Diodes Incorporated AP1501A-12K5G-U
- Part No.:
- AP1501A-12K5G-U
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Package:
- TO-263-6, D2PAK (5 Leads + Tab), TO-263BA
- Datasheet:
-
AP1501A-12K5G-U.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK 3A TO263-5
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,935
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Product details
Overview
AP1501A-12K5G-U from Diodes Incorporated is a monolithic 150kHz, 5A non-synchronous PWM buck DC/DC converter with fixed 12V output, integrated power switch, thermal shutdown, and current-limit protection. It operates from 15V to 40V input, delivers ±4% output voltage accuracy at 5A load, and uses TO263-5 surface-mount packaging for high-power density step-down regulation in industrial power supplies.
For engineers reviewing the AP1501A-12K5G-U datasheet, AP1501A-12K5G-U pinout, AP1501A-12K5G-U application, or AP1501A-12K5G-U equivalent, key selection criteria include its 12V fixed output, 150kHz switching frequency, built-in 5A switch, ON/OFF logic control via SD pin, and thermal performance on PCB copper heatsinking - all critical for board-level power conversion design.
Technical Context
The AP1501A-12K5G-U implements voltage-mode PWM control with an internal 1.23V reference and 150kHz oscillator (±15%), enabling stable regulation without external compensation. Its feedback loop monitors output via the FB pin and adjusts duty cycle to maintain 12V ±4% across 0.2A–5A loads and 15V–40V input range.
It integrates a low-saturation-voltage power switch (1.5V typical at 5A), thermal shutdown activation above +125°C junction temperature, and peak current limiting at 6.0A (typ). The SD pin accepts logic-level shutdown (≤1.3V ON, ≥2.0V OFF), reducing quiescent current to 250µA in standby mode.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 12V ±4% over full load (0.2A–5A) and input (15V–40V) range - ensures stable rail for downstream logic or analog circuitry. |
| Switching Frequency | 150kHz ±15% - enables use of compact 22µH inductors and reduces EMI compared to lower-frequency buck converters. |
| Max Output Current | 5A continuous - supports high-current applications without external MOSFETs or complex gate drive. |
| Input Voltage Range | 15V to 40V - compatible with 24V industrial bus, automotive battery systems (with transient protection), and telecom inputs. |
| Feedback Reference | 1.23V internal reference - sets output via resistor divider in adjustable versions; not used directly in fixed-12V variant but defines regulation architecture. |
| Thermal Shutdown | Activates at TJ > +125°C - protects die during overload or insufficient PCB copper heatsinking in TO263-5 package. |
| Shutdown Quiescent Current | 250µA max at VIN = 40V - minimizes system standby power in always-on industrial controllers. |
Pinout & Package
AP1501A-12K5G-U is housed in a TO263-5 (D²PAK) thermally enhanced surface-mount package with exposed metal tab soldered to PCB copper for heatsinking. Thermal resistance is θJA = 37°C/W (1 oz, 3 in² copper) and θJC = 6°C/W, requiring ≥0.8 in² minimum copper area for safe 5A operation at +85°C ambient.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 VIN | Positive input supply | Accepts 15–40V DC; requires local ceramic bypass capacitor to handle high di/dt switching currents. |
| 2 Output | Switching node | Drives external Schottky catch diode and inductor; voltage swings between VIN–VSAT (~38.5V) and ~–0.5V; minimal copper area recommended to reduce EMI coupling. |
| 3 Gnd | Power ground | Common return for internal regulator, feedback amplifier, and thermal sensor; must connect to low-impedance PCB ground plane. |
| 4 FB | Feedback input | Monitors regulated output via internal 1.23V reference; unused in fixed-12V version but internally connected to precision divider network. |
| 5 SD | Shutdown control | Logic-compatible input: ≤1.3V enables regulation, ≥2.0V disables switch and drops IQ to 250µA; can be tied to GND for always-on operation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated 5A power switch | Eliminates need for external MOSFET and driver, reducing BOM count and layout complexity in space-constrained designs. |
| Fixed 12V output with ±4% tolerance | Guarantees tight regulation across temperature and load without trimming resistors or calibration - ideal for plug-and-play power modules. |
| 150kHz fixed-frequency PWM | Enables predictable EMI filtering and consistent inductor sizing; avoids subharmonic oscillation issues common in variable-frequency controllers. |
| Thermal shutdown + current limit | Provides dual-layer protection against sustained overload or poor heatsinking - prevents catastrophic failure during fault conditions. |
| ON/OFF logic control (SD pin) | Supports system-level power sequencing and sleep modes with standard CMOS/TTL signals, simplifying integration into microcontroller-based systems. |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Power Supply | Embedded System Board Power |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Providing clean 12V rail to I/O modules, communication interfaces, and microcontrollers in programmable logic controllers operating in harsh factory environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary step-down regulator converting 24V DC bus to isolated 12V logic supply with high efficiency and thermal robustness. Use Value: Delivers 5A continuously with built-in thermal shutdown, eliminating need for external thermal monitoring while maintaining reliability at +70°C ambient. |
Use Scenario: Generating local 12V supply for FPGA configuration, DDR memory termination, and peripheral ICs on dense embedded computing boards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current, low-profile buck converter mounted directly on main PCB using TO263-5 thermal pad for passive heatsinking. Use Value: Reduces component count vs. controller+MOSFET solutions and achieves >88% efficiency at 5A, minimizing heat generation near sensitive digital circuitry. |
| Telecom Line Card Power | Test Equipment DC Power Module |
|
Use Scenario: Converting -48V or +24V backplane voltage to +12V for analog front-end amplifiers, ADC drivers, and clock buffers in telecom line cards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Non-isolated buck regulator handling wide input transients and delivering low-noise 12V with fast load-step response. Use Value: Maintains ±4% output accuracy under 5A dynamic load steps due to internal compensation and 150kHz bandwidth - critical for signal integrity. |
Use Scenario: Serving as adjustable or fixed-output stage in benchtop DC power supplies or automated test equipment requiring stable, high-current outputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Core power conversion element in modular power subsystems where reliability, thermal margin, and long-term stability are mandatory. Use Value: Supports 50-unit batch production with traceable green (halogen/antimony-free) RoHS compliance and documented end-of-life status per Diodes Inc. ordering table. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar fixed-output buck converter applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AP1501A-12K5G-13 | Same silicon, identical electrical specs, TO263-5 package, 800-unit tape-and-reel packaging instead of tube. | Designed for automated SMT assembly; same thermal and electrical behavior as AP1501A-12K5G-U. | Select for high-volume production requiring pick-and-place compatibility and longer reel life. |
| LM2596S-12 | 3A rated, 150kHz, fixed 12V, TO263-5 package; lacks SD pin shutdown and has wider output tolerance (±4% typ, not guaranteed). | Suitable only for <3A loads; no logic-controlled standby mode limits use in low-power systems. | Choose only if 3A capacity suffices and shutdown functionality is unnecessary - not a drop-in replacement for 5A or control-critical designs. |
Compared with AP1501A-12K5G-U, the AP1501A-12K5G-13 offers identical performance with optimized packaging for SMT lines, while the LM2596S-12 sacrifices 40% current capability and precise shutdown control - making it unsuitable for full-load or power-managed applications.
Availability
AP1501A-12K5G-U is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC power supplies, embedded system board power, telecom line card power, and test equipment DC power modules requiring stable component supply and known lifecycle status.
Supply support for AP1501A-12K5G-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 power management, signal integrity, and protection devices for industrial, computing, and consumer markets.
The AP1501A series belongs to Diodes' high-current integrated buck converter product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications needing self-contained 5A step-down regulation without external power switches.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage rating for AP1501A-12K5G-U?
The absolute maximum input voltage is +45V, but the recommended operating range is 15V to 40V for reliable 12V output regulation at full 5A load. Exceeding 40V risks reduced efficiency and accelerated thermal stress, especially without adequate PCB copper heatsinking per the datasheet's θJA guidelines.
Does AP1501A-12K5G-U require external compensation components?
No. The AP1501A-12K5G-U features fully internal compensation, eliminating the need for external RC networks on the FB pin. This simplifies design and improves stability across line and load variations - confirmed by the datasheet's "internal compensation" feature and typical application circuits showing no external compensation elements.
Can the SD pin be left unconnected for default operation?
Yes. Leaving the SD pin open or connecting it directly to GND places the device in permanent ON mode, as specified in the Pin Descriptions section. No pull-up or external logic is required for basic operation - this behavior is electrically guaranteed and validated in the Absolute Maximum Ratings and Functional Description sections.
Is AP1501A-12K5G-U still recommended for new designs?
No. Per Diodes Incorporated's Ordering Information table (Note 6), AP1501A-12K5G-U is marked "End of Life". The recommended alternative is AP1501A-12K5G-13 (tape-and-reel), which shares identical electrical and thermal specifications but supports modern SMT manufacturing and ongoing supply chain continuity.
AP1501A-12K5G-U Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Series:
- *
- Package/Case:
- TO-263-6, D2PAK (5 Leads + Tab), TO-263BA
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Function:
- -
- Output Configuration:
- -
- Topology:
- -
- Output Type:
- -
- Number of Outputs:
- -
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- -
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- -
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- -
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- -
- Frequency - Switching:
- -
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-263-5
AP1501A-12K5G-U FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AP1501A-12K5G-U through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AP1501A-12K5G-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 AP1501A-12K5G-U reliable?
The price and inventory of AP1501A-12K5G-U are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AP1501A-12K5G-U is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AP1501A-12K5G-U?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AP1501A-12K5G-U transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AP1501A-12K5G-U?
AP1501A-12K5G-U orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AP1501A-12K5G-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 AP1501A-12K5G-U?
For technical support, including AP1501A-12K5G-U datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AP1501A-12K5G-U requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AP1501A-12K5G-U is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AP1501A-12K5G-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 AP1501A-12K5G-U meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AP1501A-12K5G-U?
All AP1501A-12K5G-U units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AP1501A-12K5G-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 AP1501A-12K5G-U part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AP1501A-12K5G-U:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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