Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP18851-A4CGSE-Z

Overview

MP18851-A4CGSE-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is an isolated, dual-input, independent dual-channel gate driver IC designed for high-reliability power conversion systems. It delivers 4A peak source/sink current per channel, features 50ns typical propagation delay, >100kV/µs CMTI, and supports 2.8–5.5V primary-side VDDI and up to 30V secondary-side supply - enabling direct interface with 3.3V/5V controllers in isolated half-bridge or dual-driver topologies.

For engineers reviewing the MP18851-A4CGSE-Z datasheet, MP18851-A4CGSE-Z pinout, MP18851-A4CGSE-Z application, or MP18851-A4CGSE-Z equivalent, this device is selected for high-speed, high-CMTI isolated gate driving in offline AC/DC, isolated DC/DC, and inverter designs where functional isolation between secondary-side drivers and robust UVLO protection are critical.

Technical Context

The MP18851 employs MPS's proprietary capacitive-based isolation barrier, delivering 5kVRMS input-to-output withstand voltage (SOIC-16 WB package) and ≥100kV/µs common-mode transient immunity between input and output sides. Its dual-channel architecture supports fully independent control: each output can be referenced to separate grounds or configured as half-bridge HS/LS with no shared reference constraints.

All channels integrate programmable UVLO thresholds (3V option for -A variant), TTL/CMOS-compatible inputs with internal pull-downs (INA/INB) or pull-ups (EN), and dual enable/disable logic (EN/DIS pins). The device operates across –40°C to +125°C and supports three package options - SOIC-16 NB, SOIC-16 WB, and LGA-13 - each with distinct isolation ratings and thermal performance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP18851-A4CGSE-Z is supplied in the SOIC-16 WB (wide-body) package, providing 5kVRMS isolation and 6000VPK reinforced insulation per VDE 0884-17. Pin functions are validated per MPS MP18851 Rev. 1.0 datasheet (July 2022).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-channel isolated gate driver applications.

Compared with Si8273BD-D-IS and ADUM4223BRIZ, MP18851-A4CGSE-Z offers native 3V UVLO support, lower quiescent current, and simpler enable/disabled logic - making it optimal for fixed-function, high-efficiency isolated converters where minimal BOM count and predictable startup behavior are prioritized.

Availability

MP18851-A4CGSE-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for isolated DC/DC converters, industrial motor drives, and EV onboard chargers requiring stable component supply with long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for MP18851-A4CGSE-Z 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

Monolithic Power Systems (MPS) is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in high-performance power management ICs, with over two decades of expertise in DC/DC conversion, gate driving, and isolation technologies.

The MP18851 belongs to MPS's isolated gate driver product line, engineered specifically for high-efficiency, high-reliability power conversion in industrial, automotive, and renewable energy systems where safety-certified isolation and fast switching are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the isolation rating of MP18851-A4CGSE-Z and which safety standards does it meet?

The MP18851-A4CGSE-Z in SOIC-16 WB package provides 5kVRMS input-to-output isolation per UL 1577 (60s test) and 6000VPK per DIN EN IEC 60747-17 (VDE 0884-17):2021-10. It also holds CQC certification per GB 4943.1-2011 and supports reinforced insulation up to 630VRMS working voltage.

Can MP18851-A4CGSE-Z drive both high-side and low-side switches in a half-bridge configuration?

Yes - its dual independent output channels (OUTA/VDDA/VSSA and OUTB/VDDB/VSSB) support half-bridge configuration with fully separated grounds. VSSA and VSSB may be tied together for standard half-bridge use or kept isolated for advanced topologies like dual-active-bridge or isolated synchronous rectification.

What UVLO threshold does the "-A" suffix indicate, and how is it implemented?

The "-A" suffix denotes a 3V UVLO threshold on the secondary-side supplies (VDDA/VDDB), with 300mV hysteresis. This is factory-programmed and ensures reliable turn-off when gate drive voltage drops below 3.2V, preventing partial-enhancement of SiC or GaN FETs during undervoltage events.

Does MP18851-A4CGSE-Z require external components for basic operation?

Yes - each VDDI pin requires a 100nF ceramic bypass capacitor to GNDI; VDDA and VDDB each need a 100nF capacitor to their respective VSSA/VSSB grounds. No external bootstrap diodes or level shifters are needed due to integrated isolation and dual-supply architecture.

How does the EN and DIS pin logic differ, and when should each be used?

EN is active-high with internal pull-up; DIS is active-low with internal pull-down. Either pin can independently disable outputs - EN is preferred for MCU-driven enable sequencing, while DIS suits hardware fault interlocks (e.g., overtemperature shutdown signals) that assert low on failure.

Is MP18851-A4CGSE-Z compatible with SiC and GaN power devices?

Yes - its 4A peak source/sink current, 10–20ns edge rates, 50ns propagation delay, and >100kV/µs CMTI are optimized for fast-switching wide-bandgap devices. The 30V VDDA/VDDB rating supports direct 24V gate bias for cascode SiC FETs and depletion-mode GaN HEMTs.

What package variants are available for MP18851-A4CGSE-Z, and which one is shipped?

MP18851-A4CGSE-Z is specified with the "GSE" suffix, indicating the SOIC-16 NB (narrow-body) package. However, the "-Z" tape-and-reel suffix applies to all variants - this part ships in SOIC-16 NB, offering 3kVRMS isolation and 4242VPK per VDE 0884-17, suitable for space-constrained industrial designs.