Diodes Incorporated AP1506-12K5L-13
- Part No.:
- AP1506-12K5L-13
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Package:
- -
- Datasheet:
-
AP1506-12K5L-13.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK 12V 3A TO263-5
- Quantity:
- Payment:

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Inventory:1,546
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Product details
Overview
AP1506-12K5L-13 from Diodes Incorporated is a monolithic 150 kHz, 3A non-synchronous PWM buck DC/DC converter in TO263-5 package with fixed 12 V output, internal power switch, thermal shutdown, and current-limit protection. It operates from 4.5 V to 22 V input, delivers ±4% output voltage tolerance at full load, and supports logic-level ON/OFF control via SD pin for low-power standby mode (150 µA). Used in industrial power supplies and embedded system point-of-load regulation.
For engineers reviewing the AP1506-12K5L-13 datasheet, AP1506-12K5L-13 pinout, AP1506-12K5L-13 application, or AP1506-12K5L-13 equivalent, key selection criteria include fixed 12 V output accuracy, 3 A continuous load capability, integrated switch saturation voltage (1.4–1.6 V), thermal resistance (θJA = 37 °C/W), and compatibility with standard 150 kHz filter design practices.
Technical Context
The AP1506-12K5L-13 implements voltage-mode PWM control with an internal 150 kHz oscillator (±15%), enabling stable regulation without external compensation components. Its feedback loop references a 1.23 V internal bandgap, comparing FB pin voltage to regulate output via duty-cycle adjustment of the on-chip N-channel MOSFET.
Protection architecture includes cycle-by-cycle current limiting (trip threshold 3.6–5.5 A) and thermal shutdown at ~125 °C junction temperature. When current limit activates and FB drops below 0.5 V, switching frequency reduces to 10–50 kHz to limit power dissipation during fault conditions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 12 V ±4% (11.52–12.48 V) across 0.2–3 A load and 15–22 V input |
| Switching Frequency | 150 kHz ±15% - enables compact 33–47 µH inductors and low-ESR output capacitors |
| Continuous Output Current | 3 A - supported by integrated switch with 1.4–1.6 V saturation voltage at 3 A |
| Input Voltage Range | 4.5 V to 22 V - accommodates 12 V and 18 V nominal rails with margin for transients |
| Shutdown Quiescent Current | 70–200 µA - enables ultra-low power state when SD pin driven high (>2.0 V) |
| Thermal Resistance (θJA) | 37 °C/W (TO263-5, 3 in² copper) - requires ≥0.8 in² PCB copper area for 3 A operation at +85 °C ambient |
| Feedback Reference Voltage | 1.23 V ±2.7% - sets regulated output via resistor divider in adjustable versions; not used in fixed-12V variant |
Pinout & Package
AP1506-12K5L-13 uses the TO263-5 surface-mount package with exposed metal tab (GND) for thermal conduction. The 5-pin layout supports high-current routing and board-level heat sinking via soldered copper area.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 VIN | Positive input supply | Accepts 4.5–22 V DC; requires local 100 µF+ low-ESR input capacitor to handle pulsed switch current |
| 2 Output | Internal power switch drain | Swings between (VIN – VSAT) and ≈–0.5 V; connects to inductor input; minimal copper area recommended to reduce EMI coupling |
| 3 GND | Power and signal ground | Common return for internal circuitry, feedback amplifier, and shutdown logic; tied to exposed metal tab |
| 4 FB | Feedback input | Monitors output via resistor divider (not used in fixed-12V version; internally connected to reference) |
| 5 SD | Shutdown control | Logic-compatible input: <0.6 V = ON, >2.0 V = OFF; pulls total supply current to ≤200 µA in shutdown |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated 3 A power switch | Eliminates external MOSFET and gate driver, reducing BOM count and layout complexity |
| Internal compensation network | Enables stable regulation with only input/output capacitors and inductor-no external compensation required |
| Thermal shutdown + current limit | Protects against sustained overloads and PCB overheating without external sensing circuitry |
| Logic-level ON/OFF control | SD pin accepts standard CMOS/TTL signals, enabling microcontroller-based power sequencing and energy-saving sleep modes |
| RoHS-compliant, halogen-free packaging | TO263-5 meets EU RoHS 3 (2015/863/EU), contains <900 ppm Br/Cl and <1000 ppm Sb for green manufacturing compliance |
Applications
| Industrial Power Supplies | Embedded System PoL Regulation |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: 24 V rail conversion to 12 V for PLC I/O modules and sensor interfaces. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary step-down regulator delivering stable 12 V at up to 3 A with line/load regulation <±1%. Use Value: Internal switch and compensation eliminate 4–6 external components, reducing board area by ~35% vs. controller+MOSFET solutions. |
Use Scenario: Local 12 V supply for FPGA configuration, Ethernet PHY, or CAN transceivers in edge computing gateways. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-output buck converter providing low-noise, thermally robust 12 V under dynamic load steps. Use Value: 37 °C/W θJA and thermal shutdown allow reliable operation in sealed enclosures up to +85 °C ambient. |
| Automotive Body Control Modules | Test & Measurement Equipment |
|
Use Scenario: 12 V battery-fed subsystem powering door lock actuators and interior lighting drivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current DC/DC regulator with input transient tolerance up to 24 V and shutdown-controlled power gating. Use Value: ±4% output tolerance ensures consistent actuator timing and LED brightness across battery voltage swing (9–16 V). |
Use Scenario: Bench power supply module generating calibrated 12 V for DUT bias in automated test fixtures. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision-regulated source with fast transient response (<10 µs recovery) and low output ripple (<50 mVpp). Use Value: Built-in current limit (4.5 A typ.) prevents damage during DUT short-circuit events without external foldback circuitry. |
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 | 150 kHz fixed-frequency, 3 A, but requires external diode; higher quiescent current (5–10 mA vs. 70–200 µA) | Lacks integrated catch diode - increases BOM and layout area; less suitable for space-constrained designs | Prefer AP1506-12K5L-13 where board area and standby power are critical; LM2596S-12 suits cost-sensitive, lower-efficiency legacy designs |
| MP1584EN-LF-Z | 1.5 MHz switching, 3 A, adjustable/fixed variants; lower θJA (25 °C/W) but requires external compensation | Higher frequency allows smaller magnetics but increases EMI filtering burden and sensitivity to layout parasitics | Choose AP1506-12K5L-13 for proven 150 kHz stability in noisy industrial environments; MP1584EN for compact size where EMI can be managed |
Compared with LM2596S-12/NOPB, AP1506-12K5L-13 integrates the catch diode and reduces standby current by 50×; versus MP1584EN-LF-Z, it trades higher-frequency efficiency gains for simpler layout, lower EMI, and no external compensation requirements.
Availability
AP1506-12K5L-13 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, embedded system point-of-load regulation, automotive body control modules, and test equipment requiring stable component supply with long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for AP1506-12K5L-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 power management, signal integrity, and protection devices for industrial, computing, and automotive markets.
The AP1506 series belongs to Diodes' high-current monolithic buck converter product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications needing integrated 3 A switching capability without external FETs or compensation networks.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage rating for AP1506-12K5L-13?
The absolute maximum input voltage is +24 V, but the recommended operating range is 4.5 V to 22 V. Operation above 22 V risks exceeding internal transistor breakdown limits and may trigger thermal shutdown prematurely, especially at high ambient temperatures or full load. Designers should maintain ≥2 V margin below 24 V for reliability.
Does AP1506-12K5L-13 require an external catch diode?
No. Unlike controller-only buck ICs, AP1506-12K5L-13 integrates both the power switch and internal catch path. The Output pin connects directly to the inductor; no external Schottky diode is needed. This eliminates one BOM item, reduces footprint, and avoids reverse-recovery losses inherent in discrete diodes.
How does the SD pin function in normal operation?
The SD pin enables logic-level ON/OFF control: pulling it below 0.6 V turns the regulator on; pulling it above 2.0 V places it in standby mode with ≤200 µA supply current. If unused, SD must be tied to GND (not left floating) to ensure reliable startup. Internal pull-down is not provided, so external grounding is mandatory for default-on behavior.
What thermal design guidance applies to the TO263-5 package?
For 3 A continuous operation at +85 °C ambient, the TO263-5 package requires ≥0.8 in² of 2 oz copper connected to the exposed tab. Performance improves significantly up to ~2 in²; beyond 6 in², diminishing returns occur. Avoid large copper on the Output pin to minimize EMI coupling. Thermal vias under the tab enhance conduction to inner layers in multilayer boards.
AP1506-12K5L-13 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Series:
- *
- Package/Case:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- Function:
- -
- Output Configuration:
- -
- Topology:
- -
- Output Type:
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- Number of Outputs:
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- Voltage - Input (Min):
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- Voltage - Input (Max):
- -
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- -
- Voltage - Output (Max):
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- Current - Output:
- -
- Frequency - Switching:
- -
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
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- Supplier Device Package:
- -
AP1506-12K5L-13 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AP1506-12K5L-13 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AP1506-12K5L-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 AP1506-12K5L-13 reliable?
The price and inventory of AP1506-12K5L-13 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AP1506-12K5L-13 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AP1506-12K5L-13?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AP1506-12K5L-13 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AP1506-12K5L-13?
AP1506-12K5L-13 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AP1506-12K5L-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 AP1506-12K5L-13?
For technical support, including AP1506-12K5L-13 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AP1506-12K5L-13 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AP1506-12K5L-13 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AP1506-12K5L-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 AP1506-12K5L-13 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AP1506-12K5L-13?
All AP1506-12K5L-13 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AP1506-12K5L-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 AP1506-12K5L-13 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AP1506-12K5L-13:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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