Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP2018GZD-33-P

Overview

MP2018GZD-33-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a fixed 3.3V, 500mA low-dropout linear regulator with 10µA quiescent current, 3V–16V input range, ±2% output accuracy, and integrated power-good signaling with programmable delay. It operates in ultra-low-power battery systems-e.g., medical imaging sensors and portable microcontroller subsystems-where thermal efficiency and supply stability under light load are critical.

For engineers reviewing the MP2018GZD-33-P datasheet, MP2018GZD-33-P pinout, MP2018GZD-33-P application, or MP2018GZD-33-P equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage at 500mA (≤1.3V), PGDL programmability via external capacitor, thermal shutdown threshold (165°C), and TO252-5 package thermal resistance (θJA = 55°C/W).

Technical Context

The MP2018GZD-33-P implements a PMOS pass transistor architecture enabling low dropout and minimal quiescent current across its full 3V–16V input range. Its internal error amplifier references a 1.25V bandgap, delivering regulated 3.3V output with ±2% tolerance over temperature and load.

Power-good functionality uses an open-drain PG pin with 93% VOUT rising threshold and 5% hysteresis, while PGDL pin accepts an external capacitor to set delay time (6–14ms typical with 47nF). Thermal shutdown activates at 165°C with 30°C hysteresis, and short-circuit protection limits peak current to 900mA.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP2018GZD-33-P is housed in a TO252-5 surface-mount package with exposed thermal pad connected internally to GND. The pad must be soldered to a large copper ground plane for effective heat dissipation (θJC = 3°C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS7A0533PDBVR and ADP160ACBZ-3.3-R7, MP2018GZD-33-P uniquely delivers 500mA output, programmable PG timing, and robust fault protection in a thermally capable TO252-5 package-making it the only choice for battery-powered systems needing both high current and deterministic power sequencing.

Availability

MP2018GZD-33-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical devices, battery-powered data loggers, and cellular IoT modems requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term manufacturability and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for MP2018GZD-33-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 mixed-signal ICs for power management, motion control, and interface applications.

The MP2018 belongs to MPS's low-quiescent-current LDO product line, engineered specifically for battery-constrained systems demanding high accuracy, thermal resilience, and integrated power sequencing-such as portable diagnostics and industrial edge sensors.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for MP2018GZD-33-P to maintain regulation?

The MP2018GZD-33-P maintains regulation down to 4.3V input at full 500mA load, based on its 1.0V typical dropout voltage. At lighter loads (e.g., 10mA), regulation is sustained from 3.35V input. Below these thresholds, output voltage drops linearly with input.

Can the PG pin drive a microcontroller's external interrupt directly?

Yes-the PG pin is an open-drain MOSFET rated for 1mA sink current and 15V max voltage. It can directly interface with 3.3V or 5V µC interrupt pins using a pull-up resistor (e.g., 100kΩ to VOUT), triggering on the rising edge when VOUT reaches 93% of nominal.

How does the exposed thermal pad affect PCB layout requirements?

The TO252-5 exposed pad must be soldered to a solid copper ground plane covering ≥100 mm². Thermal vias (≥4×0.3mm diameter) should connect the pad to inner-layer ground planes to achieve θJA ≈ 55°C/W. Failure to do so risks thermal shutdown above 300mA at 70°C ambient.

Is MP2018GZD-33-P compatible with ceramic capacitors smaller than 1µF?

No-while the datasheet states stability with ≥0.47µF output capacitance, input capacitance must be ≥1µF (X5R/X7R) to ensure line transient immunity and prevent oscillation during fast input voltage steps, per Section 9.1 of the datasheet.

What happens during thermal shutdown, and how does recovery work?

When junction temperature exceeds 165°C, the IC disables the pass transistor and pulls PG low. It remains off until temperature falls to 135°C (30°C hysteresis), then resumes regulation. Recovery is automatic and requires no external reset-critical for unattended field deployments.

Does the PGDL pin require a specific capacitor dielectric type?

Yes-use NP0/C0G ceramic capacitors for PGDL. Their stable capacitance vs. voltage and temperature ensures accurate delay timing. X7R types exhibit voltage coefficient drift that introduces ±20% error in calculated t_PGDL, risking improper power sequencing.

How does load regulation performance compare between 5mA and 500mA output currents?

Load regulation is specified as 15mV maximum deviation from 3.3V across 5mA–500mA. At 5mA, output is typically 3.302V; at 500mA, it drops to 3.287V-well within ±2% accuracy and sufficient for most 3.3V logic and analog rails.