Diodes Incorporated AP431AWG-7

Overview

AP431AWG-7 from Diodes Incorporated is a 3-terminal adjustable precision shunt regulator with 2.495V ± 0.5% reference voltage tolerance, 0.2Ω dynamic output impedance, and 200mA sink current capability. It operates over –20°C to +85°C and supports programmable output voltages from 2.495V to 36V using two external resistors - widely used in feedback loops of isolated DC-DC converters and voltage monitor circuits.

For engineers reviewing the AP431AWG-7 datasheet, AP431AWG-7 pinout, AP431AWG-7 application, or AP431AWG-7 equivalent, key selection considerations include its ±0.5% reference accuracy, low 30ppm/°C temperature coefficient, fast turn-on response, and SC59 package compatibility with space-constrained power supply designs.

Technical Context

The AP431AWG-7 implements an internal bandgap reference and high-gain transconductance amplifier driving an NPN output stage, enabling sharp regulation onset and stable closed-loop operation across load and line variations. Its active output circuitry ensures low dynamic impedance (0.2Ω typical) and minimal reference deviation (≤20mV over full temperature range).

Designed for use as a programmable shunt element, it functions as a precision voltage comparator with cathode-anode voltage control via external resistor divider. The device requires only 300μA minimum cathode current for regulation and exhibits low 1.4–3.5μA reference input current, reducing bias network loading.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AP431AWG-7 is packaged in SC59 - a 3-pin surface-mount package with gull-wing leads, 1.6mm body width, and 2.8mm length, optimized for thermal dissipation up to 400mW at +25°C ambient.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar adjustable shunt regulator applications.

Compared with TL431ACDBVR and AS431ATZ, the AP431AWG-7 provides identical reference accuracy and dynamic impedance in a smaller SC59 footprint with lower thermal resistance, making it optimal for compact, cost-sensitive consumer power supplies where extended temperature range is not required.

Availability

AP431AWG-7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for isolated flyback converters, voltage monitor circuits, crowbar protection systems, and constant-current LED drivers requiring stable component supply and consistent parametric performance across production batches.

Supply support for AP431AWG-7 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 devices for industrial, computing, and consumer markets.

The AP431 series belongs to Diodes' precision reference product line, designed specifically for high-accuracy voltage regulation and feedback in cost-sensitive, space-constrained power conversion systems.

FAQ

What is the minimum cathode current required for regulation in AP431AWG-7?

The AP431AWG-7 requires a minimum cathode current of 300μA to maintain regulation. This value is confirmed in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table and Electrical Characteristics section of the official DS31002 datasheet. Below this threshold, the device may not sustain stable reference voltage, leading to output drift or dropout in feedback applications.

Can AP431AWG-7 replace a Zener diode in a 12V regulator circuit?

Yes - AP431AWG-7 can directly replace a Zener diode in a 12V shunt regulator by configuring R1 and R2 to set VOUT = 12V = 2.495V × (1 + R1/R2). Its 0.2Ω dynamic impedance and ±0.5% reference accuracy provide tighter regulation and lower temperature drift than typical 5% tolerance Zeners, especially under varying load conditions.

Is AP431AWG-7 pin-compatible with TL431 in SC59 package?

No - TL431 is not offered in SC59. Standard TL431 variants use SO-8, SOT-23, or TO-92 packages with different pinouts. AP431AWG-7's SC59 pin assignment (Cathode–REF–Anode) is unique to Diodes' AP431 family and differs from TL431's SO-8 (Cathode–Anode–REF–NC–NC–NC–NC–V+), so direct substitution requires PCB redesign.

Does AP431AWG-7 support operation above 85°C ambient?

No - the AP431AWG-7 is specified for operation from –20°C to +85°C ambient temperature. Exceeding +85°C risks exceeding junction temperature limits (TJ max = +150°C) due to power dissipation in SC59, potentially causing parameter shift or thermal shutdown. For higher temperatures, AS431ATZ (–40°C to +125°C) is the recommended alternative.