Diodes Incorporated AP1601M8G-13

Overview

AP1601M8G-13 from Diodes Incorporated is a PFM-controlled step-up DC/DC converter optimized for 1–4-cell NiMH battery systems, delivering fixed 3.3V or 5V output with ≤0.9V start-up voltage, 90% peak efficiency at 200mA load, and integrated N/P-channel MOSFETs in MSOP-8L package. It enables compact power management in space-constrained portable electronics.

For engineers reviewing the AP1601M8G-13 datasheet, AP1601M8G-13 pinout, AP1601M8G-13 application, or AP1601M8G-13 equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed sub-0.9V start-up, low-quiescent-current PFM operation, fixed-output configuration via FB grounding, and thermal performance in MSOP-8L with θJA = 118°C/W.

Technical Context

The AP1601M8G-13 implements a pulse-frequency-modulated (PFM) control architecture with constant on-time (~4μs) and variable off-time to maintain regulation under light loads and low input voltages. Its internal 1.2V reference (±2%) feeds an error amplifier that compares FB voltage against VREF to modulate switching frequency up to 100kHz.

It integrates dual power MOSFETs (RDS(ON) = 0.3–0.6Ω), a low-battery comparator (trip at 1.2V on LBI), and open-drain LBO output. Shutdown is controlled by SHDN, which requires >80% VOUT to enable-ensuring reliable disable when VOUT drops below threshold.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AP1601M8G-13 uses the MSOP-8L package (3.0 × 3.0 × 0.85 mm, 0.65 mm pitch), with exposed thermal pad recommended for PCB heat sinking per Diodes' land pattern (8×0.45 mm pads, 4.4 mm body width).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar step-up DC/DC converter applications.

Compared with AP6714 and TPS61022, AP1601M8G-13 provides lowest BOM count and smallest footprint for fixed-output 3.3V/5V applications, though it lacks programmability and modern protection features-making it suitable for cost-sensitive, legacy-compatible designs where those features are unnecessary.

Availability

AP1601M8G-13 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for pagers, electronic cameras, and wireless microphones requiring stable component supply despite its obsolete status-inventory is secured for legacy production continuity.

Supply support for AP1601M8G-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 solutions for consumer, industrial, and automotive markets.

The AP1601 belongs to Diodes' legacy boost converter product line, designed specifically for ultra-low-voltage start-up and minimal external component count in battery-powered portable devices.

FAQ

Can AP1601M8G-13 operate with a single NiMH cell?

Yes. The AP1601M8G-13 guarantees start-up from less than 0.9V input, making it fully compatible with a single NiMH cell (nominal 1.2V, end-of-discharge ~0.9V). Its PFM control maintains regulation down to 0.9V with 1mA load, confirmed in DS31402 Rev. 6–4, page 5.

What is the purpose of the LBO pin, and how is it used?

LBO is an open-drain low-battery comparator output that pulls low when the LBI voltage falls below 1.2V. It must be pulled up externally (e.g., 100kΩ to OUT) and drives indicators or MCU interrupts. During shutdown, LBO enters high-impedance state-details are specified in the Pin Descriptions section of DS31402 Rev. 6–4, page 2.

How do I configure AP1601M8G-13 for 5V output?

Connect the FB pin directly to GND. This forces the internal error amplifier to regulate at 5.0V instead of 3.3V (which occurs when FB is tied to OUT). No external resistors are required-this fixed-output configuration is explicitly defined in the Functional Description and Typical Application Circuit sections of DS31402 Rev. 6–4, pages 3 and 4.

Is AP1601M8G-13 still recommended for new designs?

No. Diodes Incorporated has officially discontinued the AP1601 series and recommends AP6714 as its functional successor. AP1601M8G-13 remains available for legacy production support but lacks updated features such as soft-start, overtemperature protection, and improved efficiency-per the "OBSOLETE – PART DISCONTINUED" notice on page 1 of DS31402 Rev. 6–4.