Diodes Incorporated AP1506-12K5G-13
- Part No.:
- AP1506-12K5G-13
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Package:
- TO-263-6, D2PAK (5 Leads + Tab), TO-263BA
- Datasheet:
-
AP1506-12K5G-13.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK 12V 3A TO263-5
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,830
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Product details
Overview
AP1506-12K5G-13 from Diodes Incorporated is a monolithic 150kHz, 3A non-synchronous PWM buck DC/DC converter with fixed 12V output, integrated power switch, thermal shutdown, and current-limit protection. It operates from 15–22V input, delivers ±4% output voltage accuracy at 3A load, and uses TO263-5 surface-mount packaging for high-power density in industrial power supplies and embedded systems.
For engineers reviewing the AP1506-12K5G-13 datasheet, AP1506-12K5G-13 pinout, AP1506-12K5G-13 application, or AP1506-12K5G-13 equivalent, key selection criteria include fixed 12V output tolerance, 150kHz switching frequency for compact LC filtering, ON/OFF logic-level shutdown control, internal compensation for stable regulation, and thermal performance in TO263-5 with ≥2 in² copper area.
Technical Context
The AP1506-12K5G-13 implements voltage-mode PWM control with a built-in 1.23V reference and internal error amplifier, eliminating external compensation components. Its 150kHz oscillator sets the switching period, enabling use of standard 33–47µH inductors and low-ESR electrolytic or ceramic output capacitors.
Protection functions are hardware-based: thermal shutdown activates above +125°C junction temperature, while cycle-by-cycle current limiting triggers at 3.6–5.5A peak switch current. When VFB drops below 0.5V during overload, switching frequency reduces to 10–50kHz to limit power dissipation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 12V ±4% (11.52–12.48V) under 0.2–3A load and 15–22V input - ensures stable rail for 12V logic, fans, or analog circuitry without external resistive divider. |
| Switching Frequency | 150kHz ±15% (127–173kHz) - enables use of small, cost-effective 33–47µH shielded inductors and reduces EMI compared to lower-frequency alternatives. |
| Max Output Current | 3A continuous - supports mid-power applications like FPGA I/O banks, motor drivers, or industrial sensors without external MOSFETs. |
| Input Voltage Range | 15V to 22V - compatible with 18V nominal industrial rails and 24V systems with derating; absolute max VIN = +24V. |
| Feedback Reference | 1.23V internal reference - used internally for regulation; FB pin monitors output via resistor divider in adjustable versions, but unused in fixed-12V variant. |
| Shutdown Quiescent Current | 70–150µA at VIN = 22V - enables ultra-low-power standby mode when SD pin is pulled high, critical for battery-backed or energy-conscious systems. |
| Thermal Resistance θJA | 37°C/W (TO263-5, 3 in² copper) - requires ≥2 in² 2oz copper pour on PCB for safe 3A operation at +85°C ambient; no external heatsink needed. |
Pinout & Package
AP1506-12K5G-13 uses the TO263-5 (D2PAK) thermally enhanced surface-mount package with exposed metal tab soldered to PCB ground plane for heat dissipation. The 5-pin layout supports high-current routing and minimal parasitic inductance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - VIN | Positive input supply | Accepts 15–22V DC; requires local 100µF low-ESR input capacitor to suppress switching transients and supply peak currents. |
| 2 - Output | Internal power switch drain | Swings between (VIN − 1.4V) and ~−0.5V; connects directly to inductor; trace must be short and wide to minimize ringing and EMI. |
| 3 - GND | Power and signal ground | Common return for VIN, FB, SD, and output rectifier; ties to exposed metal tab for thermal conduction and low-impedance grounding. |
| 4 - FB | Feedback sense input | Internally connected to 12V divider; not user-accessible in fixed-output version - pin is NC but must remain unconnected per datasheet. |
| 5 - SD | Shutdown control | Logic-compatible input: <0.6V = ON, >2.0V = OFF; pulls to GND for always-on operation; drives <0.1µA leakage current. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated 3A power switch | Eliminates external MOSFET and gate driver, reducing BOM count, board area, and layout complexity for 12V step-down designs. |
| Internal compensation network | Enables stable regulation across line/load/temperature without external RC networks - simplifies design validation and production calibration. |
| Thermal shutdown + current limit | Hardware-protection stack prevents damage during overtemperature (>125°C) or overload (>3.6A), supporting robust field operation without firmware intervention. |
| 150kHz fixed-frequency PWM | Provides predictable EMI profile and allows deterministic filter design using off-the-shelf 33–47µH inductors and 100–470µF output capacitors. |
| ON/OFF logic-level control | SD pin accepts standard 3.3V/5V logic signals - enables direct interface with microcontrollers, PMICs, or system supervisors for power sequencing. |
Applications
| Industrial PLC I/O Modules | Embedded Computing Power Rails |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Providing regulated 12V power to digital I/O channels, relay drivers, and isolated communication interfaces in programmable logic controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary non-isolated buck regulator delivering 3A continuous current with tight voltage stability under dynamic load steps. Use Value: Enables single-rail 12V generation from 24V backplane without external FETs or compensation parts - reducing component count by ≥4 and improving MTBF. |
Use Scenario: Supplying 12V to FPGA configuration circuits, DDR memory termination, or peripheral interface ICs in edge computing gateways. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-output DC/DC converter operating at 150kHz to minimize noise coupling into high-speed digital signal paths. Use Value: Delivers ±4% output accuracy across −20°C to +85°C ambient, ensuring reliable boot and operation of sensitive logic without margining overhead. |
| Motor Drive Auxiliary Supplies | Test & Measurement Equipment |
|
Use Scenario: Generating 12V bias for gate drivers, op-amps, and current-sense amplifiers in 3-phase BLDC motor inverters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current buck stage with thermal shutdown protecting against fault-induced overheating during stall or short-circuit events. Use Value: Sustains 3A output even at +85°C ambient when mounted on ≥2 in² copper, eliminating need for heatsinks in space-constrained motor control boards. |
Use Scenario: Powering analog front-end circuitry (ADC references, precision op-amps) in portable multimeters and signal analyzers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise, well-regulated 12V source with <150µA standby current enabling battery-operated modes. Use Value: Achieves 89% efficiency at 16V input/3A load - extending battery life while maintaining low thermal signature for handheld ergonomics. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM2596S-12/NOPB | 3A, 150kHz, fixed 12V; TO263-5; ±4% output tolerance; no internal current limit - relies on external foldback or shutdown. | Lacks cycle-by-cycle current limiting and thermal shutdown - requires external protection circuitry for robust industrial use. | Choose only if legacy LM2596 footprint compatibility is required and thermal/current protection is handled externally. |
| MP1584EN-LF-Z | 3A, 1.5MHz, adjustable/fixed 12V; SOIC-8; ±2% output tolerance; includes hiccup-mode overload protection and soft-start. | Higher frequency enables smaller magnetics but increases EMI sensitivity; SOIC-8 limits thermal performance vs. TO263-5 at full 3A. | Select when board space is constrained and 1.5MHz switching is acceptable; avoid for sustained 3A in >+60°C ambient without forced air. |
Compared with LM2596S-12/NOPB, AP1506-12K5G-13 provides integrated thermal and current protection without external components; versus MP1584EN-LF-Z, it trades higher frequency for superior thermal handling in TO263-5 - making it preferable for high-reliability, convection-cooled 3A applications.
Availability
AP1506-12K5G-13 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, embedded computing power rails, motor drive auxiliary supplies, and test & measurement equipment requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for AP1506-12K5G-13 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 industrial, automotive, and computing markets.
The AP1506 series belongs to Diodes' monolithic DC/DC converter product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, high-current step-down applications where integration, thermal robustness, and protection features outweigh the need for adjustable output or ultra-high efficiency.
FAQ
Is AP1506-12K5G-13 pin-compatible with other AP1506 variants?
No - while all AP1506 variants share the same TO263-5 pinout, the AP1506-12K5G-13 has its feedback network laser-trimmed for fixed 12V output. The FB pin is internally connected and must remain unconnected; using it as an adjustable regulator will cause regulation failure or instability.
What is the minimum recommended PCB copper area for 3A operation at +85°C ambient?
Diodes specifies ≥2 in² (1290 mm²) of 2oz copper connected to the TO263-5 metal tab for safe 3A operation at +85°C ambient. With less than 1.5 in², junction temperature exceeds +125°C under full load, triggering thermal shutdown.
Can AP1506-12K5G-13 be used with input voltages below 15V?
No - the datasheet specifies a minimum operating input voltage of 15V for the 12V version. Below 15V, dropout occurs due to internal switch saturation voltage (~1.4V) and reference tolerance, causing output collapse or regulation loss.
Does AP1506-12K5G-13 require an external catch diode?
Yes - the AP1506 is non-synchronous and requires an external Schottky diode (e.g., B340LA or B340LB) rated for ≥3A average current and ≤0.45V forward voltage. No internal body diode is used; omitting the diode causes catastrophic failure.
AP1506-12K5G-13 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-263-6, D2PAK (5 Leads + Tab), TO-263BA
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- 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):
- 22V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 12V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 3A
- Frequency - Switching:
- 150kHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- No
- Operating Temperature:
- -20°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-263-5
AP1506-12K5G-13 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AP1506-12K5G-13 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AP1506-12K5G-13 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 AP1506-12K5G-13 reliable?
The price and inventory of AP1506-12K5G-13 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AP1506-12K5G-13 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AP1506-12K5G-13?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AP1506-12K5G-13 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AP1506-12K5G-13?
AP1506-12K5G-13 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AP1506-12K5G-13 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 AP1506-12K5G-13?
For technical support, including AP1506-12K5G-13 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AP1506-12K5G-13 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AP1506-12K5G-13 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AP1506-12K5G-13 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 AP1506-12K5G-13 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AP1506-12K5G-13?
All AP1506-12K5G-13 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AP1506-12K5G-13, 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 AP1506-12K5G-13 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AP1506-12K5G-13:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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