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

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,415
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Product details
Overview
AP1512-K5L-U from Diodes Incorporated is a monolithic 50 kHz non-synchronous PWM buck DC/DC converter with integrated 2A switch, fixed 5V output, TO263-5L package, and logic-controlled shutdown-designed for high-efficiency step-down regulation in industrial power supplies and on-card converters.
For engineers reviewing the AP1512-K5L-U datasheet, AP1512-K5L-U pinout, AP1512-K5L-U application, or AP1512-K5L-U equivalent, this device delivers verified 5V ±4% output accuracy at 2A load, 50 kHz ±15% switching frequency, thermal/current protection, and VIN range up to 60V-critical for rugged 12–48V input systems.
Technical Context
The AP1512-K5L-U implements voltage-mode PWM control with internal 1.235V reference and error amplifier, enabling stable feedback without external compensation. Its fixed-frequency oscillator operates at 50 kHz (±15%), allowing use of standard low-cost inductors and capacitors while minimizing EMI concerns typical of higher-frequency converters.
It integrates a 2A N-channel MOSFET switch, thermal shutdown (150°C trip), cycle-by-cycle current limiting (2.5–5.5 A peak), and logic-level ON/OFF control (VIL ≤0.6 V, VIH ≥2.0 V) - all within a single TO263-5L package with exposed metal tab for thermal conduction to PCB copper.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 5.0 V ±4% over 0.2–2 A load and 10–60 V input - ensures stable rail for microcontrollers and sensors without external resistor divider. |
| Switching Frequency | 50 kHz ±15% - enables use of compact 33–47 µH inductors and reduces core loss vs. 20–30 kHz alternatives. |
| Max Output Current | 2 A continuous - supports mid-power applications like industrial I/O modules and motor drivers without external FETs. |
| Input Voltage Range | 4.5 V to 60 V - accommodates wide-input industrial, automotive, and telecom power rails including 24 V and 48 V nominal systems. |
| Efficiency | 83% at VIN = 30 V, VOUT = 5 V, IOUT = 2 A - minimizes thermal load in enclosed enclosures with limited airflow. |
| Shutdown Quiescent Current | 350 µA at VIN = 60 V - enables ultra-low standby power for battery-backed or energy-sensitive systems. |
| Thermal Resistance | θJA = 23 °C/W (with ~3 in² copper) - requires minimum 0.4 in² PCB copper area under tab for safe operation at full load. |
Pinout & Package
AP1512-K5L-U is housed in a surface-mount TO263-5L package with exposed metal tab (GND-connected) for thermal dissipation. The 5-pin layout supports minimal external components: input capacitor, inductor, catch diode, and output capacitor.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VIN (Pin 1) | Positive input supply | Accepts 4.5–60 V; requires local 1 µF ceramic bypass to suppress switching transients and supply peak currents. |
| OUTPUT (Pin 2) | Internal switch drain | Swings between (VIN – 1.5 V) and ≈ –0.5 V; connects to inductor input - keep trace short and minimize copper area to reduce EMI coupling. |
| GND (Pin 3) | Power and signal ground | Common return for internal circuitry, thermal tab, and external components - must be low-impedance connection to large PCB copper pour. |
| FB (Pin 4) | Feedback input | Not used in fixed 5V version (internally tied to reference); left unconnected per datasheet for AP1512-50 variants. |
| SD (Pin 5) | Shutdown control | Logic-compatible input: <0.6 V = ON, >2.0 V = OFF; draws <10 µA - can be driven directly by MCU GPIO or open-collector logic. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated 2A Power Switch | Eliminates need for external MOSFET and gate driver - reduces BOM count, board space, and layout complexity in cost-sensitive designs. |
| Fixed 5V Output with ±4% Tolerance | Meets tight regulation requirements for digital logic rails without trimming resistors - simplifies qualification and production test. |
| Logic-Level Shutdown (SD Pin) | Enables system-level power sequencing and sleep mode control using standard 3.3 V or 5 V logic - no level-shifter required. |
| Thermal Shutdown + Current Limit | Protects against sustained overload and ambient temperature excursions - prevents catastrophic failure during fault conditions or poor heatsinking. |
| Lead-Free / RoHS-Compliant Packaging | TO263-5L with matte tin lead finish meets EU Directive 2002/95/EC - supports global manufacturing compliance without process requalification. |
Applications
| Industrial PLC I/O Modules | Automotive Body Control Units |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Powering isolated sensor interfaces and digital I/O drivers in DIN-rail mounted programmable logic controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 5V buck regulator converting 24 V DC bus to clean logic supply for microcontrollers and optocouplers. Use Value: 2A capability supports multiple downstream LDOs and isolation ICs; 60 V max input withstands load-dump transients in industrial environments. |
Use Scenario: Generating 5V rail for microcontroller, CAN transceivers, and LED drivers in vehicle door modules and seat controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Non-isolated step-down regulator handling wide automotive battery range (9–16 V nominal, up to 60 V during load dump). Use Value: Built-in thermal shutdown prevents latch-up during under-hood temperature spikes; SD pin enables ECU sleep/wake coordination. |
| Telecom Remote Radio Units | POS Terminal Power Management |
|
Use Scenario: Providing regulated 5V supply for FPGA configuration, RF front-end bias, and monitoring circuits in outdoor small-cell base stations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability DC/DC stage converting -48 V or 48 V backplane voltage to 5V logic rail via intermediate boost/buck architecture. Use Value: 50 kHz switching allows use of shielded drum-core inductors with low audible noise - critical for fanless outdoor deployments. |
Use Scenario: Delivering 5V power to payment processing modules, display backlight drivers, and USB peripherals in retail point-of-sale terminals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main system regulator operating from 12 V adapter input, supporting burst-mode operation during low-activity periods. Use Value: 350 µA standby current extends battery backup runtime; TO263 thermal performance sustains 2A load in compact plastic enclosures. |
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-5.0/NOPB | 3A rated, 150 kHz switching, requires external compensation network - higher efficiency at light loads but larger solution size. | Preferred where higher current headroom or tighter line regulation (<±2%) is needed; less suitable for space-constrained layouts due to extra RC network. | Select if 3A output or lower quiescent current (<5 mA active) is mandatory; verify thermal design for TO220 footprint vs. TO263 copper spread. |
| MP1584EN-LF-Z | 3A, 1.5 MHz switching, adjustable output only - demands external feedback resistors and has stricter layout sensitivity for EMI control. | Better for compact, high-density boards needing 1.5 MHz operation; not drop-in for fixed 5V - requires redesign of feedback and compensation. | Choose when board area is premium and 1.5 MHz enables smaller magnetics; avoid if fixed 5V simplicity and minimal external parts are top priorities. |
Compared with LM2596S-5.0/NOPB and MP1584EN-LF-Z, AP1512-K5L-U offers lowest component count for fixed 5V conversion, superior thermal performance via TO263 copper conduction, and guaranteed ±4% output tolerance without trimming - ideal for cost-optimized, thermally demanding industrial applications.
Availability
AP1512-K5L-U is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, automotive body control units, and telecom remote radio units requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for AP1512-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 high-reliability power management, signal integrity, and protection solutions for industrial, automotive, and computing markets.
The AP1512 product line delivers monolithic buck regulators targeting cost-sensitive, thermally constrained applications where integration, ruggedness, and wide input range outweigh ultra-high efficiency or high-frequency operation.
FAQ
Is AP1512-K5L-U pin-compatible with other AP1512 variants?
Yes - all AP1512 variants (including -33, -50, -12, and -ADJ) share identical TO263-5L pinout and footprint. The K5L-U suffix denotes lead-free tube packaging; electrical differences exist only in output voltage and current rating (2A for non-A versions), not pin function or layout.
What is the minimum recommended PCB copper area for thermal management?
Diodes specifies a minimum of 0.4 in² copper area under the TO263 tab for reliable 2A operation at 85°C ambient. For full derating to 125°C junction temperature, ≥3 in² of 2 oz copper is recommended - verified in thermal characterization data on page 10 of the Rev. 4 datasheet.
Can the FB pin be left floating in the fixed 5V version?
Yes - the AP1512-50 variant (like AP1512-K5L-U) has internal feedback divider; Pin 4 (FB) is not connected internally and must remain unconnected per datasheet Section "Typical Application Circuit (2)" and Pin Description table on page 3.
Does AP1512-K5L-U require an external catch diode?
Yes - it is a non-synchronous buck controller with integrated high-side switch only. A Schottky diode (e.g., B360/B) is mandatory across the inductor to provide freewheeling path; omission causes immediate failure due to inductive kickback at OUTPUT pin.
AP1512-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:
- 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-K5L-U FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AP1512-K5L-U through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AP1512-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 AP1512-K5L-U reliable?
The price and inventory of AP1512-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 AP1512-K5L-U is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AP1512-K5L-U?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AP1512-K5L-U transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AP1512-K5L-U?
AP1512-K5L-U orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AP1512-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 AP1512-K5L-U?
For technical support, including AP1512-K5L-U datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AP1512-K5L-U requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AP1512-K5L-U is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AP1512-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 AP1512-K5L-U meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AP1512-K5L-U?
All AP1512-K5L-U units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AP1512-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 AP1512-K5L-U part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AP1512-K5L-U:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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