdown | Activates at 150°C junction temperature with automatic hysteresis - prevents permanent damage during sustained overload or poor heatsinking. |
| Output current limiting | ≥1.1A foldback or constant-current limit - protects downstream circuitry and input source during output shorts. |
| Low-noise regulation | 60–70dB ripple rejection at 180Hz - eliminates audible noise and timing jitter in analog/audio subsystems powered via this LDO. |
Applications
| VGA Graphics Card Power | PCI Express Interface Supply |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Providing clean 3.3V rail for GPU memory interface and display controller logic on discrete graphics cards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary low-noise post-regulator for DDR memory I/O and TMDS transmitter circuitry. Use Value: 60–70dB ripple rejection prevents pixel corruption and display flicker caused by switching noise from main 12V DC/DC converter. |
Use Scenario: Delivering stable 3.3V to PCIe slot signaling layers and endpoint configuration registers in server motherboards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-output LDO supplying reference voltage for PCIe PHY termination and hot-plug detection circuits. Use Value: ≤1.4V dropout allows use with 5V intermediate bus, minimizing heat generation while meeting PCIe 3.3V ±5% spec under 1A peak load. |
| USB 3.0 Host Controller Rail | Industrial HMI Display Backlight Logic |
|
Use Scenario: Powering USB 3.0 xHCI host controller and SuperSpeed transceiver logic in embedded computing modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise 3.3V supply for USB packet timing circuits and link training state machines. Use Value: Fast transient response (<100µs) maintains signal integrity during burst data transfers, preventing enumeration failures. |
Use Scenario: Generating regulated 3.3V for touch controller ICs and display interface logic in factory-floor HMIs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Industrial-grade fixed LDO powering SPI/I²C peripherals and LCD driver gate logic. Use Value: Thermal shutdown and current limiting ensure reliability in unventilated enclosures where ambient exceeds 70°C. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar fixed-output LDO applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AP1117K33G-13 | Same die, SOT223-3L package, tape-and-reel (2500 pcs), θJA = 107°C/W | Lower power handling (max ~4W vs 15W); suited for space-constrained PCBs without thermal pads | Select when board area is limited and thermal budget allows higher junction rise per watt. |
| LD1117S33TR | STMicroelectronics part; 3.3V fixed, TO220-3L, dropout 1.1V typ, θJA = 73°C/W | Slightly lower dropout but higher thermal resistance than AP1117KL-U's 60°C/W | Prefer when tighter dropout margin is critical and heatsink mounting is feasible. |
Compared with AP1117K33G-13, the KL-U offers 43% lower θJA for higher continuous power delivery; versus LD1117S33TR, it trades 0.2V higher dropout for 13°C/W better thermal efficiency in natural convection environments.
Availability
AP1117KL-U is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for VGA graphics cards, PCIe add-in boards, USB 3.0 host controllers, and industrial HMI displays requiring stable component supply with RoHS-compliant lead-free packaging.
Supply support for AP1117KL-U 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 high-efficiency power management, signal integrity, and protection solutions for industrial, computing, and consumer markets.
The AP1117 series targets cost-sensitive, thermally demanding applications requiring robust fixed- or adjustable-voltage regulation - particularly in PC peripherals, graphics subsystems, and embedded interfaces where dropout, noise, and thermal resilience are critical.
FAQ
What is the minimum input voltage required for AP1117KL-U to regulate 3.3V output?
The AP1117KL-U requires VIN ≥ VOUT + 1.3V (typical) or VOUT + 1.4V (maximum) to maintain regulation. For 3.3V output, minimum input is 4.6V (typ) or 4.7V (max) across temperature and load. Below this, output drops linearly with input - confirmed in Electrical Characteristics Table (dropout voltage test condition).
Can AP1117KL-U be used with ceramic output capacitors?
Yes, but only if ESR is ≥0.15Ω. Standard X7R/X5R ceramics typically have ESR <0.05Ω and may cause instability. Use ESR-specified ceramics (e.g., "low-ESR" or "with built-in resistor") or add a 0.22Ω series resistor to meet the 0.15–20Ω ESR requirement stated in Pin Descriptions for stability.
How does thermal shutdown behave during sustained overload?
When junction temperature reaches 150°C, the AP1117KL-U disables output and remains off until die cools to ~135°C (typical hysteresis), then resumes regulation. This cycle repeats continuously during sustained overload - verified in Absolute Maximum Ratings and Thermal Shutdown block diagram section.
Is the TO263-3L thermal tab electrically isolated?
No - the thermal tab is internally connected to the VOUT pin. PCB layout must treat the tab as a high-current VOUT node: connect directly to the 3.3V plane with ≥200mm² copper area and multiple thermal vias to inner layers. Isolation would compromise both thermal performance and electrical function.
AP1117KL-U Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-263-3, D2PAK (2 Leads + Tab), TO-263AB
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Output Type:
- Adjustable
- Number of Regulators:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 18V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 1.25V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- 5V
- Voltage Dropout (Max):
- 1.4V @ 1A
- Current - Output:
- 1A
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- 10 mA
- Current - Supply (Max):
- -
- PSRR:
- 60dB (180Hz)
- Control Features:
- -
- Protection Features:
- Over Current, Over Temperature
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-263
AP1117KL-U FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AP1117KL-U through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AP1117KL-U on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for AP1117KL-U reliable?
The price and inventory of AP1117KL-U are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AP1117KL-U is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AP1117KL-U?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AP1117KL-U transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AP1117KL-U?
AP1117KL-U orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AP1117KL-U order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for AP1117KL-U?
For technical support, including AP1117KL-U datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AP1117KL-U requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AP1117KL-U is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AP1117KL-U products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that AP1117KL-U meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AP1117KL-U?
All AP1117KL-U units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AP1117KL-U, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The AP1117KL-U part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AP1117KL-U:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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