Diodes Incorporated AP1512-12K5L-U
- Part No.:
- AP1512-12K5L-U
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Package:
- TO-263-6, D2PAK (5 Leads + Tab), TO-263BA
- Datasheet:
-
AP1512-12K5L-U.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK 12V 2A TO263-5
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,180
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Product details
Overview
AP1512-12K5L-U from Diodes Incorporated is a monolithic 50 kHz voltage-mode non-synchronous PWM buck DC/DC converter in TO263-5L package, delivering fixed 12 V output at up to 2 A load current with ±4% output voltage tolerance, integrated thermal shutdown and current limit protection, and logic-level ON/OFF control - used in industrial power supplies requiring compact, high-input-voltage step-down regulation.
For engineers reviewing the AP1512-12K5L-U datasheet, AP1512-12K5L-U pinout, AP1512-12K5L-U application, or AP1512-12K5L-U equivalent, key selection criteria include its 4.5–60 V input range, 12 V ±4% output accuracy under 0.2–2 A load, 50 kHz ±15% switching frequency, built-in 2 A switch, and thermal resistance (θJA) of 23 °C/W with 3 in² copper area.
Technical Context
The AP1512-12K5L-U implements voltage-mode PWM control with internal 1.235 V reference and error amplifier, enabling stable feedback without external compensation components. Its fixed-frequency oscillator operates at 50 kHz ±15%, allowing predictable filter design and EMI management.
It integrates a 2 A N-channel MOSFET switch, thermal shutdown triggered above +125 °C junction temperature, and peak current limiting at 2.5–5.5 A. The SD pin accepts logic-level signals (VIL ≤ 0.6 V, VIH ≥ 2.0 V) to enable/disable regulation, reducing quiescent current to 350 µA in standby.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 12 V ±4% across 0.2–2 A load and 15–60 V input - ensures stable rail for microcontrollers and analog circuitry. |
| Switching Frequency | 50 kHz ±15% - enables use of smaller inductors (e.g., 33–47 µH) and reduces core loss vs. lower-frequency regulators. |
| Input Voltage Range | 4.5 V to 60 V - supports wide-range industrial inputs including 24 V and 48 V bus systems. |
| Output Current | Up to 2 A continuous - sufficient for powering FPGAs, sensors, and communication modules without external pass devices. |
| Thermal Resistance | θJA = 23 °C/W with ~3 in² copper area - requires minimum PCB copper for safe operation at full load in 85 °C ambient. |
| Shutdown Quiescent Current | 350 µA at VIN = 60 V - enables low-power system sleep modes without auxiliary LDOs. |
| Feedback Reference | Internal 1.235 V reference - eliminates need for external resistor divider in fixed-output variants like this 12 V version. |
Pinout & Package
AP1512-12K5L-U is housed in a surface-mount TO263-5L package with exposed metal tab (GND-connected) for thermal conduction. The 5-pin layout supports high-current switching with low-inductance ground return.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VIN (Pin 1) | Positive input supply | Accepts 4.5–60 V; requires local 1 µF ceramic bypass capacitor to suppress switching transients. |
| OUTPUT (Pin 2) | Switch node | Drives external inductor; swings between VIN–1.5 V (saturation) and –0.5 V; minimize copper area to reduce EMI coupling. |
| GND (Pin 3) | Power and signal ground | Common return for internal circuits, switch source, and thermal tab; must connect to large PCB copper pour. |
| FB (Pin 4) | Feedback input | Internally tied to 12 V divider; unused in fixed-output version but must remain unconnected per datasheet. |
| SD (Pin 5) | Shutdown control | Logic-compatible input: ≤0.6 V = ON, ≥2.0 V = OFF; pulls to GND or floats for always-on operation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated 2 A power switch | Eliminates external MOSFET and gate driver, reducing BOM count and board space in 12 V point-of-load designs. |
| Fixed 12 V ±4% output | Guaranteed accuracy over full temperature and load range - avoids post-regulation trimming in cost-sensitive applications. |
| 50 kHz switching frequency | Enables use of standard, low-cost 33–47 µH shielded inductors with <100 mΩ DCR, simplifying magnetics selection. |
| Thermal shutdown + current limit | Protects against sustained overload or poor heatsinking; latches off until thermal recovery - prevents catastrophic failure. |
| Logic-level ON/OFF control | Direct interface with MCU GPIOs (3.3 V/5 V logic) without level-shifting; supports system-level power sequencing. |
Applications
| Industrial PLC I/O Module | Automotive Body Control Unit |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Powering isolated CAN transceivers and digital I/O drivers from a 24 V vehicle or factory bus. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 12 V step-down regulator supplying logic rails and interface ICs. Use Value: Withstands 60 V transients and delivers stable 12 V at 2 A, eliminating need for discrete FET + controller solutions. |
Use Scenario: Generating 12 V for microcontroller peripherals and LED drivers in door module electronics. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Compact, thermally robust DC/DC converter replacing linear regulators in space-constrained modules. Use Value: 23 °C/W θJA with standard PCB copper meets automotive under-hood thermal requirements up to 85 °C ambient. |
| Telecom Remote Radio Unit | Factory Automation Sensor Hub |
|
Use Scenario: Converting 48 V backplane voltage to 12 V for RF front-end bias and monitoring circuitry. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-input-voltage buck regulator with transient immunity and low standby current. Use Value: 350 µA shutdown current enables remote wake-up via SD pin, supporting energy-efficient sleep/wake cycles. |
Use Scenario: Providing regulated 12 V to multiple analog sensors and ADC references in distributed IO systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single-chip power solution minimizing component count and layout complexity. Use Value: Internal compensation and fixed 12 V output eliminate tuning effort - accelerates qualification for industrial certifications. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar fixed-output buck regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM2596S-12 | 3 A rated, 150 kHz switching, requires external compensation network. | Higher frequency allows smaller inductors but increases EMI filtering burden; less tolerant of high-temperature PCB layouts. | Prefer when higher output current or faster transient response is required, and layout supports tighter EMI control. |
| MP1584EN-LF-Z | 3 A rated, 1.5 MHz switching, adjustable output only - requires external resistor divider for 12 V. | Higher frequency enables ultra-compact designs but demands careful PCB layout for stability and noise suppression. | Choose for space-constrained applications where 1.5 MHz operation justifies added design complexity and component count. |
Compared with LM2596S-12 and MP1584EN-LF-Z, AP1512-12K5L-U offers simpler implementation with internal compensation and fixed 12 V output, lower EMI due to 50 kHz operation, and proven thermal performance in TO263-5L - ideal for industrial environments prioritizing reliability over miniaturization.
Availability
AP1512-12K5L-U is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, automotive body control units, telecom remote radio units, and factory automation sensor hubs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for AP1512-12K5L-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 consumer markets.
AP1512 belongs to Diodes' high-voltage buck converter product line, designed specifically for rugged, cost-effective step-down regulation in 24 V and 48 V systems where simplicity, thermal robustness, and input transient tolerance are critical.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage the AP1512-12K5L-U can withstand continuously?
The AP1512-12K5L-U supports continuous operation up to +60 V input, with absolute maximum rating of +63 V. It is rated for industrial 24 V and telecom 48 V bus systems, including surge conditions up to 60 V without derating - confirmed in Recommended Operating Conditions (VIN max = 60 V).
Does the AP1512-12K5L-U require external compensation components?
No. The AP1512-12K5L-U features internal frequency compensation, eliminating the need for external RC networks. This is explicitly stated in the General Description: "The internal compensation ensures feedback control has good line and load regulation without external design."
Can the FB pin be left unconnected on the AP1512-12K5L-U?
Yes. As a fixed-output variant, the FB pin is internally connected to the 12 V divider and must remain unconnected per datasheet Functional Description: "If this shutdown feature is not needed, the SD pin can be wired to the ground pin or it can be left open…" - same applies to FB on fixed versions.
What thermal PCB layout is required to sustain 2 A output at 85 °C ambient?
A minimum of 3 in² of 2 oz copper area connected to the TO263-5L metal tab is required, per datasheet Thermal Considerations. With this layout, θJA = 23 °C/W enables ~100 °C junction rise at full load - staying within the +125 °C max TJ limit at 85 °C ambient.
AP1512-12K5L-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:
- Step-Down
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Topology:
- Buck
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 4.5V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 60V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 12V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 2A
- Frequency - Switching:
- 50kHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- No
- Operating Temperature:
- -20°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-263-5
AP1512-12K5L-U FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AP1512-12K5L-U through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AP1512-12K5L-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 AP1512-12K5L-U reliable?
The price and inventory of AP1512-12K5L-U are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AP1512-12K5L-U is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AP1512-12K5L-U?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AP1512-12K5L-U transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AP1512-12K5L-U?
AP1512-12K5L-U orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AP1512-12K5L-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 AP1512-12K5L-U?
For technical support, including AP1512-12K5L-U datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AP1512-12K5L-U requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AP1512-12K5L-U is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AP1512-12K5L-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 AP1512-12K5L-U meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AP1512-12K5L-U?
All AP1512-12K5L-U units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AP1512-12K5L-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 AP1512-12K5L-U part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AP1512-12K5L-U:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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