Diodes Incorporated AP1501A-12T5G-U
- Part No.:
- AP1501A-12T5G-U
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Package:
- TO-220-5
- Datasheet:
-
AP1501A-12T5G-U.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK 12V 5A TO220-5
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,921
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Product details
Overview
AP1501A-12T5G-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 4.5V to 40V input, delivers ±4% output voltage accuracy at 5A load, and uses TO220-5 package with metal tab connected to GND. It is used in industrial power supplies requiring compact, high-current step-down regulation.
For engineers reviewing the AP1501A-12T5G-U datasheet, AP1501A-12T5G-U pinout, AP1501A-12T5G-U application, or AP1501A-12T5G-U equivalent, key selection criteria include its 12V fixed output, 5A continuous load capability, 150kHz switching frequency, ON/OFF shutdown control, and thermal protection - all critical for board-level power conversion in space-constrained embedded systems.
Technical Context
The AP1501A-12T5G-U implements voltage-mode PWM control with an internal 1.23V reference and 150kHz oscillator (±15%). Its feedback loop uses external resistive divider for adjustable versions, but this variant fixes output at 12V via on-die resistor network, eliminating FB pin configuration.
It integrates a 5A N-channel MOSFET switch with 1.5V typical saturation voltage at full load, enabling efficient operation without external transistors. Protection includes cycle-by-cycle current limiting (6.0A typ) and thermal shutdown triggered above +125°C junction temperature.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 12V ±4% under 0.2–5A load and 15–40V input - ensures stable rail for downstream logic or analog circuitry. |
| Max Output Current | 5A continuous - supports high-power microcontrollers, FPGAs, or motor drivers without external pass devices. |
| Switching Frequency | 150kHz ±15% - enables use of smaller, lower-cost inductors (e.g., 22µH) and reduces EMI compared to sub-100kHz regulators. |
| Input Voltage Range | 4.5V to 40V - accommodates wide-input industrial, automotive, or telecom supply rails including 24V nominal systems. |
| Efficiency | 88% at VIN=16V, IOUT=5A - minimizes thermal stress and simplifies heatsink requirements in enclosed enclosures. |
| Shutdown Quiescent Current | 250µA max at VIN=40V - enables low-power standby modes in battery-backed or energy-sensitive applications. |
| Thermal Shutdown Threshold | +125°C junction temperature - prevents permanent damage during overload or poor heatsinking conditions. |
Pinout & Package
AP1501A-12T5G-U is housed in a TO220-5 package with metal tab electrically connected to Pin 3 (GND), requiring mechanical mounting to a heatsink for thermal management. The package has 5 leads in standard straight-line configuration with GND tab providing primary thermal path.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (VIN) | Power input | Accepts 4.5–40V DC; requires local 100µF+ low-ESR capacitor to suppress switching transients. |
| 2 (Output) | Switch node | Drives external catch diode and inductor; voltage swings between ~0.5V (low) and VIN–1.5V (high); minimal copper area recommended. |
| 3 (GND) | Ground reference & thermal pad | Common return for all internal circuits; metal tab must be soldered to large PCB copper pour or heatsink for thermal conduction. |
| 4 (FB) | Feedback sense | Internally tied to 12V divider; not user-accessible - device operates as fixed-output regulator without external resistor network. |
| 5 (SD) | Shutdown control | Logic-level input: <1.3V = ON, >2.0V = OFF; sinks up to 25µA when pulled high; open or grounded = always ON. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated 5A power switch | Eliminates need for external MOSFET and gate driver, reducing BOM count and layout complexity in high-current buck designs. |
| Internal compensation | Enables stable regulation across line/load variations without external compensation components - simplifies design validation. |
| ON/OFF shutdown control | Reduces total input current to ≤250µA in standby, supporting system-level power sequencing and energy-saving modes. |
| Thermal shutdown + current limit | Provides dual-layer protection against sustained overloads or ambient overheating - enhances reliability in unattended industrial deployments. |
| Fixed 12V output version | Guarantees ±4% output accuracy without external resistor tolerance errors or layout-induced feedback noise. |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Power Supply | Embedded Control Board |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Providing regulated 12V rail for programmable logic controller I/O modules operating in factory environments with 24V DC distribution. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary step-down regulator converting 24V bus to isolated 12V logic supply for digital inputs, relays, and communication interfaces. Use Value: Delivers 5A continuous current with built-in thermal protection, enabling robust operation in high-temperature cabinets without forced air cooling. | Use Scenario: Powering ARM-based single-board computers and peripheral interfaces in ruggedized edge computing gateways. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main DC/DC converter supplying 12V to FPGA core voltage regulators and USB host controllers. Use Value: Fixed 12V output eliminates feedback resistor placement errors and improves long-term stability versus adjustable alternatives. |
| Point-of-Load Telecom Module | Motor Drive Auxiliary Supply |
Use Scenario: Generating 12V bias for optical transceivers and clock buffers in compact 1RU telecom line cards with limited board area. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-density buck regulator replacing discrete switcher solutions to meet strict size and efficiency targets. Use Value: 150kHz switching allows use of small 22µH shielded inductors, reducing footprint by >30% vs. 50kHz alternatives. | Use Scenario: Supplying gate drive and logic power for 3-phase BLDC motor inverters in HVAC and industrial automation drives. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Auxiliary power source deriving 12V from main DC bus to power gate drivers, current sensors, and MCU peripherals. Use Value: Withstands 40V input surges common in motor back-EMF events and maintains regulation during transient load steps up to 5A. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar fixed-output buck regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AP63357WU-12 | Pin-compatible upgrade with 340kHz switching, 6A rating, and improved efficiency (92% at 5A), but requires revised LC filter design. | Supports higher-frequency designs needing smaller magnetics; not drop-in due to different compensation and startup behavior. | Select when upgrading legacy designs for better thermal performance and smaller solution size - requires layout revision and validation. |
| LM2596S-12/NOPB | 3.4A rated, 150kHz, adjustable or fixed 12V; lacks integrated thermal shutdown and has looser output tolerance (±4% vs ±2% for LM2596S-12). | Suitable for cost-sensitive, lower-current applications where 5A headroom is unnecessary. | Choose for simpler, lower-cost replacements where 3.4A output suffices and thermal margin is adequate. |
Compared with AP1501A-12T5G-U, AP63357WU-12 offers higher efficiency and current capability but demands updated filter design, while LM2596S-12/NOPB provides a lower-cost, lower-current alternative with reduced protection features - making AP1501A-12T5G-U optimal for thermally demanding 5A industrial loads where proven reliability outweighs newer feature sets.
Availability
AP1501A-12T5G-U is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC power supplies, embedded control boards, point-of-load telecom modules, and motor drive auxiliary supplies requiring stable component supply despite its Not Recommended for New Design (NRND) status.
Supply support for AP1501A-12T5G-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 solutions for industrial, computing, and consumer markets.
The AP1501A series belongs to Diodes' legacy high-current buck converter product line, designed specifically for cost-effective, thermally robust step-down regulation in space-constrained industrial power supplies without requiring external MOSFETs.
FAQ
What is the maximum allowable input voltage for AP1501A-12T5G-U?
The absolute maximum input voltage is +45V, but the recommended operating range is 4.5V to 40V. Operation above 40V risks exceeding internal transistor breakdown limits and may trigger premature thermal shutdown. For reliable long-term use, maintain VIN ≤ 40V with ≥1V margin under worst-case surge conditions.
Can the AP1501A-12T5G-U be used in adjustable-output configurations?
No - the AP1501A-12T5G-U is a fixed 12V output variant with internal feedback resistors. Its FB pin is not externally accessible for adjustment. To achieve adjustable output, select the AP1501A-T5G-U (ADJ version), which exposes the FB pin and requires external resistor divider per VOUT = 1.23V × (1 + R2/R1).
Is a heatsink required for AP1501A-12T5G-U at 5A load?
Yes - the TO220-5 package requires a heatsink under most 5A operating conditions. With θJA ≈ 31°C/W and 1.5V saturation loss generating ~7.5W dissipation, junction temperature rise exceeds safe limits without thermal management. A 10°C/W heatsink with thermal interface material is recommended for ambient temperatures above 40°C.
Does AP1501A-12T5G-U support synchronous rectification?
No - it uses non-synchronous PWM architecture with external Schottky catch diode. The internal switch is a single N-channel MOSFET; no complementary low-side switch or synchronous control logic is integrated. Synchronous operation would require external gate drivers and MOSFETs, increasing complexity and cost.
AP1501A-12T5G-U Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-5
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Function:
- Step-Down
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Topology:
- Buck
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 4.5V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 40V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 12V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 5A
- Frequency - Switching:
- 150kHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- No
- Operating Temperature:
- -20°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220-5
AP1501A-12T5G-U FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AP1501A-12T5G-U through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AP1501A-12T5G-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-12T5G-U reliable?
The price and inventory of AP1501A-12T5G-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-12T5G-U is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AP1501A-12T5G-U?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AP1501A-12T5G-U transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AP1501A-12T5G-U?
AP1501A-12T5G-U orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AP1501A-12T5G-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-12T5G-U?
For technical support, including AP1501A-12T5G-U datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AP1501A-12T5G-U requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AP1501A-12T5G-U is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AP1501A-12T5G-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-12T5G-U meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AP1501A-12T5G-U?
All AP1501A-12T5G-U units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AP1501A-12T5G-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-12T5G-U part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AP1501A-12T5G-U:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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