Diodes Incorporated AP1501A-T5L-U
- Part No.:
- AP1501A-T5L-U
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Package:
- TO-220-5
- Datasheet:
-
AP1501A-T5L-U.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK ADJ 5A TO220-5
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,607
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Product details
Overview
AP1501A-T5L-U from Diodes Incorporated is a monolithic 150kHz, 5A non-synchronous PWM buck DC/DC converter with integrated power switch, fixed 5V output, thermal shutdown, current-limit protection, and logic-level ON/OFF control. It operates from 4.5V to 40V input and delivers ±4% output voltage accuracy at full load across –20°C to +85°C ambient. Used in industrial power supplies and embedded board-level regulators where compact high-current step-down is required.
For engineers reviewing the AP1501A-T5L-U datasheet, AP1501A-T5L-U pinout, AP1501A-T5L-U application, or AP1501A-T5L-U equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, package-specific pin functions, real-world efficiency data (78% at 12VIN/5A), thermal resistance values (θJA = 31°C/W), and validated alternative options for legacy design continuity.
Technical Context
The AP1501A-T5L-U implements voltage-mode PWM control with a fixed 150kHz ±15% oscillator, internal 1.23V reference, and built-in error amplifier compensation - eliminating external loop components. Its non-synchronous architecture uses an internal N-channel MOSFET switch and requires an external Schottky catch diode.
Thermal shutdown activates at TJ ≥ 125°C; current limit is set at 5.5–6.5A peak. The SD pin accepts logic-level signals (VIL ≤ 0.6V for ON, VIH ≥ 2.0V for OFF) and draws only 150–250µA in standby. Feedback is via resistive divider connected to FB pin referenced to 1.23V.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 5.0V ±4% (4.8–5.2V at 0.2–5A load, 8–40VIN) |
| Switching Frequency | 150kHz ±15% - enables use of smaller inductors (e.g., 22µH) and reduces EMI vs. lower-frequency buck converters |
| Max Output Current | 5A continuous - supported by integrated 1.5–1.6V saturation switch (VSAT) and TO220-5 thermal design |
| Input Voltage Range | 4.5V to 40V - accommodates wide-input industrial rails including 12V, 24V, and 36V battery systems |
| Efficiency | 78% typical at VIN = 12V, VOUT = 5V, IOUT = 5A - reflects conduction loss of internal switch and external diode |
| Quiescent Current | 5–10mA active mode; 150–250µA standby - enables low-power hold-up during system sleep states |
| Thermal Resistance | θJA = 31°C/W (TO220-5, 3in² copper) - requires heatsink above ~2.5A at high VIN/VOUT differentials |
Pinout & Package
AP1501A-T5L-U is housed in a TO220-5 package with exposed metal tab electrically connected to GND for thermal and electrical grounding. Mounting requires mechanical fastening and thermal interface to heatsink.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 VIN | Positive input supply | Accepts 4.5–40V; requires local ceramic bypass capacitor to handle high di/dt switching currents |
| 2 Output | Switch node | Drives external Schottky diode and LC filter; voltage swings between (VIN – VSAT) and ≈ –0.5V |
| 3 Gnd | Power and signal ground | Common return for IC core, feedback, and shutdown; tied to metal tab for thermal path |
| 4 FB | Feedback input | Senses output via resistor divider; internal 1.23V reference sets regulation point (VOUT = 1.23V × (1 + R2/R1)) |
| 5 SD | Shutdown control | Logic-compatible enable: <0.6V = ON, >2.0V = OFF; pulls total supply current to ≤250µA in standby |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated 5A power switch | Eliminates external MOSFET and gate driver, reducing BOM count and PCB area in 5A buck designs |
| Internal compensation network | Enables stable regulation without external compensation components - simplifies layout and validation |
| ±4% output voltage tolerance | Guaranteed over full temperature and load range - reduces need for post-regulation trimming in industrial applications |
| Thermal shutdown + current limit | Hardware-level protection prevents damage during overload, short-circuit, or inadequate heatsinking |
| Lead-free & RoHS-compliant (Green) | Meets EU Directive 2011/65/EU with <900ppm Br/Cl and <1000ppm Sb - suitable for eco-sensitive industrial deployments |
Applications
| Industrial Power Supply | Embedded Board-Level Regulator |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: 24V rail conversion to 5V for PLC I/O modules operating in –20°C to +70°C cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary step-down regulator with fixed 5V output, handling up to 5A transient loads from solenoid drivers. Use Value: Internal current limit and thermal shutdown prevent field failures during sustained 4A+ loads; TO220-5 package allows direct heatsink mounting in confined enclosures. |
Use Scenario: On-card 12V-to-5V conversion for FPGA I/O banks and microcontroller peripherals on industrial compute cards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Non-synchronous buck controller delivering clean 5V at 78% efficiency with minimal external parts (1 inductor, 1 diode, 2 caps). Use Value: 150kHz switching enables compact 22µH inductor; internal compensation avoids tuning delays during board bring-up. |
| POS Terminal Power | Test Equipment Auxiliary Rail |
|
Use Scenario: 12V battery-backed power for retail point-of-sale terminals requiring reliable 5V/3A operation during brownouts. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main DC/DC regulator with logic-controlled shutdown (SD pin) to enter low-power state when host MCU sleeps. Use Value: Standby current ≤250µA extends battery runtime; ±4% output tolerance ensures consistent USB peripheral operation. |
Use Scenario: Lab-grade multimeter or oscilloscope auxiliary 5V rail powering analog front-end circuitry and ADC references. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current, low-noise intermediate regulator feeding LDOs that supply precision analog stages. Use Value: Fixed 5V output eliminates feedback resistor errors; TO220-5 mechanical stability supports vibration-prone bench environments. |
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-50K5G-13 | Same silicon, TO263-5 surface-mount package; θJA = 37°C/W (vs. 31°C/W); no mechanical mounting hole | Used in space-constrained, reflow-only PCBs; requires ≥2in² copper pour for thermal management | Select when automated assembly and board density outweigh heatsink flexibility. |
| LM2596S-5.0 | 150kHz fixed-frequency buck; 3A rated (vs. 5A); higher VSAT (~1.8V); separate feedback pin with 1.23V ref | Lower current capacity limits use to ≤3A loads; less efficient at 5A due to higher conduction loss | Choose only for cost-sensitive, sub-3A designs where Diodes' 5A capability is unnecessary. |
Compared with AP1501A-T5L-U, the AP1501A-50K5G-13 offers identical electrical performance in a surface-mount form but trades thermal margin for density, while the LM2596S-5.0 sacrifices 40% current headroom and thermal robustness for broader distributor availability - making the TO220-5 variant optimal for new 5A industrial designs needing mechanical serviceability.
Availability
AP1501A-T5L-U is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, embedded board-level regulators, and test equipment auxiliary rails requiring stable component supply with long-term manufacturability assurance.
Supply support for AP1501A-T5L-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, automotive, and computing markets.
The AP1501A belongs to Diodes' high-current DC/DC converter product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, high-reliability industrial applications requiring integrated 5A buck regulation without external switch complexity.
FAQ
What is the maximum recommended input voltage for AP1501A-T5L-U?
The absolute maximum input voltage is +45V, but the recommended operating range is 4.5V to 40V per datasheet Section 5. Exceeding 40V risks violating safe operating area limits under high load or elevated temperature, especially given the TO220-5 package's thermal constraints. For 36V nominal systems, derating to ≤34V input is advised for 5A continuous operation.
Can AP1501A-T5L-U be used in synchronous rectification configurations?
No - the AP1501A-T5L-U is a non-synchronous buck controller with only a single internal N-channel MOSFET switch. It requires an external Schottky catch diode (e.g., SB560) on the Output pin. Synchronous operation is not supported; replacing the diode with a second FET would cause shoot-through and device failure due to lack of complementary gate drive timing.
Is the metal tab on the TO220-5 package electrically isolated?
No - the metal tab is internally connected to Pin 3 (GND) as confirmed in the Functional Description section and pinout diagrams. It must be thermally and electrically tied to system ground via heatsink or PCB copper. Insulating pads or shoulder washers are required if the heatsink is at a different potential.
Does AP1501A-T5L-U support adjustable output voltage?
No - the "-T5L-U" suffix denotes the fixed 5.0V output version. Adjustable versions use "-T5G-U" (TO220-5) or "-K5G-13" (TO263-5) with no voltage code. The AP1501A-T5L-U has internal feedback resistors set for 5V; connecting an external divider to FB will not alter regulation and may destabilize the loop due to unmodeled parasitics.
AP1501A-T5L-U Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-5
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Function:
- Step-Down
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Topology:
- Buck
- Output Type:
- Adjustable
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 4.5V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 40V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 1.23V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- 37V
- 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-T5L-U FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AP1501A-T5L-U through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AP1501A-T5L-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-T5L-U reliable?
The price and inventory of AP1501A-T5L-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-T5L-U is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AP1501A-T5L-U?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AP1501A-T5L-U transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AP1501A-T5L-U?
AP1501A-T5L-U orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AP1501A-T5L-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-T5L-U?
For technical support, including AP1501A-T5L-U datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AP1501A-T5L-U requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AP1501A-T5L-U is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AP1501A-T5L-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-T5L-U meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AP1501A-T5L-U?
All AP1501A-T5L-U units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AP1501A-T5L-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-T5L-U part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AP1501A-T5L-U:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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