Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP2009EE-3.3-LF-P

Overview

MP2009EE-3.3-LF-P from Monolithic Power Systems is an ultra-low-noise, low-dropout linear regulator delivering 3.3V ±1% output at up to 120mA with 120mV dropout at full load, 16µV_RMS output noise (100Hz–30kHz), and 78dB PSRR at 1kHz - designed for powering noise-sensitive analog circuitry such as VCOs and RF front-ends in portable wireless systems.

For engineers reviewing the MP2009EE-3.3-LF-P datasheet, MP2009EE-3.3-LF-P pinout, MP2009EE-3.3-LF-P application, or MP2009EE-3.3-LF-P equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage under 120mA load, absence of external noise-bypass capacitor requirement, stability with 1µF ceramic output capacitance, and EN-controlled shutdown functionality in space-constrained SC70 packaging.

Technical Context

The MP2009 employs an internal P-channel MOSFET pass element with ~1.4Ω R_DS(on), enabling low dropout and eliminating base-drive current loss typical of PNP-based regulators. Its proprietary internal 50pF bypass structure achieves 16µV_RMS noise without external capacitors.

It integrates independent current limiting (180–250mA typical trip at 3.3V) and thermal shutdown (150°C activation, 20°C hysteresis), with fast line/load transient response enabled by minimal 1µF input/output ceramic capacitance requirements and low 50µA no-load ground current.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP2009EE-3.3-LF-P is housed in a 5-pin SC70 package (2.0mm × 1.25mm × 0.9mm height), optimized for high-density portable PCB layouts. The package features exposed pad-less construction and RoHS-compliant matte tin lead finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-noise LDO regulator applications.

Compared with XC6210B332MR-G and ADP125ARHZ-3.3-R7, MP2009EE-3.3-LF-P uniquely delivers 120mA capability with industry-leading 16µV_RMS noise and zero-bypass operation in the smallest SC70 package - making it optimal for miniaturized RF and portable medical systems where noise, size, and efficiency are co-constrained.

Availability

MP2009EE-3.3-LF-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular radios, Bluetooth accessories, digital cameras, and portable medical sensors requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for MP2009EE-3.3-LF-P 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 analog and power ICs, with design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan, and global manufacturing partnerships.

The MP2009 belongs to MPS's ultra-low-noise LDO product line, engineered specifically for powering noise-critical RF, timing, and precision analog subsystems in battery-constrained portable electronics.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for MP2009EE-3.3-LF-P to maintain regulation?

The MP2009EE-3.3-LF-P requires a minimum input voltage of 3.42V to sustain 3.3V output at 120mA load, based on its 120mV dropout specification. At lighter loads, VIN can be reduced further - e.g., 3.35V suffices at 50mA due to lower dropout (≈50mV). Input below 2.0V is prohibited per absolute maximum ratings.

Can MP2009EE-3.3-LF-P operate without an output capacitor?

No. The device requires a minimum 1µF ceramic output capacitor (X5R/X7R, ESR < 3Ω) for stability across all load conditions, as confirmed in the datasheet's "Output Capacitor Selection" section and stability graphs. Omitting C_OUT causes oscillation and output voltage collapse.

Is the NC pin (Pin 4) safe to connect to ground or leave floating?

Pin 4 is internally unconnected and must remain unconnected on the PCB. Connecting it to ground or any other net may introduce parasitic coupling, mechanical stress on bond wires, or unintended leakage paths - violating the manufacturer's layout guidance and risking reliability or performance deviation.

How does the EN pin behave during power-up sequences?

The EN pin has a 150µs startup delay - time from EN rising above 1.5V to V_OUT reaching 90% of 3.3V. It exhibits no glitch or overshoot during enable, and draws only 1µA bias current. To ensure predictable behavior, EN must be driven by a clean, monotonic logic signal - never left floating.

Does MP2009EE-3.3-LF-P require a specific PCB copper pour strategy for thermal management?

Yes. The datasheet recommends connecting Pin 2 (GND) to a large, low-impedance ground plane to conduct heat away from the die. While the SC70 package lacks an exposed thermal pad, thermal resistance θ_JA is specified at 260°C/W on a 4-layer JEDEC board - underscoring the necessity of robust ground copper area beneath and around the device for continuous 120mA operation.

What is the guaranteed current limit threshold for MP2009EE-3.3-LF-P at 3.3V output?

At V_OUT = 3.3V, the current limit trips between 180mA and 250mA (typical 220mA), as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table under "Current Limit ILIM". This is a hard current foldback limit - not a soft-saturation behavior - and activates before thermal shutdown under sustained overload.

Can MP2009EE-3.3-LF-P be used with tantalum output capacitors?

While the datasheet states "tantalum capacitors may also suffice", ceramic capacitors are explicitly preferred due to their lower ESR and superior stability margin. Tantalum caps with ESR > 3Ω risk instability, especially at temperature extremes; if used, derating and thorough board-level validation across –20°C to +85°C are mandatory.