Diodes Incorporated AP1186K5-33L-13
- Part No.:
- AP1186K5-33L-13
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Package:
- TO-263-6, D2PAK (5 Leads + Tab), TO-263BA
- Datasheet:
-
AP1186K5-33L-13.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR 3.3V 1.5A TO263-5
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,531
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Product details
Overview
AP1186K5-33L-13 from Diodes Incorporated is a 1.5A ultra-low dropout positive fixed-mode linear regulator in TO263-5L package, delivering 3.3V output with ≤0.38V dropout at 1.5A load, built-in thermal shutdown and current limiting, and remote sensing capability via separate Vsense pin - used to power GPU core supplies requiring tight regulation and fast transient response from 5V/3.3V ATX rails.
For engineers reviewing the AP1186K5-33L-13 datasheet, AP1186K5-33L-13 pinout, AP1186K5-33L-13 application, or AP1186K5-33L-13 equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage under full load, remote sense accuracy, thermal resistance (θJC = 2.5°C/W), control pin (Vctrl) biasing requirements, and minimum load current (5–10mA).
Technical Context
The AP1186K5-33L-13 uses an NPN pass transistor architecture with externally biased Vctrl pin, enabling sub-0.4V dropout while avoiding base-current losses typical of PNP regulators. Its 5-pin topology separates output (Vout) and sense (Vsense) paths for true remote voltage regulation at the load.
It operates with Vctrl ≥ Vin + 1V and requires ≥100µF output capacitance for stability. The fixed 3.3V version eliminates external resistor networks, while internal 1.25V reference and ±1% output tolerance support precision rail generation in graphics and embedded computing applications.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 3.3V ±1% at 10mA, supporting stable I/O or core supply for GPU and SoC interfaces. |
| Dropout Voltage (Vin−Vout) | 0.26V (min) / 0.38V (max) at 1.5A - enables efficient 3.3V generation from 3.6V–5V input rails. |
| Load Regulation | 26–33mV over 0–1.5A load - ensures voltage stability across dynamic GPU current steps. |
| Ripple Rejection | 60–70dB at 120Hz - suppresses switching noise from upstream DC/DC converters. |
| Thermal Resistance θJC | 2.5°C/W (TO263-5L) - allows direct heatsinking to PCB copper for 1.68W dissipation at 1.5A. |
| Control Pin (Vctrl) | Must be ≥ Vin + 1V; supplies internal bias and pass transistor base drive - decouples regulation loop from input rail noise. |
| Remote Sense (Vsense) | Dedicated pin for Kelvin connection to load - compensates for up to ~50mΩ PCB trace resistance. |
Pinout & Package
Package: TO263-5L (D2PAK), surface-mount, exposed tab connected to Vout for thermal conduction and electrical return.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - Vout | Regulated output | Main power delivery node; tab is electrically connected to this pin - must be soldered to large copper pour for thermal management. |
| 2 - Vsense | Remote output voltage sense | Connects directly to load point to enable closed-loop regulation independent of PCB IR drop; requires ≥10µF bypass to GND. |
| 3 - Adj (GND) | Reference ground / adjust return | Ground reference for internal 1.25V bandgap; tied to GND in fixed-mode variants like AP1186K5-33L-13. |
| 4 - Vctrl | Internal control circuit supply | Bias source for pass transistor base drive and error amplifier; must exceed Vin by ≥1V and include ≥100µF local bypass. |
| 5 - Vin | Input supply | Primary input rail (e.g., 5V or 3.3V ATX); must remain > Vout + dropout during transients; requires bulk capacitance. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-low dropout | 0.38V max at 1.5A enables high-efficiency LDO operation from 3.6V input to 3.3V output - avoids switching regulator complexity. |
| True remote sensing | Separate Vsense pin compensates for PCB trace resistance up to ~50mΩ - maintains ±1% regulation at point-of-load. |
| Fast transient response | Designed for 300–500ns current steps (e.g., GPU core switching) - reduces required output capacitance vs. standard LDOs. |
| Integrated protection | Thermal shutdown triggers at TJ > 150°C and current limit activates at ≥1.6A - prevents damage during overload or poor heatsinking. |
| Vctrl-biased NPN architecture | Eliminates base current loss seen in PNP LDOs - improves efficiency and simplifies thermal design vs. conventional low-dropout topologies. |
Applications
| GPU Core Power Supply | ATX Motherboard I/O Rail |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Delivering tightly regulated 3.3V to graphics processor I/O interfaces on desktop motherboards using ATX 5V/3.3V rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-output LDO providing clean, low-noise, fast-transient power with remote sensing to offset VRM trace losses. Use Value: Maintains <±1% output accuracy under 0–1.5A dynamic loads and rejects 60–70dB of upstream switching ripple - eliminating need for additional filtering. |
Use Scenario: Generating auxiliary 3.3V supply for PCIe slot logic, SMBus controllers, or chipset I/O from main ATX 5V rail. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary linear regulator with dedicated Vctrl pin allowing independent biasing from stable 5V source - isolating regulation loop from noisy 3.3V rail. Use Value: Enables stable 3.3V output even when main 3.3V rail sags during high-current events - improving system-level power integrity. |
| Embedded Video Processing Module | Industrial Display Controller |
|
Use Scenario: Powering FPGA-based video encoder/decoder cores requiring precise 3.3V with minimal voltage deviation during burst data transfers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-dropout regulator with 0.38V dropout and 26–33mV load regulation - sustaining rail stability during rapid current transitions. Use Value: Reduces required output capacitance by leveraging fast transient response - saving board space versus legacy LDOs needing ≥470µF. |
Use Scenario: Providing fault-tolerant 3.3V supply to display timing controller ICs in medical or industrial HMIs where thermal reliability is critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Thermally robust TO263-5L packaged LDO with integrated thermal shutdown and current limiting - ensuring safe operation under sustained 1.5A load. Use Value: θJC = 2.5°C/W enables direct PCB heatsinking without external heatsink - simplifying mechanical design in sealed enclosures. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar fixed-output ultra-low dropout regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AP1186T5-33L-U | Same die, TO220-5L package with through-hole mounting and identical electrical specs. | Lacks surface-mount thermal performance; higher θJA; suited for prototyping or low-volume through-hole designs. | Select when manual assembly, reworkability, or vertical heatsink mounting is preferred over SMT density. |
| AP2202K-3.3TRG1 | Lower current rating (300mA), no Vctrl or Vsense pins, standard SOT-23-5 package, 0.6V dropout at 300mA. | Not suitable for 1.5A GPU or motherboard I/O rails; limited to low-power peripherals or standby rails. | Choose only for space-constrained, low-current applications where remote sensing and thermal headroom are not required. |
Compared with AP1186T5-33L-U and AP2202K-3.3TRG1, the AP1186K5-33L-13 uniquely combines 1.5A capacity, TO263 thermal performance, remote sensing, and Vctrl biasing - making it irreplaceable for high-current, precision-point-of-load regulation in ATX-compliant systems.
Availability
AP1186K5-33L-13 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for GPU core power supplies, ATX motherboard I/O rails, embedded video processing modules, and industrial display controllers requiring stable component supply despite end-of-life status.
Supply support for AP1186K5-33L-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 delivers ultra-low dropout linear regulators with Vctrl-biased NPN architecture and remote sensing - engineered specifically for high-current, low-voltage GPU and chipset power delivery in ATX platforms.
FAQ
What is the function of the Vctrl pin on AP1186K5-33L-13?
The Vctrl pin supplies bias voltage to the internal control circuitry and base drive of the NPN pass transistor. It must be at least 1V higher than Vin to ensure proper regulation and low dropout operation. A minimum 100µF capacitor is required between Vctrl and ground for stability, and it is typically connected to a clean 5V rail on ATX motherboards.
Can AP1186K5-33L-13 be used without remote sensing?
Yes - the Vsense pin can be shorted directly to the Vout pin for local regulation. However, doing so forfeits the primary advantage of the device: compensation for PCB trace resistance. For applications where load is adjacent to the regulator and trace resistance is <5mΩ, local sensing is acceptable and simplifies layout.
Why does AP1186K5-33L-13 require a minimum load current?
The device specifies a minimum load current of 5–10mA to maintain regulation stability and prevent output voltage drift. This is due to internal biasing requirements of the error amplifier and reference circuit. A 121Ω resistor from Vout to Adj (GND) satisfies this requirement in adjustable versions, but fixed versions rely on system load or optional bleed resistors.
Is AP1186K5-33L-13 still manufacturable or supported by Diodes Incorporated?
No - Diodes Incorporated has officially discontinued the AP1186 series. The part is marked "OBSOLETE – PART DISCONTINUED" in its datasheet (Rev. 2–4, May 2019), with no recommended second-source or replacement offered. Aetrix Electronics provides last-time-buy inventory with full traceability and lifecycle coordination support.
AP1186K5-33L-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:
- Obsolete
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Regulators:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 16V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 3.3V
- 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
AP1186K5-33L-13 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AP1186K5-33L-13 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AP1186K5-33L-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 AP1186K5-33L-13 reliable?
The price and inventory of AP1186K5-33L-13 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AP1186K5-33L-13 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AP1186K5-33L-13?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AP1186K5-33L-13 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AP1186K5-33L-13?
AP1186K5-33L-13 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AP1186K5-33L-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 AP1186K5-33L-13?
For technical support, including AP1186K5-33L-13 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AP1186K5-33L-13 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AP1186K5-33L-13 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AP1186K5-33L-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 AP1186K5-33L-13 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AP1186K5-33L-13?
All AP1186K5-33L-13 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AP1186K5-33L-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 AP1186K5-33L-13 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AP1186K5-33L-13:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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