Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP201DS-LF

Overview

MP201DS-LF from Monolithic Power Systems is a dying gasp storage and release control IC that manages energy backup during input power failure. It charges an external storage capacitor to a user-programmable voltage (up to 32 V) during normal operation, then dumps up to 2.5 A into the VIN rail when input voltage drops below a programmable release threshold (e.g., 10.2 V), sustaining regulated operation for critical communication handoff in DSL modems and home gateways.

For engineers reviewing the MP201DS-LF datasheet, MP201DS-LF pinout, MP201DS-LF application, or MP201DS-LF equivalent, this device requires attention to BST-SW node coupling, FB1/FB2 resistor selection for storage/release voltage setting, GASP open-drain signaling timing (73 µs rise delay), thermal derating at >125°C junction, and SOIC-8 layout constraints for STRG/VMAX decoupling.

Technical Context

The MP201DS-LF implements dual feedback regulation: FB1 monitors storage voltage (VSTRG) with 1.0 V ±3% reference and 50 mV hysteresis for refresh control; FB2 senses input voltage (VIN) with identical 1.0 V reference to trigger release when VIN falls below programmed threshold. Its internal boost/charge/release circuitry uses the BST pin-tied to a DC/DC converter's switch node-to generate gate drive for charging the storage capacitor.

During release, it regulates VIN near the release voltage by sinking current from STRG to VIN via an integrated power path capable of 2.5 A continuous dump current, while limiting pre-charge inrush to 260 mA. The GASP pin provides open-drain status indication synchronized to FB2 crossing 1.05×VFB2 (high) or 1.00×VFB2 (low), with 0.7 µs fall time and 4 mA sink capability at 0.3 V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP201DS-LF is housed in a standard SOIC-8 package (5.0 mm × 6.2 mm, 1.27 mm pitch) with exposed pad not present; JEDEC MS-012 compliant footprint and recommended land pattern provided in datasheet.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dying gasp control applications.

Compared with TPS65235-1RGET and MAX16050ETA+, MP201DS-LF uniquely delivers standalone, high-current (2.5 A), fully programmable storage/release control in SOIC-8 - eliminating external FETs while supporting higher energy hold-up than integrated PMICs and avoiding complexity of discrete supervisory + power-path designs.

Availability

MP201DS-LF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cable modem power backup, DSL access point hold-up, and PON optical network terminal applications requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant packaging, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MP201DS-LF 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 MP201 product line targets telecom infrastructure power management, specifically addressing the need for reliable, programmable dying gasp functionality in broadband access equipment without external power switches or complex control logic.

FAQ

What is the maximum storage voltage the MP201DS-LF can regulate?

The MP201DS-LF supports storage voltages from VIN up to 2×VIN – 0.8 V, with an absolute maximum rating of 32 V on the STRG pin. In practice, with 12 V input, it safely regulates storage to 23 V using the recommended R1/R2 divider (845 kΩ/37.4 kΩ), enabling use of standard 25 V electrolytic capacitors at 90% voltage derating.

How does the GASP pin behave during input voltage transition?

GASP is an open-drain output that pulls low when FB2 voltage falls below 1.00×VFB2 (i.e., VIN < release threshold), and releases to float when FB2 exceeds 1.05×VFB2. With a 10 kΩ pull-up to VIN, it transitions in 73 µs (rise) and 0.7 µs (fall), providing a clean, jitter-free power-fail flag for MCU interrupt service routines.

Can the MP201DS-LF operate without a DC/DC converter?

No - the BST pin requires connection to a switching node (SW) of an external DC/DC converter to generate the bootstrap voltage needed for storage capacitor charging. Without active switching, the MP201DS-LF cannot boost or regulate VSTRG above VIN; it only performs passive monitoring and release if pre-charged externally.

What is the purpose of the VMAX pin and its required capacitor?

VMAX supplies the internal LDO that powers MP201DS-LF's logic, comparators, and control circuitry independently of VIN ripple. A 2.2 nF ceramic capacitor between VMAX and GND is mandatory to stabilize this internal rail; omitting it causes erratic FB1/FB2 sampling and GASP glitches due to insufficient decoupling of the 260 µA quiescent supply.

How is storage capacitance calculated for a target hold-up time?

Required storage capacitance is calculated as C_S = (I_RELEASE × T_DASP) / (V_STORAGE − V_RELEASE). For example: 1 A release current, 20 ms hold-up, 23 V storage, and 10.2 V release yields C_S = (1 × 0.02) / (23 − 10.2) ≈ 1560 µF. A 2200 µF/25 V electrolytic capacitor is recommended to account for aging and tolerance.

Does the MP201DS-LF support reverse current blocking during release?

Yes - during release mode, the internal power path is unidirectional: current flows only from STRG to VIN. The device incorporates body-diode blocking and active gate control to prevent reverse current from VIN back into the storage capacitor, ensuring energy is delivered solely to sustain the input rail and not wasted in leakage paths.