Diodes Incorporated AP1506-K5L-13
- Part No.:
- AP1506-K5L-13
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Package:
- TO-263-6, D2PAK (5 Leads + Tab), TO-263BA
- Datasheet:
-
AP1506-K5L-13.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK ADJ 3A TO263-5L
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,666
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Product details
Overview
AP1506-K5L-13 from Diodes Incorporated is a monolithic 150 kHz, 3A non-synchronous PWM buck DC/DC converter in TO263-5 package with integrated power switch, fixed 5V output, ±4% output voltage tolerance at full load, and logic-controlled shutdown. It operates from 4.5 V to 22 V input and delivers regulated 5 V at up to 3 A for embedded power rails in industrial control modules.
For engineers reviewing the AP1506-K5L-13 datasheet, AP1506-K5L-13 pinout, AP1506-K5L-13 application, or AP1506-K5L-13 equivalent, this device serves as a compact, thermally robust step-down regulator requiring only external inductor, Schottky diode, and two capacitors - ideal for space-constrained 12 V to 5 V conversion where efficiency (80% at 12 VIN/3 A), thermal shutdown, and current-limit protection are critical.
Technical Context
The AP1506-K5L-13 implements voltage-mode PWM control with an internal 150 kHz oscillator (±15%), enabling predictable filter design using standard 47 µH inductors and low-ESR output capacitors. Its feedback loop uses a precision 1.23 V reference and requires no external compensation components.
It integrates a 3 A DMOS power switch with 1.4–1.6 V saturation voltage, thermal shutdown triggered above +125 °C junction temperature, and cycle-by-cycle current limiting that reduces switching frequency when VFB drops below 0.5 V - a behavior confirmed under short-circuit conditions per DS31015 Rev. 8-2.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 5.0 V ±4% (4.8–5.2 V) across 0.2–3 A load and 8–22 V input - ensures stable microcontroller core rail without external resistor divider. |
| Switching Frequency | 150 kHz ±15% (127–173 kHz) - enables use of compact 47 µH shielded inductors and reduces EMI compared to sub-100 kHz regulators. |
| Max Output Current | 3 A continuous - supports single-rail powering of FPGA I/O banks or multi-sensor subsystems without external MOSFETs. |
| Input Voltage Range | 4.5 V to 22 V - accommodates wide-input industrial supplies (e.g., 12 V nominal with ±20% variation or 24 V systems with local regulation). |
| Shutdown Quiescent Current | 70–150 µA at VIN = 22 V - enables ultra-low-power standby in battery-backed systems or energy-conscious IoT gateways. |
| Thermal Protection | Junction shutdown at +125 °C - prevents permanent damage during transient overloads or poor PCB heatsinking on TO263-5 footprint. |
| Package | TO263-5 (D²PAK) with exposed metal tab soldered to PCB copper - provides θJA = 37 °C/W (3″² copper), enabling 3 A operation at +85 °C ambient with proper layout. |
Pinout & Package
AP1506-K5L-13 is housed in a surface-mount TO263-5 (D²PAK) package with exposed metal tab electrically connected to GND for thermal and electrical integrity. The tab must be soldered to ≥0.8 in² (ideally ≥2 in²) of 2 oz copper for thermal performance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - VIN | Positive input supply rail | Accepts 4.5–22 V; requires local 100 µF low-ESR input capacitor to suppress switching transients and supply peak currents. |
| 2 - Output | Internal power switch drain | Swings between ~0 V and (VIN − 1.6 V); connects to inductor input - minimize copper area here to reduce EMI coupling. |
| 3 - GND | Power and signal ground reference | Common return for VIN, FB, SD, and exposed tab; must tie directly to power ground plane with multiple vias. |
| 4 - FB | Feedback voltage sensing node | Monitors output via resistive divider (not needed for fixed 5V version); internally biased to 1.23 V reference. |
| 5 - SD | Logic-level shutdown control | Drives regulator ON when ≤0.6 V, OFF when ≥2.0 V; draws <1 µA - compatible with MCU GPIO without level-shifting. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated 3 A power switch | Eliminates external MOSFET and driver, reducing BOM count and layout complexity for 5 V/3 A point-of-load conversion. |
| Internal compensation network | Enables stable regulation with no external RC components - simplifies design validation and accelerates time-to-test. |
| Thermal shutdown + current limit | Dual protection prevents latch-up or destruction during overload, short circuit, or inadequate heatsinking on TO263-5 PCB mount. |
| Logic-compatible shutdown (SD) | Supports system-level power sequencing: MCU can disable regulator before entering deep sleep, cutting total input current to <150 µA. |
| Fixed 5 V output version | Guarantees ±4% accuracy across line/load/temperature - suitable for powering USB peripherals, Ethernet PHYs, or ARM Cortex-M cores. |
Applications
| Industrial PLC I/O Module | Automated Test Equipment (ATE) Power Rail |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Providing isolated 5 V/3 A power to digital input/output banks in DIN-rail mounted programmable logic controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary non-isolated buck regulator converting 12–24 V DC bus to clean 5 V for optocoupler drivers and level translators. Use Value: TO263-5 thermal performance sustains 3 A output at +70 °C ambient without heatsink, reducing enclosure size and cost. |
Use Scenario: Generating stable 5 V supply for high-speed digital pattern generators and DUT interface circuitry in benchtop ATE systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Local point-of-load regulator delivering low-noise 5 V to FPGA configuration banks and LVDS serializers. Use Value: 150 kHz fixed frequency enables deterministic EMI filtering and avoids interference with test signal bandwidths up to 100 MHz. |
| Smart Building Sensor Hub | POS Terminal Mainboard |
|
Use Scenario: Powering multi-sensor nodes (temperature, humidity, CO₂) with wireless MCU and BLE radio in HVAC control panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central 5 V regulator feeding MCU, sensors, and RF transceiver - enabled/disabled via SD pin for duty-cycled operation. Use Value: 70–150 µA shutdown current extends battery life in energy-harvesting or backup-supply configurations. |
Use Scenario: Supplying 5 V to payment processing SoC, display controller, and EMV card reader in retail point-of-sale terminals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary DC/DC converter stepping down 12 V adapter input to 5 V main system rail with thermal margin for continuous operation. Use Value: 80% efficiency at 3 A minimizes heat buildup inside sealed plastic enclosures, avoiding fan requirement and acoustic noise. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar buck regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP1584EN-LF-Z (Monolithic Power) | 1.5 MHz switching frequency, 4 A rating, requires external compensation; smaller inductor but higher EMI risk. | Better suited for ultra-compact designs needing <3 mm height; less optimal for noise-sensitive analog sections near regulator. | Select when board space is constrained and EMI filtering can be added; avoid if legacy 150 kHz filter design reuse is required. |
| LM2596S-5.0 (Texas Instruments) | 150 kHz fixed frequency, 3 A, but requires external compensation and has ±2% output tolerance - tighter than AP1506's ±4%. | Higher precision output benefits ADC reference rails; lower quiescent current (3.6 mA vs 5–10 mA) aids light-load efficiency. | Prefer for measurement-grade 5 V rails; note TO220-5 package demands mechanical heatsink, unlike AP1506's TO263-5 PCB thermal path. |
Compared with MP1584EN-LF-Z and LM2596S-5.0, AP1506-K5L-13 offers superior thermal integration via TO263-5 copper-mounting, eliminates compensation design effort, and provides logic-level shutdown - making it optimal for industrial modules prioritizing reliability, layout simplicity, and thermal predictability over minimal footprint or highest precision.
Availability
AP1506-K5L-13 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, automated test equipment, smart building sensor hubs, and POS terminal mainboards requiring stable component supply with long-term manufacturability assurance.
Supply support for AP1506-K5L-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 semiconductor company specializing in discrete, analog, and mixed-signal ICs for power management, signal integrity, and connectivity applications.
The AP1506 belongs to Diodes' DC/DC converter product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, high-reliability industrial and embedded systems requiring simple, robust, and thermally efficient non-synchronous buck regulation.
FAQ
What is the minimum input voltage required for AP1506-K5L-13 to regulate 5 V output?
The AP1506-K5L-13 requires a minimum input voltage of 4.5 V to maintain regulation at 5 V output, as specified in the Recommended Operating Conditions table (DS31015 Rev. 8-2, page 4). Below this, dropout occurs and output collapses proportionally; the device does not support LDO-like operation.
Can AP1506-K5L-13 be used with ceramic output capacitors?
Yes - AP1506-K5L-13 is compatible with ceramic output capacitors, provided they meet the minimum 47 µF capacitance and low-ESR requirements specified in the Typical Application Circuit (page 2). X5R/X7R dielectrics with 10 V rating are recommended to maintain capacitance under DC bias.
Is the SD pin internally pulled up or down when left unconnected?
The SD pin has no internal pull-up or pull-down; it must be actively driven. Leaving it floating risks erratic enable/disable behavior. For default-ON operation, connect SD to GND; for default-OFF, tie to VIN through a resistor or drive with MCU GPIO.
Does AP1506-K5L-13 require a catch diode, and what type is recommended?
Yes - a Schottky catch diode is mandatory. For 3 A operation, Diodes Incorporated specifies B340LA or B340LB (VF ≈ 0.45 V) in the datasheet (page 2). Using a slow recovery diode causes excessive power loss and potential thermal failure due to reverse recovery losses.
AP1506-K5L-13 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Series:
- *
- Package/Case:
- TO-263-6, D2PAK (5 Leads + Tab), TO-263BA
- Packaging:
- Cut Tape (CT)
- 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
AP1506-K5L-13 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AP1506-K5L-13 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AP1506-K5L-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-K5L-13 reliable?
The price and inventory of AP1506-K5L-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-K5L-13 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AP1506-K5L-13?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AP1506-K5L-13 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AP1506-K5L-13?
AP1506-K5L-13 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AP1506-K5L-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-K5L-13?
For technical support, including AP1506-K5L-13 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AP1506-K5L-13 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AP1506-K5L-13 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AP1506-K5L-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-K5L-13 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AP1506-K5L-13?
All AP1506-K5L-13 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AP1506-K5L-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-K5L-13 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AP1506-K5L-13:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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