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Diodes Incorporated AP1184K5-15L-13
- Part No.:
- AP1184K5-15L-13
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Package:
- TO-263-6, D2PAK (5 Leads + Tab), TO-263BA
- Datasheet:
-
AP1184K5-15L-13.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR 1.5V 4A TO263-5
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:800
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Product details
Overview
AP1184K5-15L-13 from Diodes Incorporated is a 4A ultra-low dropout positive fixed-mode linear regulator with 1.5V output, TO263-5L package, 0.85V max dropout at 4A, thermal shutdown, and remote sensing capability. It delivers stable 1.5V/4A power to GPU core supplies in ATX-based motherboards where 3.3V input must be regulated down to sub-2.8V rails with minimal voltage loss.
For engineers reviewing the AP1184K5-15L-13 datasheet, AP1184K5-15L-13 pinout, AP1184K5-15L-13 application, or AP1184K5-15L-13 equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage under full load, remote sense accuracy, thermal resistance (θJC = 7°C/W), control pin biasing requirements, and compatibility with aluminum electrolytic output capacitors ≥100µF.
Technical Context
The AP1184K5-15L-13 uses an NPN pass transistor architecture with externally supplied Vctrl pin, enabling true low-dropout operation by decoupling base drive from Vin. Its separate Vsense and Vout pins support Kelvin remote sensing for ±15mV load regulation over 0–4A at 1.5V output.
It integrates current limiting (4.2A min), thermal shutdown (135°C trip), and requires minimum 100µF output capacitance with 50–100mΩ ESR for stability. The fixed 1.5V version eliminates external resistor divider but retains adjustable mode's transient response and ripple rejection (70dB @ 120Hz).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 1.500V ±2% at 10mA, 2.2V ≤ Vin ≤ 12V - ensures tight initial accuracy for GPU core logic |
| Max Dropout Voltage | 0.85V at 4A load - enables regulation from 3.3V input down to 1.5V with only 26% overhead loss |
| Load Regulation | 12–15mV over 0–4A - maintains output within ±1% of nominal across full current range |
| Ripple Rejection | 70dB at 120Hz, 1Vpp - suppresses ATX supply ripple before reaching sensitive graphics ICs |
| Thermal Resistance | θJC = 7°C/W - allows direct heatsink mounting to sustain 4A continuous without exceeding 125°C junction |
| Control Pin Current | 6–70mA depending on load - dictates minimum 100µF capacitor on Vctrl for stability and noise immunity |
| Reference Voltage | 1.250V ±2% - sets internal error amplifier threshold; determines output accuracy in adjustable variants |
Pinout & Package
AP1184K5-15L-13 is housed in a TO263-5L surface-mount package with exposed thermal pad (Vout-connected tab) for enhanced heat dissipation. The 5-pin layout supports remote sensing and independent control biasing.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Vout | Regulated output terminal | Power delivery node; also serves as thermal pad connection - must be soldered to ≥1.4"×1.4" copper area |
| Vsense | Remote sense input | Feedback point for closed-loop regulation at load; compensates for PCB trace IR drop up to ~50mΩ |
| Adj (GND) | Adjust reference return / GND | Ground reference for internal 1.25V bandgap; tied to GND in fixed-mode variants like this 1.5V part |
| Vctrl | Internal circuit supply | Bias source for control circuitry and NPN base drive; must exceed Vout by ≥1V and use ≥100µF bypass |
| Vin | Main input supply | Primary power path; must remain > Vout + dropout to maintain regulation - minimum 2.2V for 1.5V output |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-low dropout operation | 0.85V max at 4A enables efficient 3.3V-to-1.5V conversion without switching complexity |
| True remote sensing | Separate Vsense pin achieves <±15mV load regulation at point-of-load, critical for GPU voltage margins |
| Integrated protection | Current limit (4.2A) and thermal shutdown (135°C) prevent damage during overload or poor heatsinking |
| Fast transient response | Stable with 470µF electrolytic output cap; handles 10mA→4A steps in <500ns for GPU dynamic load changes |
| Lead-free RoHS compliance | Meets EU Directive 2002/95/EC with exempted lead content per Annex - suitable for industrial and computing PCBs |
Applications
| GPU Core Power Supply | ATX Motherboard VRM Stage |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Providing 1.5V/4A to modern graphics processing units requiring tight voltage tolerance and nanosecond-scale current transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage linear regulator delivering clean, low-noise DC power directly to GPU core VDD pins. Use Value: Eliminates need for complex multi-phase buck converters while meeting ±1% output tolerance including transient droop. | Use Scenario: Generating auxiliary 1.5V rails from existing 3.3V ATX standby or main rail on desktop/server motherboards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary LDO regulator in distributed power architecture, decoupled from primary switching stage. Use Value: Reduces system BOM cost by reusing 3.3V rail instead of adding dedicated buck controller + MOSFETs + inductors. |
| Low-Voltage FPGA I/O Bank | Industrial Camera Sensor Bias |
Use Scenario: Powering 1.5V I/O banks in high-density FPGAs where EMI-sensitive analog sections coexist on same PCB. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise local regulator isolating digital I/O switching noise from adjacent analog circuits. Use Value: 70dB ripple rejection prevents 120Hz supply noise from modulating ADC references or PLL jitter. | Use Scenario: Supplying stable 1.5V bias to CMOS image sensor pixel arrays in embedded vision systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision analog power source maintaining constant sensor operating point during exposure cycles. Use Value: <15mV load regulation ensures consistent pixel gain calibration across varying frame rates and ambient temperatures. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar fixed-output LDO regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AP1184T5-15L-U | Same electrical specs, TO220-5L through-hole package, θJA = 31°C/W vs 25–45°C/W for TO263 | Requires larger PCB footprint and mechanical mounting; better natural convection cooling in open-frame designs | Select when board assembly uses through-hole process or when forced-air cooling is unavailable |
| TPS7A8300RGRT | Lower dropout (0.25V @ 4A), higher PSRR (75dB), but requires external compensation and costs ~2.3× more | Targets ultra-low-noise RF/analog systems; lacks integrated thermal shutdown and remote sense pins | Choose only if PSRR >70dB and dropout <0.3V are mandatory; otherwise AP1184K5-15L-13 offers better cost/performance balance |
Compared with AP1184T5-15L-U and TPS7A8300RGRT, the AP1184K5-15L-13 provides optimal thermal performance in compact SMT layouts, includes built-in remote sensing for precision load regulation, and delivers proven reliability in high-volume ATX motherboard deployments - making it the preferred choice for cost-sensitive, space-constrained GPU power applications.
Availability
AP1184K5-15L-13 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for GPU core power supplies, ATX motherboard VRM stages, low-voltage FPGA I/O banks, and industrial camera sensor bias circuits requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for AP1184K5-15L-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 computing, industrial, and consumer markets.
The AP1184 product line targets high-current, ultra-low-dropout linear regulation in PC and server platforms - specifically engineered to replace inefficient PNP-based regulators while supporting dual-rail ATX architectures with minimal external components.
FAQ
What is the minimum input voltage required for AP1184K5-15L-13 to regulate at 4A?
The minimum input voltage is 2.2V, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table for AP1184-1.5 under "Output Voltage" test conditions. At 4A load, the 0.85V max dropout means Vin must be ≥2.35V to guarantee regulation; however, the datasheet specifies 2.2V as absolute minimum for 10mA test condition, and practical design requires ≥2.5V margin for stability and thermal headroom.
Can AP1184K5-15L-13 be used without remote sensing?
Yes - the Vsense pin can be shorted directly to Vout for local sensing, though this forfeits the ±15mV load regulation benefit. The device remains fully functional, but output voltage will vary with PCB trace resistance between regulator and load, especially under high-current transients where IR drop exceeds 10mV.
Why does Vctrl require a 100µF capacitor while Vin only needs 1µF?
Vctrl powers the internal control circuitry and NPN base drive, which draws pulsed current during load transients; its 6–70mA variation demands bulk capacitance to prevent instability. Vin supplies only the pass transistor collector current and has lower impedance path - 1µF suffices for high-frequency decoupling, while bulk filtering is handled by upstream ATX capacitors.
Is AP1184K5-15L-13 recommended for new designs?
No - the datasheet explicitly states "NOT RECOMMENDED FOR NEW DESIGN" due to obsolescence status. It remains available for legacy support and repair, but Diodes Incorporated advises migration to newer alternatives such as the AP7361 series for new projects requiring similar performance with extended lifecycle and improved efficiency.
AP1184K5-15L-13 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-263-6, D2PAK (5 Leads + Tab), TO-263BA
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Regulators:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 16V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 1.5V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Voltage Dropout (Max):
- 0.85V @ 4A
- Current - Output:
- 4A
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- 25 mA
- Current - Supply (Max):
- 70 mA
- PSRR:
- 70dB (120Hz)
- 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-263-5
AP1184K5-15L-13 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AP1184K5-15L-13 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AP1184K5-15L-13 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 AP1184K5-15L-13 reliable?
The price and inventory of AP1184K5-15L-13 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AP1184K5-15L-13 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AP1184K5-15L-13?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AP1184K5-15L-13 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AP1184K5-15L-13?
AP1184K5-15L-13 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AP1184K5-15L-13 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 AP1184K5-15L-13?
For technical support, including AP1184K5-15L-13 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AP1184K5-15L-13 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AP1184K5-15L-13 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AP1184K5-15L-13 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 AP1184K5-15L-13 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AP1184K5-15L-13?
All AP1184K5-15L-13 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AP1184K5-15L-13, 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 AP1184K5-15L-13 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AP1184K5-15L-13:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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