Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP2018GZD-5-Z

Overview

MP2018GZD-5-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a fixed 5.0V, 500mA low-dropout linear regulator with 10µA quiescent current, 3V–16V input range, and ±2% output voltage accuracy. It integrates power-good monitoring with programmable delay, thermal shutdown, and short-circuit protection in a TO252-5 package-designed for ultra-low-power microcontrollers powered by high-voltage batteries.

For engineers reviewing the MP2018GZD-5-Z datasheet, MP2018GZD-5-Z pinout, MP2018GZD-5-Z application, or MP2018GZD-5-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage at 500mA (≤1000mV), PGDL programmability via external capacitor, GND-connected exposed pad thermal management, and stability with ≥0.47µF ceramic output capacitance.

Technical Context

The MP2018GZD-5-Z implements a PMOS pass transistor architecture enabling low dropout and minimal quiescent current across its full 3V–16V input range. Its internal error amplifier compares a scaled 1.25V reference against feedback from the regulated 5.0V output, delivering tight line/load regulation (±10mV and ±15mV respectively) under varying conditions.

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

The MP2018GZD-5-Z is housed in a TO252-5 surface-mount package with an exposed thermal pad on the underside that must be soldered to a PCB 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 regulator applications.

Compared with TPS7A2050PDBVR and ADM7172ACPZ-5-R7, the MP2018GZD-5-Z uniquely balances ultra-low IQ, wide 3–16V input, and integrated PG/PGDL functionality in a thermally robust TO252-5 package-making it optimal for battery-powered systems requiring both longevity and reliable power-rail supervision.

Availability

MP2018GZD-5-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical devices, industrial wireless sensors, automotive body-control modules, and wearable health monitors requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability.

Supply support for MP2018GZD-5-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 analog and power ICs, with design centers across Asia and North America and global manufacturing partnerships.

The MP2018 belongs to MPS's low-power LDO regulator product line, engineered specifically for battery-operated and energy-sensitive applications where quiescent current, thermal efficiency, and integrated supervision features are critical.

FAQ

What is the minimum output capacitor required for stability?

The MP2018GZD-5-Z is stable with a minimum 0.47µF X5R or X7R ceramic capacitor on the output. Larger values (e.g., 22µF) improve load transient response and reduce output ripple, but the 0.47µF minimum enables compact designs in space-constrained applications such as wearables and sensor nodes.

How does the PGDL pin set power-good delay time?

The PGDL pin draws a constant 3–9µA charging current into an external capacitor. Delay time t_PGDL (ms) = C_PGDL (nF) × 1.65V / I_PGDL (µA). For example, a 47nF capacitor yields 6–14ms delay depending on actual IPGDL, allowing precise synchronization of downstream logic activation after power ramp-up.

Can the MP2018GZD-5-Z operate from a 12V automotive battery during cold-crank?

Yes. With a 3V–16V input range and 16V absolute maximum rating, the MP2018GZD-5-Z operates continuously during cold-crank events (typically 6–9V) and survives load-dump transients up to 16V. Its thermal shutdown (165°C) and short-circuit protection further enhance reliability in harsh automotive environments.

Is the exposed thermal pad electrically isolated?

No. The exposed pad on the TO252-5 package is internally connected to the GND terminal. It must be soldered to a PCB ground plane to provide both electrical grounding and thermal conduction. Failure to connect it compromises thermal performance and may trigger premature thermal shutdown under load.

What is the typical dropout voltage at 500mA output current?

At 500mA output current, the MP2018GZD-5-Z exhibits a typical dropout voltage of 750mV and a maximum of 1000mV. This means the device delivers regulated 5.0V output as long as input voltage remains ≥5.75V, supporting operation from partially discharged 2S Li-ion or 6V nominal industrial supplies.

Does the PG pin require an external pull-up resistor?

Yes. The PG pin is an open-drain output and requires an external pull-up resistor (e.g., 100kΩ) to either VOUT or another compatible voltage source (<15V). Without this resistor, PG cannot assert high, preventing proper power-good signaling to microcontrollers or FPGAs expecting active-high or active-low rail validation.

How does the MP2018GZD-5-Z handle short-circuit conditions?

Under short-circuit, the MP2018GZD-5-Z limits output current to approximately 900mA peak and enters thermal shutdown if junction temperature exceeds 165°C. Once cooled to ~135°C, it automatically recovers. This dual-layer protection prevents damage during accidental shorts while maintaining safe operating temperatures on properly designed PCBs.