Diodes Incorporated AP7361C-12SPR-13

Overview

AP7361C-12SPR-13 from Diodes Incorporated is a 1A fixed-output (1.2V) ultra-low dropout linear regulator with enable, designed for power rail regulation in space-constrained portable and battery-powered systems. It delivers ±1% output accuracy, 360mV dropout at 1A (for 3.3V variant; 1.2V variant dropout is 600mV typ at 300mA), 60µA quiescent current, and integrates thermal shutdown and fold-back short-circuit protection. It operates across –40°C to +85°C ambient and supports stable operation with ≥2.2µF MLCC output capacitors.

For engineers reviewing the AP7361C-12SPR-13 datasheet, AP7361C-12SPR-13 pinout, AP7361C-12SPR-13 application, or AP7361C-12SPR-13 equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage at 1.2V output, EN pin logic thresholds (VIH = 1.0V min), SO-8EP package thermal resistance (θJA = 100°C/W), and compatibility with low-ESR ceramic capacitors without external compensation.

Technical Context

The AP7361C-12SPR-13 implements a PMOS pass transistor architecture enabling ultra-low dropout and near-zero gate-drive current, supporting stable regulation down to VIN = VOUT + 0.6V at 300mA for 1.2V output. Its internal 0.8V bandgap reference and error amplifier provide precise feedback control independent of load or line variation.

Enable functionality is implemented via a dedicated EN pin with 1.0V minimum VIH and 0.3V maximum VIL, allowing direct interfacing with 1.8V/3.3V logic. Protection circuitry includes fold-back current limiting (400mA short-circuit clamp) and thermal shutdown activation at TJ ≈ 150°C with 20°C hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AP7361C-12SPR-13 is packaged in SO-8EP (exposed pad), a thermally enhanced 8-pin surface-mount package with GND connected to the exposed thermal pad for improved heat dissipation (θJA = 100°C/W). Pin 1 is IN; Pin 2 is GND; Pin 3 is OUT; Pin 4 is NC; Pin 5 is ADJ/NC (no connection in fixed 1.2V version); Pin 6 is EN; Pin 7 is NC; Pin 8 is GND.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar fixed-output LDO regulator applications.

Compared with MCP1703T-1202E/MB and XC6210B122MR-G, AP7361C-12SPR-13 uniquely balances 1A output, 60µA IQ, active enable, and SO-8EP thermal performance - making it optimal for compact, high-reliability 1.2V rails where both current capability and power-state control matter.

Availability

AP7361C-12SPR-13 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart home sensor nodes, portable medical monitors, industrial HMI panels, and set-top box USB peripheral power rails requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for AP7361C-12SPR-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 high-reliability power management, signal integrity, and protection solutions for industrial, computing, and consumer markets.

The AP7361C belongs to Diodes' high-performance LDO family targeting battery-powered and space-constrained applications where ultra-low dropout, low IQ, and integrated protection are essential design requirements.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for AP7361C-12SPR-13 to regulate 1.2V at 1A?

The datasheet specifies a typical dropout voltage of 600mV at 300mA for the 1.2V version; at 1A, dropout increases to approximately 710mV. Therefore, minimum input voltage is 1.2V + 0.71V = 1.91V. However, the absolute minimum specified VIN is 2.2V - this ensures guaranteed operation across process, voltage, and temperature corners, including worst-case dropout and line regulation.

Can AP7361C-12SPR-13 be used without connecting the EN pin?

Yes, but only if the regulator must remain permanently enabled. The EN pin must be tied directly to IN (not left floating) to guarantee logic-high activation. Leaving EN unconnected risks undefined behavior due to leakage paths; tying to IN ensures VIH > 1.0V across all input conditions and eliminates risk of unintended shutdown.

Does the SO-8EP package require soldering the thermal pad to PCB ground?

Yes - the exposed thermal pad (Pin 4) in the SO-8EP package is internally connected to GND and must be soldered to a PCB copper pour tied to system ground. This is mandatory to achieve the rated θJA of 100°C/W; omitting thermal pad connection degrades thermal performance by >40%, risking premature thermal shutdown under 1A load.

Is AP7361C-12SPR-13 qualified for automotive applications?

No - AP7361C-12SPR-13 is an industrial-grade part rated for –40°C to +85°C ambient. Diodes offers automotive-qualified versions (e.g., AP7361CQ-12SPR-13) with Q-suffix, AEC-Q100 qualification, PPAP capability, and IATF16949 manufacturing - but this specific part number lacks those qualifications and should not be used in automotive safety-critical systems.