AP1506-12K5G-13 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The AP1506-12K5G-13 is a buck switching regulator IC manufactured by Diodes Incorporated, rated for 12V fixed output at 3A maximum current. This part operates in the 4.5V to 22V input range with a 150kHz switching frequency and is housed in a TO-263-6 D2PAK package with 5 leads plus tab.

The AP1506-12K5G-13 is classified as obsolete. Equivalent and substitute parts are necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure supply chain availability, and support ongoing production requirements. Substitute parts maintain functional compatibility while offering active product status and improved long-term availability.

Key Parameters

Parameter	AP1506-12K5G-13
Manufacturer	Diodes Incorporated
Function	Step-Down (Buck)
Output Voltage	12V Fixed
Output Current	3A
Input Voltage Range	4.5V to 22V
Switching Frequency	150kHz
Package	TO-263-6 D2PAK (5 Leads + Tab)
Operating Temperature	-20°C to 85°C (TA)
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Product Status	Obsolete

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility is determined by the following critical parameters:

Output Voltage: Must be 12V fixed
Package Type: Must be TO-263-6 D2PAK (5 Leads + Tab) for mechanical and electrical compatibility
Output Current Rating: Minimum 1A; 3A preferred for direct replacement
Input Voltage Range: Minimum 4V to 40V acceptable; original 4.5V to 22V is subset
Topology: Buck (step-down) configuration required
Mounting Type: Surface mount, TO-263 family
Compliance: ROHS3 compliant; REACH unaffected

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Category A - Direct Current Rating Match (3A Output):

LM2576-12WU
LM2576-12WU-TR

Category B - Reduced Current Rating (1A Output):

LM2575-12WU
LM2575-12WU-TR
LM2575D2T-12R4G
LM2575HVS-12/NOPB
LM2575S-12/NOPB
LM2575SX-12/NOPB
NCV2575D2T-12R4G
TL2575-12IKTTR

Category A parts provide equivalent current handling. Category B parts operate at reduced output current but maintain all other functional parameters and package compatibility.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	AP1506-12K5G-13	LM2576-12WU	LM2576-12WU-TR	LM2575-12WU	LM2575-12WU-TR	LM2575D2T-12R4G	LM2575HVS-12/NOPB	LM2575S-12/NOPB	LM2575SX-12/NOPB	NCV2575D2T-12R4G	TL2575-12IKTTR
Manufacturer	Diodes Inc.	Microchip	Microchip	Microchip	Microchip	onsemi	TI	TI	TI	onsemi	TI
Output Voltage	12V	12V	12V	12V	12V	12V	12V	12V	12V	12V	12V
Output Current	3A	3A	3A	1A	1A	1A	1A	1A	1A	1A	1A
Input Voltage (Min)	4.5V	4V	4V	4V	4V	4.75V	4V	4V	4V	4.75V	4.75V
Input Voltage (Max)	22V	40V	40V	40V	40V	40V	60V	40V	40V	40V	40V
Switching Frequency	150kHz	52kHz	52kHz	52kHz	52kHz	52kHz	52kHz	52kHz	52kHz	52kHz	52kHz
Package	TO-263-6	TO-263-6	TO-263-6	TO-263-6	TO-263-6	D2PAK-5	TO-263	TO-263	TO-263	D2PAK-5	TO-263
Operating Temperature	-20°C to 85°C	-40°C to 125°C	-40°C to 125°C	-40°C to 125°C	-40°C to 125°C	-40°C to 125°C	-40°C to 125°C	-40°C to 125°C	-40°C to 125°C	-40°C to 125°C	-40°C to 125°C
RoHS Status	ROHS3	ROHS3	ROHS3	ROHS3	ROHS3	ROHS3	ROHS3	ROHS3	ROHS3	ROHS3	ROHS3
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Obsolete	Active
MSL Rating	3 (168 Hours)	3 (168 Hours)	3 (168 Hours)	3 (168 Hours)	3 (168 Hours)	1 (Unlimited)	3 (168 Hours)	3 (168 Hours)	3 (168 Hours)	1 (Unlimited)	3 (168 Hours)

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement (3A Output Current):

LM2576-12WU and LM2576-12WU-TR are the primary substitutes. Both are manufactured by Microchip Technology with active product status, ensuring long-term availability. These parts maintain the 3A output current specification of the original AP1506-12K5G-13. The LM2576-12WU-TR variant in Tape & Reel packaging is preferred for automated assembly environments. Both are ROHS3 compliant with identical compliance certifications to the original part.

For Current-Reduced Applications (1A Output Current):

When 1A output current is acceptable for the application, multiple active alternatives are available:

LM2575-12WU and LM2575-12WU-TR (Microchip Technology): Active status with extended temperature range (-40°C to 125°C). Available in Tube and Tape & Reel packaging.
LM2575D2T-12R4G (onsemi): Active status with MSL rating of 1 (Unlimited), indicating superior moisture resistance. Available in Cut Tape & Digi-Reel packaging.
LM2575HVS-12/NOPB (Texas Instruments): Active status with extended input voltage range to 60V maximum, part of the SIMPLE SWITCHER® series.
LM2575S-12/NOPB and LM2575SX-12/NOPB (Texas Instruments): Active status, SIMPLE SWITCHER® series. SX variant available in Cut Tape & Digi-Reel packaging.
TL2575-12IKTTR (Texas Instruments): Active status, available in Cut Tape & Digi-Reel packaging.

All substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, matching the original part's regulatory status.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a 1A-rated substitute in place of the 3A AP1506-12K5G-13?

A: Only if your application's maximum output current requirement does not exceed 1A. The 1A-rated substitutes (LM2575 series, NCV2575D2T-12R4G, TL2575-12IKTTR) are electrically and mechanically compatible but have a lower current rating. Exceeding the 1A limit will cause thermal shutdown or component damage.

Q: What is the difference between Tube and Tape & Reel packaging?

A: Tube packaging is suitable for manual assembly and small-volume applications. Tape & Reel (TR) packaging is designed for automated pick-and-place assembly equipment and high-volume production. Both contain identical die and electrical specifications.

Q: Why does the LM2575HVS-12/NOPB have a 60V maximum input while others are rated 40V?

A: The LM2575HVS variant is a high-voltage version within the LM2575 family. The 60V rating provides additional input voltage margin but does not affect output voltage or current specifications. It is suitable for applications with higher input voltage transients.

Q: Are all substitute parts pin-compatible with the AP1506-12K5G-13?

A: Yes. All substitute parts use the TO-263-6 D2PAK package with 5 leads plus tab, providing identical pinout and mechanical compatibility. No PCB layout modifications are required.

Q: What does MSL rating 1 (Unlimited) mean compared to MSL 3 (168 Hours)?

A: MSL (Moisture Sensitivity Level) indicates the maximum time a component can be exposed to moisture before soldering. MSL 1 (Unlimited) allows indefinite storage without moisture control. MSL 3 (168 Hours) requires storage in dry conditions and limits exposure to 168 hours after opening the moisture barrier bag. LM2575D2T-12R4G and NCV2575D2T-12R4G offer superior moisture tolerance.

Q: Is the switching frequency difference between 150kHz (original) and 52kHz (substitutes) significant?

A: Yes. The lower switching frequency of substitute parts affects filter component sizing and EMI characteristics. Applications designed around the original 150kHz frequency may require recalculation of output filter inductance and capacitance values. Consult the substitute part datasheet for recommended filter component values.

Q: Which substitute offers the best long-term availability?

A: LM2576-12WU and LM2576-12WU-TR (Microchip Technology) are recommended for designs requiring the original 3A output current. For 1A applications, LM2575-12WU and LM2575-12WU-TR offer the broadest availability through multiple distributors and active product status with no announced discontinuation.

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