Diodes Incorporated AP2160KTR-G1

Overview

AP2160KTR-G1 from BCD Semiconductor is an ultra-low-output-voltage N-FET linear regulator controller supporting adjustable output down to 0.5 V with ±1% reference accuracy. It integrates Power-On-Reset (POR), open-drain POK signaling, enable control, under-voltage protection, and thermal shutdown. Used in notebook/desktop power sequencing where tight regulation of core or I/O rails is required.

For engineers reviewing the AP2160KTR-G1 datasheet, AP2160KTR-G1 pinout, AP2160KTR-G1 application, or AP2160KTR-G1 equivalent, key selection criteria include feedback voltage tolerance (±0.5%), UVLO hysteresis (0.25 V), DRV sourcing/sinking capability (20 µA / 9 mA), POK delay (0.8–10 ms), and SOT-23-6 thermal performance (150°C shutdown).

Technical Context

The AP2160 operates as a controller-not a complete LDO-driving external N-channel MOSFETs to regulate output voltages as low as 0.5 V using a precision 0.5 V bandgap reference. Its error amplifier delivers high DC gain and bandwidth for fast transient response and load regulation.

POR initiates soft-start when VCC exceeds 3.70 V (UVLO threshold) and forces POK low during brownout. Under-voltage protection monitors FB after soft-start completion and shuts down output if FB falls below 0.25 V, while thermal shutdown activates at 150°C with 40°C hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AP2160KTR-G1 is housed in a standard 6-pin SOT-23-6 package (2.95 mm × 2.82 mm × 1.45 mm), optimized for space-constrained PCB layouts and compatible with automated pick-and-place assembly.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar N-FET linear regulator controller applications.

Compared with TPS51100DGSR and RT9013-12GB, AP2160KTR-G1 uniquely combines sub-1 V adjustability, POK signaling, and external N-FET drive - making it the only option among the three for sequenced, ultra-low-voltage, high-current regulator designs.

Availability

AP2160KTR-G1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook PC power rails, desktop CPU core supply, and battery-powered instrumentation requiring stable component supply and RoHS-compliant green packaging.

Supply support for AP2160KTR-G1 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

BCD Semiconductor Manufacturing Limited is a Shanghai-based analog and power IC designer specializing in high-performance, cost-effective solutions for computing, consumer, and industrial markets.

The AP2160 belongs to BCD's linear regulator controller product line, engineered specifically for ultra-low-voltage, high-accuracy power management in space- and efficiency-constrained portable and computing platforms.

FAQ

What external MOSFET parameters must be considered when using AP2160KTR-G1?

The AP2160KTR-G1 drives N-channel MOSFETs with up to 9 mA sink and 20 µA source capability. Select FETs with gate charge (Qg) ≤15 nC and threshold voltage (VGS(th)) ≤2.5 V to ensure full enhancement under worst-case DRV swing (0.8–1.15 V). RDS(on) should be ≤20 mΩ for 3 A loads to limit conduction loss and thermal rise.

Can AP2160KTR-G1 regulate output voltages below 0.5 V?

No. The internal 0.5 V ±1% reference voltage sets the absolute lower bound for regulated output. Feedback network calculations yield VOUT = 0.5 V × (1 + R1/R2), so minimum achievable output is 0.5 V (when R1 = 0 Ω). Attempting lower outputs results in unregulated behavior and potential instability.

How does the POK signal behave during thermal shutdown?

During thermal shutdown, the AP2160KTR-G1 disables DRV and pulls POK low immediately, indicating loss of valid output. POK remains low until junction temperature drops by 40°C and a new soft-start cycle completes - ensuring downstream systems do not resume operation prematurely.

Is the AP2160KTR-G1 compatible with ceramic output capacitors?

Yes. The AP2160KTR-G1 is explicitly designed for low-ESR MLCC and POSCAP output capacitors. Its compensation architecture stabilizes with 22 µF ceramic capacitance (as validated in the datasheet), eliminating need for electrolytic or tantalum alternatives and reducing board area and ESL-related noise.