AP1538

18V 3A 300KHz BUCK CONVERTER

General Description

Features

AP1538 consists of step-down switching regulator with

PWM control. These devices include a reference voltage source,
oscillation circuit, error amplifier, internal PMOS.
AP1538 provides low-ripple power, high efficiency, and excellent
transient characteristics. The PWM control circuit is able to vary
the duty ratio linearly from 0 up to 99%. This converter also
contains an error amplifier circuit as well as a soft-start circuit that
prevents overshoot at startup. An enable function, an over
current protect function and a short circuit protect function are built
inside, and when OCP or SCP happens, the operation frequency
will be reduced from 300KHz to 50KHz. Also, an internal
compensation block is built in to minimum external component
count.
With the addition of an internal P-channel Power MOS, a coil,
capacitors, and a diode connected externally, these ICs can
function as step-down switching regulators. They serve as ideal
power supply units for portable devices when coupled with the
SOP-8L and SOP-8L-DEP mini-packages, providing such
outstanding features as low current consumption. Since this
converter can accommodate an input voltage up to 18V, it is also
suitable for the operation via an AC adapter.

Input voltage : 3.6V to 18V

Output voltage : 0.8V to VCC
Output current : up to 3A
Duty ratio: 0% to 99% PWM control
Oscillation frequency: 300KHz typical
Soft-start like, Current limit and Enable function
Thermal Shutdown function
Built-in internal SW P-channel MOS
SOP-8L and SOP-8L-DEP: Available in Green
Molding Compound (No Br, Sb)
Lead Free Finish / RoHS Compliant (Note 1)

Applications

PC Motherboard
LCD Monitor
Graphic Card
DVD-Video Player
Telecom Equipment
ADSL Modem
Printer and other Peripheral Equipment
Microprocessor core supply

Typical Application Circuit

Vcc

VIN

Output

ROCSET COCSET
3K Option
C IN

OCSET

470uF
CVcc
0.1uF

R EN
100K

22uH
Cc

AP 1538

EN

VOUT = 5V/3A

L1

Option*

RA
6.8K

FB
V SS

D1**

0.1uF

COUT
470uF***

RB
1.3K

C EN
0.1uF

VOUT = V FB x (1+ R A /RB )

R B= 0.7K~5K ohm
Notes:

AP1538 Rev. 5
DS31451

* Typical feedback compensation (Cc): 5600pF.

** Suggested DIODES Power Schottky P/N: B540 series or PDS540.
*** Suggested COUT for VOUT < 1V; 680uF.

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AP1538
18V 3A 300KHz BUCK CONVERTER

Ordering Information
AP 1538 XXX G - 13

Device

Package

Green

Packing

S : SOP-8L
SDP : SOP-8L-DEP

G : Green

13 : Tape & Reel

Package
Code

Packaging
(Note 2)

S
SDP

SOP-8L
SOP-8L-DEP

AP1538SG-13
AP1538SDPG-13
Notes:

13 Tape and Reel

Quantity
Part Number Suffix
2500/Tape & Reel
2500/Tape & Reel

-13
-13

1. EU Directive 2002/95/EC (RoHS). All applicable RoHS exemptions applied. Please visit our website at
http://www.diodes.com/products/lead_free.html
2. Pad layout as shown on Diodes Inc. suggested pad layout document AP02001, which can be found on our website at
http://www.diodes.com/datasheets/ap02001.pdf.

Pin Assignments
(1) SOP-8L

(2) SOP-8L-DEP (Dual Exposed Pads)

( Top View )

( Top View )

Vss

EN 2

Vss

Output

OCSET 3

Output

Output

VCC 4

Output

Vss

FB 1

EN 2

Vss

OCSET 3

VCC 4

FB

Notes:

(Note 3)

3. Exposed pad 1 is connected to VSS and exposed pad 2 is connected to Output. The board layout for exposed pads needs to be considered to
avoid short circuit.

AP1538 Rev. 5
DS31451

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AP1538
18V 3A 300KHz BUCK CONVERTER

Pin Descriptions
Pin Name

Pin No.

Description

FB

Feedback pin

EN

Power-off pin
H: Normal operation
(Step-down operation)
L: Step-down operation stopped
(All circuits deactivated)

OCSET

Add an external resistor to set max output current

VCC

IC power supply pin

Output

5, 6

Switch Pin. Connect external inductor/diode here. Minimize trace

area at this pin to reduce EMI

VSS

7, 8

GND Pin

Block Diagram
Output
Oscillation
Circuit

Reference Voltage
Source with Soft Start

Vcc
+

PWM-Switched
Control Circuit

FB
-

Thermal
Shutdown
VEN

EN

AP1538 Rev. 5
DS31451

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90uA

Vss

OCSET

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AP1538
18V 3A 300KHz BUCK CONVERTER

Absolute Maximum Ratings

Symbol

Parameter

Rating

Unit

ESD HBM

Human Body Model ESD Protection

5.5

KV

ESD MM

Machine Model ESD Protection

200

VSS - 0.3 to VSS + 20

VCC

VCC Pin Voltage

VFB

Feedback Pin Voltage

VSS - 0.3 to VCC

VEN

EN Pin Voltage

VSS - 0.3 to VCC

VOUT

Switch Pin Voltage

VSS - 0.3 to VCC

PD

Power Dissipation

Internally limited

mW

TJ

Operating Junction Temperature Range

TST

Storage Temperature Range

-40 to +125

-65 to +150

Caution: The absolute maximum ratings are rated values exceeding which the product could suffer physical damage.
These values must therefore not be exceeded under any conditions.

Recommended Operating Conditions

Symbol
VIN
IOUT
TA
Notes:

Parameter
Input Voltage (Note 4)
Output Current
Operating Ambient Temperature

Min
3.6
0
-20

Max
18
3
+85

Unit
V
A
o
C

4. For the operations in low input voltage, AP1538 can tolerate down to 3.6V but max output current loading will be less than 3A. For nominal
applications in such low input voltage range, especially lower than 4V, a higher ROCSET with larger heat sink is recommended.

AP1538 Rev. 5
DS31451

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AP1538
18V 3A 300KHz BUCK CONVERTER

Electrical Characteristics
(VIN = 12V, TA = 25C, unless otherwise specified)
Symbol
Parameter
Conditions
VFB Feedback Voltage
IOUT = 0.1A
IFB
Feedback Bias Current
IOUT = 0.1A
Current Consumption During
ISHDN
VEN = 0V
Power Off
VOUT
Line Regulation
/ VIN
VOUT
Load Regulation
/ VOUT
fOSC Oscillation Frequency
Frequency of Current Limit or
fOSC1
Short Circuit Protection
VIH
EN Pin Input Voltage
VIL
ISH
EN Pin Input Leakage Current
ISL
IOCSET OCSET Pin Bias Current
RDS(ON) Internal MOSFET RDS(ON)

Min
0.784
-

Typ.
0.8
0.1

Max
0.816
0.5

Unit
V
A

10

VIN = 5V~18V

IOUT = 0.1 to 3A

0.2

0.5

Measure waveform at SW pin

240

300

400

KHz

Measure waveform at SW pin

50

KHz

2.0
75
-

20
-10
90
110
70

0.8
105
-

92

150
55
24
26

C
C

Evaluate oscillation at SW pin

Evaluate oscillation stop at SW pin
EN Pin High
EN Pin Low
-VIN=5V, VFB=0V
VIN=12V, VFB=0V
VIN=12V, VOUT = 5V
IOUT=3A

EFFI

Efficiency

TSHDN
THYS

Thermal shutdown threshold

Thermal shutdown hysteresis
SOP-8L (Note 5)
Thermal Resistance
Junction-to-Case
SOP-8L-DEP (Note 5)

JC
Notes:

V
A
A
A
m

C/W

5. Test condition for SOP-8L and SOP-8L-DEP: Devices mounted on 2oz copper, minimum recommended pad layout on top & bottom layer with
thermal vias, double sided FR-4 PCB.

AP1538 Rev. 5
DS31451

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AP1538
18V 3A 300KHz BUCK CONVERTER

Typical Performance Characteristics

326

VIN vs. Frequency

VIN vs. VFB

(V OUT = 3.3V, IOUT = 0.2A)

(V OUT = 3.3V, IOUT = 0.2A)

0.820

324
322

0.815
0.810

320
318

V FB (V)

FOSC (kHz)

0.805
0.800

316
314

0.795

312
310

0.790
0.785

308
306

0.780
0

8
10
V IN (V)

12

14

16

18

Line Regulation

3.35
3.30
V OUT (V)

V OUT (V)

3.25
3.20
3.15
3.10
3.05
3.00
0

8
10
V IN (V)

12

14

16

18

0.0

0.5

6.5

70

6.0

Current Limit (A)

7.0

80
60
50
40
30
20

VOUT=3.3V

10

VOUT=5V

14

16

18

1.5
IOUT (A)

2.0

2.5

3.0

(TA = 25C)

2.0

5.5
5.0
4.5
4.0
3.5

ROCSET=6.8k

3.0

ROCSET=3.9k

2.5
3.0

IOUT (A)

AP1538 Rev. 5
DS31451

1.0

7.5

1.0

12

Switch Current Limit

(V IN = 12V)

90

0
0.0

8
10
V IN (V)

(V IN = 12V)

3.35
3.34
3.33
3.32
3.31
3.30
3.29
3.28
3.27
3.26
3.25

Efficiency
100

Load Regulation

(V OUT = 3.3V, IOUT = 0.2A)

3.40

Efficiency (%)

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8
10
V IN (V)

12

14

16

18

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AP1538
18V 3A 300KHz BUCK CONVERTER

Typical Performance Characteristics

(Continued)

Current Limit (A)

Current Limit vs. Temperature

(V IN=12V, ROCSET =6.8k)

9.0
8.5
8.0
7.5
7.0
6.5
6.0
5.5
5.0
4.5
4.0
-25

25
50
75
Ambient Temperature (C)

100

VOUT Ripple
(VIN = 12V, VOUT = 3.3V, IOUT = 0.1A)

VOUT Ripple
(VIN = 12V, VOUT = 3.3V, IOUT = 3.0A)

Load Transient Response

(VIN = 12V, VOUT = 3.3V, IOUT = 0.1~3A)

AP1538 Rev. 5
DS31451

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AP1538
18V 3A 300KHz BUCK CONVERTER

Test Circuit

VCC

OUTPUT

Oscillation

open
open

FB

OCSET
A

EN

+
-

VSS

Enable function test

VCC
+
-

OUTPUT

VCC

OUTPUT

OCSET
EN

FB

VSS

Feedback function test

FB

OCSET
EN

VSS

Operation function test

AP1538 Rev. 5
DS31451

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AP1538
18V 3A 300KHz BUCK CONVERTER

Functional Description
PWM Control
The AP1538 is a DC/DC converter that employs pulse width
modulation (PWM) scheme. Its pulse width varies in the range of
0% to 99%, based on the output current loading. The output
ripple voltage caused by the PWM high frequency switching can
easily be reduced through an output filter. Therefore, this
converter provides a low ripple output supply over a broad range
of input voltage & output current loading

Inductor Selection
For most designs, the operates with inductors of 22H to
33H. The inductor value can be derived from the following
equation:

Under Voltage Lockout

The under voltage lockout circuit of the AP1538 assures that the
high-side MOSFET driver remains in the off state whenever the
supply voltage drops below 3.3V. Normal operation resumes
once VCC rises above 3.5V.

Where IL is inductor Ripple Current. Large value inductors lower

ripple current and small value inductors result in high ripple
current. Choose inductor ripple current approximately 15% of the
maximum load current 3A, IL=0.45A. The DC current rating of
the inductor should be at least equal to the maximum load current
plus half the ripple current to prevent core saturation
(3A+0.225A).

Current Limit Protection

The current limit threshold is set by external resistor ROCSET
connected from VCC supply to OCSET pin. The internal sink
current IOCSET (90uA typical) across this resistor sets the voltage
at OCSET pin. When the PWM voltage is less than the voltage at
OCSET, an over-current condition is triggered.
The current limit threshold is given by the following equation:

IPEAK R DS(ON) = IOCSET R OCSET

VIN VOUT VOUT

fs I
VIN

Input Capacitor Selection

This capacitor should be located close to the IC using short leads
and the voltage rating should be approximately 1.5 times the
maximum input voltage. The RMS current rating requirement for
the input capacitor of a buck regulator is approximately 12 the
DC load current. A low ESR input capacitor sized for maximum
RMS current must be used. A 470F low ESR capacitor for most
applications is sufficient.
Output Capacitor Selection
The output capacitor is required to filter the output voltage and
provides regulator loop stability. The important capacitor
parameters are the 100KHz Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR),
the RMS ripples current rating, voltage rating and capacitance
value. For the output capacitor, the ESR value is the most
important parameter. The output ripple can be calculated from
the following formula.

(I)
IPEAK > IOUT(MAX) + 2
where,

I =

L=

VIN VOUT VOUT

fs L
VIN

V RIPPLE = IL ESR

IPEAK is the output peak current; RDS (ON) is the MOSFET ON

resistance; FS is the PWM frequency (300KHz typical). Also, the
inductor value will affect the ripple current I.
The above equation is recommended for input voltage range of
5V to 18V. For input voltage lower than 5V or ambient
temperature over 100C, higher ROCSET is recommended.

The bulk capacitors ESR will determine the output ripple voltage
and the initial voltage drop after a high slew-rate transient.
An aluminum electrolytic capacitor's ESR value is related to the
capacitance and its voltage rating. In most case, higher voltage
electrolytic capacitors have lower ESR values. Most of the time,
capacitors with much higher voltage ratings may be needed to
provide the low ESR values required for low output ripple voltage.

The recommended minimum ROCSET value is summarized below:

VOUT
(V)
0.8
1.0
1.2
1.8
2.5
3.3
5.0

5V
4.7K
5.6K
5.6K
5.6K
5.6K
5.6K
N/A

AP1538 Rev. 5
DS31451

VIN (V)
12V
3.0K
3.0K
3.0K
3.0K
3.0K
3.0K
3.0K

18V
3.3K
3.9K
3.9K
3.9K
3.9K
3.9K
4.7K

PCB Layout Guide

If you need low TC & TJ or large PD (Power Dissipation), The dual
SW pins(5& 6) and Vss pins(7& 8)on the SOP-8L package are
internally connected to die pad, The evaluation board should be
allowed for maximum copper area at output (SW) pins.
1. Connect FB circuits (R1, R2, C1) as closely as possible and
keep away from inductor flux for pure VFB.
2. Connect C3 to Vcc and Vss pin as closely as possible to get
good power filter effect.
3. Connect R4 to Vcc and OCSET pin as closely as possible.
4. Connect ground side of the C2 & D1 & C4 as closely as
possible and use ground plane for best performance.

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18V 3A 300KHz BUCK CONVERTER

Functional Description

(Continued)

Keep the gap of exposed pads from short circuit.

Recommended exposed-pads gap: 30~40mil

(0.75~1mm)

Top Side Layout Guide

Use vias to conduct the heat into the backside of

PCB layer. The heat sink at output (SW) pins should
be allowed for maximum solder-painted area.

Brown: IC exposed pads.

Red: recommended layout.
Reference pads layout dimension:
Output: 90 x 50 mil
Vss: 90 x 60 mil

Bottom Side Layout Guide

AP1538 Rev. 5
DS31451

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AP1538
18V 3A 300KHz BUCK CONVERTER

Functional Description

(Continued)

Vcc

VIN

Output

C7
Option

R4
C2

C1
Option

AP1538

VOUT
R1

FB

OCSET
V SS

EN
C3

L1

R5

D1

C8

C4

R2

C6

Figure: Layout numbering comparison.

Marking Information
(1) SOP-8L

( Top View )
8

Logo
Part Number

AP1538
YY WW X X
1

G : Green
YY : Year : 08, 09,10~
WW : Week : 01~52; 52
represents 52 and 53 week
X : Internal Code

(2) SOP-8L-DEP

( Top View )
8

Logo
Part No.

AP1538
YY WW X X E
1

AP1538 Rev. 5
DS31451

G : Green
YY : Year : 08, 09,10~
WW : Week : 01~52; 52
represents 52 and 53 week
X : Internal Code
SOP-8L-DEP

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18V 3A 300KHz BUCK CONVERTER

Package Information

( All Dimensions in mm )

0.254

0.10/0.20

3.85/3.95

5.90/6.10

(1) Package type: SOP-8L

Gauge Plane
Seating Plane

0.62/0.82

Detail "A"

7~9

7~9

0.15/0.25

1.75max.

1.30/1.50

0.35max. 45

Detail "A"
0/8

0.3/0.5

1.27typ
4.85/4.95

5.4

8x-0.60

8x-1.55

6x-1.27

Land Pattern Recommendation

(Unit: mm)

(2) Package type: SOP-8L-DEP

CL

1.8
1.65

1.8
0.95

8x-1.55

EXPOSED PAD

1.0
2.35

5.4

3.85/3.95

5.90/6.10

CL

Top View
4

0.35Typ.

0.254

0.15/0.25

1.15Typ.

2.05Typ.

0 /

View"A"

1.27Typ.
4.85/4.95

1.63Max.

1.4/1.5
.1

0.685

6x-1.27

8x-0.60
45

R0

0.3/0.5
9(all side)

Gauge Plane
Seating Plane

EXPOSED PAD

0.9
8

CL

0.62/0.82

0/0.13

0.20

2.15Typ.

Land Pattem Recommendation

(Unit: mm)

View"A"

1.7

1.7

0.713

CL

Bottom view

AP1538 Rev. 5
DS31451

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18V 3A 300KHz BUCK CONVERTER

IMPORTANT NOTICE
DIODES INCORPORATED MAKES NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH REGARDS TO THIS
DOCUMENT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE (AND THEIR EQUIVALENTS UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY JURISDICTION).
Diodes Incorporated and its subsidiaries reserve the right to make modifications, enhancements, improvements, corrections or other
changes without further notice to this document and any product described herein. Diodes Incorporated does not assume any
liability arising out of the application or use of this document or any product described herein; neither does Diodes Incorporated
convey any license under its patent or trademark rights, nor the rights of others. Any Customer or user of this document or products
described herein in such applications shall assume all risks of such use and will agree to hold Diodes Incorporated and all the
companies whose products are represented on Diodes Incorporated website, harmless against all damages.
Diodes Incorporated does not warrant or accept any liability whatsoever in respect of any products purchased through unauthorized
sales channel.
Should Customers purchase or use Diodes Incorporated products for any unintended or unauthorized application, Customers shall
indemnify and hold Diodes Incorporated and its representatives harmless against all claims, damages, expenses, and attorney fees
arising out of, directly or indirectly, any claim of personal injury or death associated with such unintended or unauthorized
application.
Products described herein may be covered by one or more United States, international or foreign patents pending. Product names
and markings noted herein may also be covered by one or more United States, international or foreign trademarks.
LIFE SUPPORT
Diodes Incorporated products are specifically not authorized for use as critical components in life support devices or systems
without the express written approval of the Chief Executive Officer of Diodes Incorporated. As used herein:
A. Life support devices or systems are devices or systems which:
1. are intended to implant into the body, or
2. support or sustain life and whose failure to perform when properly used in accordance with instructions for use provided
in the labeling can be reasonably expected to result in significant injury to the user.
B.

A critical component is any component in a life support device or system whose failure to perform can be reasonably expected
to cause the failure of the life support device or to affect its safety or effectiveness.

Customers represent that they have all necessary expertise in the safety and regulatory ramifications of their life support devices or
systems, and acknowledge and agree that they are solely responsible for all legal, regulatory and safety-related requirements
concerning their products and any use of Diodes Incorporated products in such safety-critical, life support devices or systems,
notwithstanding any devices- or systems-related information or support that may be provided by Diodes Incorporated. Further,
Customers must fully indemnify Diodes Incorporated and its representatives against any damages arising out of the use of Diodes
Incorporated products in such safety-critical, life support devices or systems.
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DS31451

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