Diodes Incorporated AP1186T5-33L-U
- Part No.:
- AP1186T5-33L-U
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Package:
- TO-220-5
- Datasheet:
-
AP1186T5-33L-U.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR 3.3V 1.5A TO220-5
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:832
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Product details
Overview
AP1186T5-33L-U from Diodes Incorporated is a 1.5A ultra-low dropout positive fixed-mode linear regulator in TO220-5L package, delivering 3.3V output with ≤0.38V dropout at 1.5A load, built-in thermal shutdown and current limiting, and optimized for GPU core supply from 3.3V/5V ATX rails in graphics card designs.
For engineers reviewing the AP1186T5-33L-U datasheet, AP1186T5-33L-U pinout, AP1186T5-33L-U application, or AP1186T5-33L-U equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage under full load, remote sensing capability via Vsense pin, control pin (Vctrl) biasing requirements, and thermal resistance in TO220-5L packaging.
Technical Context
The AP1186T5-33L-U uses an NPN pass transistor architecture with externally biased Vctrl pin-separate from Vin-to achieve sub-400mV dropout while avoiding base-current losses typical of PNP regulators. Its dual-input flexibility enables direct use of 5V auxiliary rail to drive Vctrl while regulating from 3.3V main rail.
True remote sensing is implemented via dedicated Vsense pin, enabling load-point voltage regulation independent of PCB trace IR drop. The device requires minimum 100µF output capacitance and mandates ≥10µF capacitor on Vsense and Vctrl pins for stability across temperature and load transients.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 3.3V ±1.5% at 10mA, 25°C; supports tight-tolerance GPU core supply without external resistors. |
| Dropout Voltage (Vin–Vout) | 0.26V (typ), 0.38V (max) at 1.5A load; enables >90% efficiency when regulating from 3.3V input to 3.3V output under transient conditions. |
| Load Regulation | 26–33 mV over 0–1.5A load range at 25°C; ensures stable voltage delivery during GPU dynamic current steps. |
| Ripple Rejection | 60–70 dB at 120Hz, 1Vpp ripple; suppresses switching noise from upstream ATX supplies before reaching sensitive logic. |
| Thermal Resistance θJC | 2.5°C/W (junction-to-case); enables predictable heatsink sizing for continuous 1.5A operation in TO220-5L package. |
| Control Pin Current | 6–25 mA at Vctrl = 2.75V; defines minimum auxiliary rail current draw when using 5V to bias Vctrl. |
| Minimum Load Current | 5–10 mA; sets lower bound for light-load stability-critical when GPU enters low-power states. |
Pinout & Package
AP1186T5-33L-U is housed in a lead-free TO220-5L package with exposed tab electrically connected to Vout for thermal conduction and mechanical mounting. The tab must be isolated from chassis ground unless Vout is referenced to system ground.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1: Vin | Input supply terminal | Primary power input; must remain >Vout + dropout voltage; connects to 3.3V ATX rail with ≥100µF bulk capacitance. |
| 2: Vctrl | Control circuit supply | Bias source for internal control circuitry and NPN base drive; must exceed Vin by ≥1V (e.g., 5V rail); requires ≥100µF decoupling. |
| 3: Adj (GND) | Reference return / ground | Ground reference for internal 1.25V bandgap; tied directly to system ground in fixed-output mode (no resistor divider). |
| 4: Vsense | Remote output sense input | Feedback node for true remote sensing; connects directly to load point to compensate for PCB trace resistance. |
| 5: Vout | Regulated output terminal | Delivers 3.3V to load; tab is internally connected to this pin-must be thermally coupled but electrically isolated as needed. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-low dropout | 0.38V max at 1.5A enables high-efficiency LDO operation from 3.3V input-eliminates need for inefficient pre-regulation or costly switching solutions. |
| Dedicated Vctrl pin | Separate 5V-biasable control rail reduces base-drive losses vs. PNP LDOs and improves transient response by decoupling control loop from input path. |
| True remote sensing | Vsense pin allows regulation at load point-not at IC output-compensating for up to ~100mΩ PCB trace resistance without external op-amps. |
| Fast transient response | Designed for <500ns current steps (e.g., GPU core switching); achieves stable regulation with only 100µF output capacitance and standard ESR electrolytics. |
| Integrated protection | Thermal shutdown triggers at ~150°C junction; current limiting activates at 1.6A-prevents damage during short-circuit or overload events. |
Applications
| Graphics Card Core Supply | ATX Motherboard Auxiliary Rail |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Powering GPU core logic requiring tightly regulated 3.3V from shared 3.3V/5V ATX rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary low-noise, fast-transient LDO delivering stable 3.3V to GPU die under dynamic load changes. Use Value: Eliminates need for complex DC-DC converters while meeting GPU voltage tolerance specs (±1.5%) and nanosecond-scale transient demands. |
Use Scenario: Generating clean 3.3V for PCIe slot interface logic and memory controllers on ATX motherboards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-output LDO providing noise-isolated 3.3V from noisy 3.3V ATX bus, leveraging Vctrl from 5V rail. Use Value: Ripple rejection >60dB suppresses switching noise from upstream converters, ensuring signal integrity for high-speed serial links. |
| Industrial FPGA I/O Bank | Embedded Vision Sensor Interface |
|
Use Scenario: Supplying configurable I/O banks on Xilinx/Intel FPGAs where multiple voltage domains require precise, low-noise rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dedicated 3.3V LDO per I/O bank with remote sensing to maintain voltage accuracy across long PCB traces. Use Value: Load regulation ≤33mV ensures setup/hold timing margins are preserved despite board-level IR drops and thermal drift. |
Use Scenario: Powering CMOS image sensors and ISP processors in compact vision modules with strict EMI constraints. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-EMI linear regulator replacing switching supplies to avoid clock jitter and sensor pattern noise. Use Value: Ultra-low dropout allows direct use of 3.3V system rail-reducing BOM count and eliminating switching noise-induced image artifacts. |
Availability
AP1186T5-33L-U is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for graphics card power delivery, ATX motherboard auxiliary rail conditioning, and industrial FPGA I/O bank regulation requiring stable component supply and legacy-compatible LDO performance.
Supply support for AP1186T5-33L-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-reliability power management, signal integrity, and protection solutions for computing, industrial, and consumer markets.
The AP1186 series belongs to Diodes' precision linear regulator product line, engineered specifically for high-current, ultra-low-dropout applications in graphics processing and ATX platform power architectures.
FAQ
What is the required capacitor configuration for stable operation of AP1186T5-33L-U?
The AP1186T5-33L-U requires three minimum capacitors: 100µF between Vout and GND, 10µF between Vsense and GND, and 100µF between Vctrl and GND. All must be low-ESR aluminum electrolytic or polymer types. Input capacitance (Cin) ≥1µF is recommended at Vin. These values ensure loop stability across 0–150°C and 0–1.5A load range.
Can AP1186T5-33L-U be used without a separate Vctrl supply?
No. The Vctrl pin must be supplied at least 1V above Vin (e.g., 5V when Vin = 3.3V) to enable proper base drive of the NPN pass transistor. Operating Vctrl ≤ Vin prevents regulation and may cause uncontrolled output collapse. This dual-rail requirement is fundamental to its ultra-low dropout architecture.
How does remote sensing work on AP1186T5-33L-U, and where should Vsense be connected?
Vsense connects directly to the load's power input node-bypassing PCB trace resistance between the regulator and load. The internal error amplifier compares Vsense to the 1.25V reference, adjusting Vout to maintain exact voltage at the load. For graphics cards, Vsense ties to GPU core VDD pins, not the regulator's Vout pad.
Is AP1186T5-33L-U still in active production, and what is its obsolescence status?
AP1186T5-33L-U is marked obsolete by Diodes Incorporated with no recommended alternate part. Aetrix Electronics maintains limited legacy inventory for design continuity and repair programs. No second-source or pin-compatible replacement exists; redesign to newer LDOs (e.g., AP7361D, AP2204) requires schematic and layout revision.
AP1186T5-33L-U Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-5
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- 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:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220-5
AP1186T5-33L-U FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AP1186T5-33L-U through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AP1186T5-33L-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 AP1186T5-33L-U reliable?
The price and inventory of AP1186T5-33L-U are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AP1186T5-33L-U is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AP1186T5-33L-U?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AP1186T5-33L-U transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AP1186T5-33L-U?
AP1186T5-33L-U orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AP1186T5-33L-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 AP1186T5-33L-U?
For technical support, including AP1186T5-33L-U datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AP1186T5-33L-U requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AP1186T5-33L-U is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AP1186T5-33L-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 AP1186T5-33L-U meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AP1186T5-33L-U?
All AP1186T5-33L-U units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AP1186T5-33L-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 AP1186T5-33L-U part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AP1186T5-33L-U:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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