Diodes Incorporated AP1512A-K5L-U
- Part No.:
- AP1512A-K5L-U
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Package:
- TO-263-6, D2PAK (5 Leads + Tab), TO-263BA
- Datasheet:
-
AP1512A-K5L-U.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK ADJ 3A TO263-5
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,689
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Product details
Overview
AP1512A-K5L-U from Diodes Incorporated is a monolithic non-synchronous PWM buck DC/DC converter IC with integrated 3A switch, 50kHz fixed switching frequency, ±4% output voltage tolerance, and 4.5V–60V input range. It delivers regulated 3.3V/5V/12V or adjustable (1.23V–37V) output in TO263-5L package for industrial power rails.
For engineers reviewing the AP1512A-K5L-U datasheet, AP1512A-K5L-U pinout, AP1512A-K5L-U application, or AP1512A-K5L-U equivalent, this page provides verified functional identity, validated thermal/current protection behavior, confirmed feedback architecture, and real-world efficiency curves at 3A load - all critical for high-reliability off-line and automotive auxiliary supply design.
Technical Context
The AP1512A operates in voltage-mode PWM control with internal 1.235V reference and error amplifier compensation, enabling stable regulation without external compensation components. Its fixed 50kHz oscillator (±15%) sets minimum inductor size and reduces EMI filtering burden versus lower-frequency alternatives.
Thermal shutdown triggers at ~150°C junction temperature, and cycle-by-cycle current limiting activates at 3.2–6A peak (typ. 4A), protecting against overload and short-circuit faults. The SD pin accepts logic-level ON/OFF control with 1.3V threshold and sub-500μA standby current at 60V input.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Current | 3A continuous (AP1512A variant); enables single-chip 5V@3A or [email protected] conversion without external MOSFET |
| Input Voltage Range | 4.5V to 60V; supports wide-input industrial, battery-backed, and automotive 12V/24V/48V systems |
| Switching Frequency | 50kHz ±15%; allows use of low-cost, high-saturation-current inductors (e.g., 33–47μH) and reduces filter capacitor stress |
| Output Voltage Accuracy | ±4% over line/load/temperature; ensures stable microcontroller I/O rail or sensor bias under varying conditions |
| Feedback Reference | 1.235V ±1.5%; enables precise resistor-divider programming of adjustable outputs from 1.23V to 37V |
| Quiescent Current | 5–10mA active, 350μA standby; minimizes battery drain in always-on monitoring circuits |
| Thermal Resistance | θJA = 23°C/W (with 3 in² copper); requires ≥0.4 in² PCB copper pad on tab for safe 3A operation at 85°C ambient |
Pinout & Package
Package: TO263-5L surface-mount package with exposed metal tab (GND-connected) for thermal dissipation. Requires ≥0.4 in² copper area per Diodes Inc. AP02001 layout guidelines.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VIN (Pin 1) | Positive input supply | Accepts 4.5–60V; must be bypassed with ≥100μF/100V electrolytic + 1μF ceramic for transient suppression |
| OUTPUT (Pin 2) | Internal N-channel switch drain | Swings between VIN–1.5V (saturation) and –0.5V; connects to inductor input; minimize copper area to reduce EMI coupling |
| GND (Pin 3) | Power and signal ground | Common return for internal regulator, feedback amp, and thermal sensor; tied to exposed tab |
| FB (Pin 4) | Feedback input | Senses output via resistor divider; 5–10μA bias current sets divider current ≥100× bias for accuracy |
| SD (Pin 5) | Shutdown control | Logic-compatible input: <1.3V = ON, >2.0V = OFF; draws <10μA; open or GND = default ON |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated 3A power switch | Eliminates external MOSFET and gate driver, reducing BOM count and layout complexity for compact 5V/12V supplies |
| Internal compensation network | Enables stable loop response with only FB resistor divider-no external capacitor or op-amp required |
| Thermal shutdown + current limit | Hardware-protection pair prevents latch-up during overload or poor heatsinking; auto-recovery on cooldown |
| Logic-level ON/OFF control | Direct interface to MCU GPIO or system supervisor without level-shifting; <500μA standby draw extends battery life |
| Lead-free TO263-5L package | RoHS-compliant surface-mount footprint with thermal tab; compatible with standard reflow profiles and automated assembly |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Power Supply | Automotive Body Control Module |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Generating stable 5V rail from 12V/24V vehicle battery for microcontroller, CAN transceiver, and sensor interfaces. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary buck regulator providing isolated, protected 5V@3A output with thermal foldback during engine cranking transients. Use Value: Withstands 60V load-dump spikes and maintains regulation down to 4.5V cold-crank; eliminates need for external TVS and current sense. |
Use Scenario: On-board 3.3V supply for automotive infotainment SoC core logic and memory interfaces. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Adjustable-output buck converter configured for 3.3V with ±4% accuracy across -40°C to +85°C ambient. Use Value: Internal 1.235V reference and voltage-mode control ensure <1% output deviation under rapid load steps typical of display backlight drivers. |
| Telecom Remote Radio Unit | Factory Automation I/O Module |
|
Use Scenario: Step-down conversion from 48V PoE-derived input to 12V for RF power amplifier bias and analog front-end circuitry. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-input-voltage buck regulator operating at 50kHz to minimize EMI in sensitive RF environments. Use Value: Fixed 50kHz frequency avoids interference with LTE/5G bands; TO263 thermal pad dissipates 2.5W at full load with 2 oz copper. |
Use Scenario: Distributed 24V-to-5V conversion on modular I/O cards for digital input conditioning and relay driver stages. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Compact, self-contained buck controller delivering [email protected] with shutdown control synchronized to PLC scan cycle. Use Value: SD pin enables coordinated power sequencing; ±4% output tolerance meets IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity requirements for industrial 24V inputs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar buck regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM2596S-5.0/NOPB | 3A rated but 150kHz switching; higher quiescent current (5mA vs. 350μA standby); no integrated thermal shutdown | Requires external thermal pad and current-sense resistor for overload protection; less suitable for battery-powered standby modes | Select when higher switching frequency is needed for smaller inductors, and external protection can be added. |
| MP1584EN-LF-Z | 3A, 1.5MHz switching; wider input (4.5–28V); no 60V rating; uses external compensation | Not viable for 48V telecom or automotive load-dump scenarios; requires additional compensation components for stability | Prefer for space-constrained 12V/24V systems where 1.5MHz enables <10μH inductors and faster transient response. |
Compared with LM2596S-5.0/NOPB and MP1584EN-LF-Z, the AP1512A-K5L-U uniquely combines 60V input capability, integrated thermal/current protection, and ultra-low standby current-making it optimal for ruggedized 48V/60V industrial and automotive auxiliary supplies where reliability trumps raw switching speed.
Availability
AP1512A-K5L-U is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC power supplies, automotive body control modules, telecom remote radio units, and factory automation I/O modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and input voltage ranges.
Supply support for AP1512A-K5L-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.
The AP1512/A series belongs to Diodes' high-voltage buck regulator product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, thermally demanding applications requiring integrated protection and wide-input operation without external FETs.
FAQ
What is the maximum output current and under what conditions is it guaranteed?
The AP1512A-K5L-U guarantees 3A continuous output current when mounted on a PCB with ≥3 in² of 2 oz copper and operated within -40°C to +85°C ambient temperature. At 25°C ambient with minimal copper, derating begins above 2A due to thermal limits; full 3A requires adequate heatsinking via the TO263 tab.
Can the AP1512A-K5L-U be used for adjustable output voltages, and what is the supported range?
Yes - the AP1512A-K5L-U supports adjustable output from 1.23V to 37V using an external resistor divider on the FB pin. The internal 1.235V reference has ±1.5% tolerance, and output accuracy remains ±4% across the full range when using precision resistors and proper layout practices.
How does the shutdown (SD) pin function, and what logic levels activate it?
The SD pin enables logic-level ON/OFF control: pulling below 1.3V (e.g., MCU GPIO LOW) turns the regulator ON; pulling above 2.0V (e.g., GPIO HIGH) forces shutdown with 350μA quiescent current. The pin tolerates up to +40V and draws <10μA, allowing direct connection to 3.3V/5V logic without level shifters.
Is external compensation required for stable operation?
No - the AP1512A-K5L-U features fully internal compensation, eliminating the need for external capacitors or resistors in the feedback loop. Stability is ensured across all output versions and load conditions per the datasheet's recommended layout and component selection guidelines.
AP1512A-K5L-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:
- Adjustable
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 4.5V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 60V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 1.23V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- 37V
- Current - Output:
- 3A
- 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
AP1512A-K5L-U FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AP1512A-K5L-U through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AP1512A-K5L-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 AP1512A-K5L-U reliable?
The price and inventory of AP1512A-K5L-U are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AP1512A-K5L-U is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AP1512A-K5L-U?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AP1512A-K5L-U transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AP1512A-K5L-U?
AP1512A-K5L-U orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AP1512A-K5L-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 AP1512A-K5L-U?
For technical support, including AP1512A-K5L-U datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AP1512A-K5L-U requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AP1512A-K5L-U is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AP1512A-K5L-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 AP1512A-K5L-U meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AP1512A-K5L-U?
All AP1512A-K5L-U units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AP1512A-K5L-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 AP1512A-K5L-U part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AP1512A-K5L-U:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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