Diodes Incorporated AP1501-K5G-U
- Part No.:
- AP1501-K5G-U
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Package:
- TO-263-6, D2PAK (5 Leads + Tab), TO-263BA
- Datasheet:
-
AP1501-K5G-U.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK 3A TO263-5
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,080
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Product details
Overview
AP1501-K5G-U from Diodes Incorporated is a non-synchronous PWM buck DC/DC converter with integrated 3A switch, fixed 150kHz switching frequency (±15%), adjustable output voltage range of 1.23V–37V (+4%), 40V max input voltage, and thermal/current-limit protection. It operates in TO263-5 package with metal tab grounded, targeting board-level step-down regulation in industrial power supplies.
For engineers reviewing the AP1501-K5G-U datasheet, AP1501-K5G-U pinout, AP1501-K5G-U application, or AP1501-K5G-U equivalent, key selection criteria include its adjustable feedback architecture (1.23V reference), ON/OFF shutdown control, ±4% output voltage tolerance at full load, and thermal resistance of 37°C/W (junction-to-ambient, TO263-5).
Technical Context
The AP1501-K5G-U implements voltage-mode PWM control with an internal 1.235V reference and dedicated feedback amplifier. Its oscillator generates a fixed 150kHz signal (127–173kHz over temperature), enabling predictable filter design using standard 33–47µH inductors and low-ESR electrolytic/ceramic output capacitors.
It integrates a 3A N-channel MOSFET switch with 1.4V typical saturation voltage at 3A, thermal shutdown activation at +150°C junction temperature, and current-limit threshold of 4.0A (typ). The SD pin accepts logic-level shutdown (VIL ≤ 1.3V for ON, VIH ≥ 2.0V for OFF), drawing only 250µA standby current at VIN = 40V.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Switching Frequency | 150 kHz ±15% - enables use of compact 33–47 µH inductors and reduces EMI filtering complexity |
| Output Current | 3 A continuous - supports mid-power applications without external driver or heat sink under moderate ambient conditions |
| Input Voltage Range | 4.5 V to 40 V - compatible with 12 V, 24 V, and 36 V industrial bus rails |
| Feedback Reference | 1.23 V ±1.5% - sets output via resistor divider; enables precise 1.23–37 V adjustment with <±4% total output error |
| Thermal Resistance θJA | 37 °C/W - requires ≥0.4 in² copper area on PCB for safe 3A operation at TA = 85°C |
| Shutdown Quiescent Current | 250 µA at VIN = 40 V - minimizes system standby power in battery-backed or energy-sensitive designs |
| Current Limit Threshold | 4.0 A typical - protects internal switch during overload or short-circuit while allowing 3A sustained delivery |
Pinout & Package
AP1501-K5G-U is housed in a RoHS-compliant, halogen-free TO263-5 surface-mount package with exposed metal tab electrically connected to GND. The tab serves as primary thermal path to PCB copper; recommended layout uses ≥2 oz copper and ≥2 in² thermal pad area.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - VIN | Positive input supply rail | Accepts 4.5–40 V; requires local 100 µF low-ESR input capacitor to suppress switching transients |
| 2 - Output | Internal switch drain node | Swings between VIN–VSAT (~VIN–1.4 V) and ~–0.5 V; connects to inductor input; minimize copper area to reduce EMI coupling |
| 3 - Gnd | Power and signal ground reference | Common return for VIN, FB, SD, and metal tab; must be low-impedance connection to thermal pad |
| 4 - FB | Feedback input for output voltage regulation | Senses divided output voltage; bias current 60 nA (typ); connects to resistor divider with VREF = 1.23 V |
| 5 - SD | Logic-controlled shutdown enable | Active-low: <1.3 V = ON, >2.0 V = OFF; draws ≤25 µA; can be tied to GND for always-on operation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated 3A Power Switch | Eliminates need for external MOSFET driver and gate resistor, reducing BOM count and layout complexity |
| Voltage-Mode PWM Control | Provides stable loop response with single-pole compensation; no external Type-II/III compensator required |
| Adjustable Output (1.23–37 V) | Enables single SKU to support multiple rail voltages via resistor divider-no redesign needed for 3.3 V, 5 V, or custom outputs |
| Thermal Shutdown + Current Limit | Prevents latch-up or destruction during overtemperature (>150°C) or overcurrent (>4 A peak) events without external sensing circuitry |
| ON/OFF Logic Control | Allows system-level power sequencing and sleep mode entry with microcontroller GPIO, reducing idle power to 250 µA |
Applications
| Industrial PLC I/O Module | Embedded Motor Drive Controller |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Powers 3.3 V FPGA configuration and 5 V analog front-end from 24 V DC bus in DIN-rail mounted programmable logic controller. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary non-isolated buck regulator delivering regulated 3.3 V/5 V rails with tight line/load regulation and fast transient response. Use Value: Achieves 73–80% efficiency at 3 A load, eliminating need for heatsink in convection-cooled enclosures due to TO263-5 thermal design. |
Use Scenario: Supplies 12 V gate drive and 5 V MCU core voltage from 36 V battery in brushless DC motor control board. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-output buck stage (using two AP1501s) providing isolated-by-layout power domains with independent ON/OFF control. Use Value: Fixed 12 V and adjustable 5 V versions enable precise gate drive margin and MCU VDD compliance across wide input voltage swing (24–40 V). |
| Point-of-Load Telecom Shelf | Test Equipment Power Subsystem |
|
Use Scenario: Generates 5 V/3 A auxiliary rail for FPGA-based packet processing unit in 48 V telecom shelf with strict thermal budget. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current PoL converter operating at 150 kHz to avoid interference with 10+ Gbps SerDes clock bands. Use Value: Fixed-frequency operation simplifies EMI filter design; ±4% output tolerance ensures reliable FPGA configuration under varying load and temperature. |
Use Scenario: Provides stable 3.3 V/3 A supply for ADC/DAC signal chain in portable benchtop multimeter with battery backup. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main DC/DC regulator with shutdown control synchronized to measurement cycle to minimize self-heating during precision sampling. Use Value: 250 µA standby current extends battery life; internal compensation avoids drift-prone external components in metrology-grade layout. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar adjustable buck regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP1584EN-LF-Z (Monolithic Power) | Higher 1.5 MHz switching frequency; lower 2A rated current; requires external compensation | Better suited for space-constrained designs needing smaller inductors; less robust for sustained 3A loads | Select when board area is critical and peak load ≤2A; verify loop stability with external RC network |
| LM2596S-ADJ (Texas Instruments) | Lower 150 kHz frequency but higher 3.5A current rating; larger TO263-5 footprint; no integrated thermal shutdown | Higher current headroom and proven reliability in high-temperature environments; lacks logic-controlled shutdown | Choose for legacy compatibility or where SD pin control is unnecessary; add discrete thermal cutoff if required |
Compared with MP1584EN-LF-Z and LM2596S-ADJ, AP1501-K5G-U uniquely balances 3A capability, integrated protection, logic shutdown, and TO263-5 thermal performance without external compensation-making it optimal for cost-sensitive industrial PoL where reliability trumps ultra-small size.
Availability
AP1501-K5G-U is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC I/O modules, embedded motor drive controllers, telecom point-of-load supplies, and test equipment power subsystems requiring stable component supply with long lifecycle visibility.
Supply support for AP1501-K5G-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 semiconductor company specializing in discrete, analog, and mixed-signal ICs, with emphasis on power management, signal integrity, and protection solutions for industrial, computing, and consumer markets.
The AP1501 belongs to Diodes' high-current monolithic buck regulator product line, designed specifically for cost-effective, thermally efficient step-down conversion in space- and reliability-constrained industrial power systems.
FAQ
What is the minimum input voltage required for AP1501-K5G-U to regulate a 3.3 V output?
The AP1501-K5G-U requires a minimum input voltage of 4.5 V to maintain regulation at 3.3 V output, as specified in Recommended Operating Conditions. Below this, dropout occurs due to internal switch saturation voltage (~1.4 V) and feedback overhead, causing unregulated output collapse. For 3.3 V output, VIN must exceed 4.73 V to ensure stable operation across temperature and load.
Can AP1501-K5G-U be used in synchronous rectification configurations?
No-AP1501-K5G-U is a non-synchronous buck converter with only a single internal N-channel MOSFET switch and no driver output for an external synchronous rectifier. It relies on an external Schottky diode (e.g., B340A) for freewheeling. Synchronous operation would require replacing the diode with a second actively controlled FET and separate gate driver timing, which the AP1501 does not support.
How does the feedback pin bias current affect output voltage accuracy?
The FB pin draws 60 nA (typical) bias current, which flows through the upper feedback resistor (R1) and introduces a voltage drop that offsets the sensed output. For a 1.23 V reference and 10 kΩ R1, this causes ~0.6 mV error-negligible at 3.3 V (<0.02%). However, with R1 > 100 kΩ, error exceeds 6 mV, degrading regulation; Diodes recommends R1 ≤ 30 kΩ for <0.1% added error.
Is the metal tab on the TO263-5 package electrically isolated?
No-the metal tab on AP1501-K5G-U's TO263-5 package is internally connected to the GND pin (Pin 3) and must be soldered to a PCB ground plane. It is not isolated and serves as the primary thermal and electrical return path. Connecting the tab to any other net (e.g., VIN or Output) will cause short-circuit failure. Layout must ensure no solder bridging or accidental contact with adjacent high-voltage traces.
AP1501-K5G-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
AP1501-K5G-U FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AP1501-K5G-U through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AP1501-K5G-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 AP1501-K5G-U reliable?
The price and inventory of AP1501-K5G-U are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AP1501-K5G-U is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AP1501-K5G-U?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AP1501-K5G-U transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AP1501-K5G-U?
AP1501-K5G-U orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AP1501-K5G-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 AP1501-K5G-U?
For technical support, including AP1501-K5G-U datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AP1501-K5G-U requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AP1501-K5G-U is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AP1501-K5G-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 AP1501-K5G-U meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AP1501-K5G-U?
All AP1501-K5G-U units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AP1501-K5G-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 AP1501-K5G-U part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AP1501-K5G-U:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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