Diodes Incorporated AP1186K5-25L-13
- Part No.:
- AP1186K5-25L-13
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Package:
- TO-263-6, D2PAK (5 Leads + Tab), TO-263BA
- Datasheet:
-
AP1186K5-25L-13.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR 2.5V 1.5A TO263-5
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:800
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Product details
Overview
AP1186K5-25L-13 from Diodes Incorporated is a 1.5A ultra-low dropout positive fixed-mode linear regulator in TO263-5L package, delivering 2.5V output with ≤0.38V dropout at 1.5A load and 0.5V maximum dropout under specified conditions. It features remote voltage sensing (Vsense), thermal shutdown, current limiting, and fast transient response for GPU core supply applications requiring tight regulation from 3.3V ATX rails.
For engineers reviewing the AP1186K5-25L-13 datasheet, AP1186K5-25L-13 pinout, AP1186K5-25L-13 application, or AP1186K5-25L-13 equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage at full load, remote sensing capability, thermal resistance (ΘJC = 2.5°C/W), control pin (Vctrl) biasing requirements, and minimum load current (5–10mA).
Technical Context
The AP1186K5-25L-13 uses an NPN pass transistor architecture with externally biased Vctrl pin, enabling sub-0.4V dropout by decoupling base drive from Vin. Its dedicated Vsense pin enables true remote feedback, compensating for PCB trace IR drop between regulator and load.
It operates with fixed 2.5V output (±2% tolerance at 10mA, TA = 25°C), supports input voltages from 3.0V to 12V, and requires ≥100µF output capacitance with ESR 50–100mΩ for stability. Thermal shutdown activates above 150°C junction temperature.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 2.5V ±2% at 10mA, TA = 25°C - ensures stable GPU core rail within JEDEC-compliant tolerance |
| Dropout Voltage (Vin−Vout) | 0.26V (min) / 0.38V (max) at 1.5A - enables efficient 2.5V generation from 3.3V ATX supply with minimal power loss |
| Load Regulation | 20–25mV over 0–1.5A load - maintains tight output under dynamic GPU current steps |
| Ripple Rejection | 60–70dB at 120Hz, 1Vpp - suppresses low-frequency noise from switching power supplies |
| Thermal Resistance ΘJC | 2.5°C/W (TO263-5L) - allows direct heatsinking via exposed tab for continuous 1.5A operation |
| Control Pin (Vctrl) | Must exceed Vout by ≥1V (e.g., 5V when Vout = 2.5V) - supplies base drive independently to minimize dropout |
| Minimum Load Current | 5–10mA - ensures regulation stability; satisfied by typical GPU standby leakage or external pull-down |
Pinout & Package
AP1186K5-25L-13 is housed in a surface-mount TO263-5L (D²PAK) package with exposed metal tab electrically connected to Vout for thermal conduction and mechanical mounting.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Vout | Regulated output terminal | Connected to exposed tab; delivers 2.5V to load; must be bypassed with ≥100µF capacitor to ground |
| Vsense | Remote output voltage sense input | Connects directly to load point to compensate for PCB trace voltage drop; requires ≥10µF capacitor to ground |
| Adj (GND) | Reference ground / adjust node | Internally tied to GND in fixed-mode (2.5V); not used externally - differs from adjustable variants |
| Vctrl | Independent control supply input | Bias source for internal NPN base drive; must be ≥1V above Vout (e.g., 5V) to maintain regulation |
| Vin | Main input supply terminal | Accepts 3.0–12V input; must remain > Vout + dropout during transients; requires bulk storage capacitance |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-low dropout | 0.38V max at 1.5A enables 2.5V rail from 3.3V ATX without switching complexity |
| True remote sensing | Dedicated Vsense pin eliminates regulation error from PCB trace resistance up to ~50mΩ |
| Fast transient response | Designed for <500ns current steps - meets GPU core supply slew rate requirements |
| Integrated protection | Thermal shutdown (>150°C) and current limiting (~1.6A) prevent fault-induced damage |
| Lead-free & RoHS compliant | L-suffix confirms compliance with EU Directive Annex Notes 5 and 7 exemptions |
Applications
| GPU Core Power Supply | ATX Motherboard VRM Auxiliary Rail |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Providing tightly regulated 2.5V supply to discrete graphics processor cores requiring rapid current transitions from idle to full load. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary linear post-regulator delivering final core voltage with remote sensing at GPU package ball grid. Use Value: Eliminates need for complex multi-phase buck converters while meeting ±2% DC + transient tolerance specs. |
Use Scenario: Generating auxiliary 2.5V rail on ATX-compliant motherboards where 3.3V and 5V are already available. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-output LDO leveraging dual-input capability (Vin = 3.3V, Vctrl = 5V) for optimal efficiency. Use Value: Reduces BOM count vs. switching solution; avoids EMI concerns near high-speed memory interfaces. |
| Industrial FPGA I/O Bank Supply | Test Equipment Precision Reference Rail |
|
Use Scenario: Powering configurable I/O banks in Xilinx/Intel FPGAs requiring stable 2.5V with low noise and fast load step recovery. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise local regulator with ripple rejection >60dB, placed adjacent to FPGA package. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity for LVDS and SSTL-25 interfaces during simultaneous switching noise events. |
Use Scenario: Delivering clean, stable 2.5V reference for 16-bit DACs and precision ADC front-ends in automated test systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-drift, low-noise analog supply with remote sensing to counteract board-level voltage gradients. Use Value: Enables <0.01% line/load regulation error - critical for metrology-grade measurement accuracy. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| AP1186T5-25L-U | Same die, TO220-5L through-hole package; ΘJC = 2.5°C/W but higher ΘJA due to leadframe geometry | Suitable for prototyping or low-volume boards with through-hole assembly; less compact than TO263 | Select when manual soldering, thermal mass of PCB copper is limited, or legacy footprint compatibility required |
| TPS7A8300RGRT | 2A, 2.5V fixed, 0.25V dropout at 2A; integrated soft-start; no Vctrl pin; higher quiescent current (2.5mA) | Requires single-input design; lacks remote sensing; optimized for lower-noise portable applications | Prefer when board space permits larger 16-pin QFN and system lacks dual-rail supply; avoid if Vsense compensation is mandatory |
Compared with AP1186K5-25L-13, the TO220 variant trades surface-mount density for easier thermal management on non-copper-heavy boards, while the TPS7A8300 offers higher current and integration at the cost of losing remote sensing and dual-rail flexibility.
Availability
AP1186K5-25L-13 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for GPU core power delivery, ATX motherboard auxiliary rails, and industrial FPGA I/O bank supply requiring stable component supply across extended production cycles.
Supply support for AP1186K5-25L-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 AP1186 product line targets high-efficiency linear regulation in space-constrained, thermally demanding environments-specifically addressing the need for ultra-low dropout and remote sensing in graphics and motherboard power architectures.
FAQ
Can AP1186K5-25L-13 operate without connecting the Vsense pin?
No. The Vsense pin must be connected directly to the load point or to Vout for proper regulation. Leaving it floating causes instability and output voltage error. In fixed-mode operation, Vsense is not internally shorted to Vout - external connection is mandatory to enable remote sensing or local regulation.
What is the minimum required Vctrl voltage relative to Vout?
Vctrl must be at least 1V greater than Vout under all operating conditions. For AP1186K5-25L-13 (2.5V output), Vctrl ≥ 3.5V is required; 5V is recommended per datasheet to ensure robust base drive and margin against dropout during transients.
Is AP1186K5-25L-13 still in active production?
No - Diodes Incorporated has marked AP1186K5-25L-13 as obsolete with no alternate part offered. Aetrix Electronics holds remaining authorized inventory for last-time-buys and legacy system support, subject to quantity availability and lifecycle notification terms.
Why does AP1186K5-25L-13 require separate Vin and Vctrl pins?
The separation enables independent biasing of the NPN pass transistor's base drive circuitry, allowing Vin to operate near Vout (minimizing dropout) while Vctrl supplies sufficient voltage headroom for full transistor saturation - a key innovation distinguishing it from conventional PNP or PMOS LDOs.
AP1186K5-25L-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):
- 2.5V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Voltage Dropout (Max):
- 0.38V @ 1.5A
- Current - Output:
- 1.5A
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- 10 mA
- Current - Supply (Max):
- 150 µA
- PSRR:
- 70dB (120Hz)
- Control Features:
- -
- Protection Features:
- Over Current, Over Temperature
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-263-5
AP1186K5-25L-13 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AP1186K5-25L-13 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AP1186K5-25L-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 AP1186K5-25L-13 reliable?
The price and inventory of AP1186K5-25L-13 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AP1186K5-25L-13 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AP1186K5-25L-13?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AP1186K5-25L-13 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AP1186K5-25L-13?
AP1186K5-25L-13 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AP1186K5-25L-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 AP1186K5-25L-13?
For technical support, including AP1186K5-25L-13 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AP1186K5-25L-13 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AP1186K5-25L-13 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AP1186K5-25L-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 AP1186K5-25L-13 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AP1186K5-25L-13?
All AP1186K5-25L-13 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AP1186K5-25L-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 AP1186K5-25L-13 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AP1186K5-25L-13:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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