Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP201DS-LF-P

Overview

MP201DS-LF-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a dying gasp storage and release control IC designed for backup power hold-up in broadband access equipment. 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 input rail when VIN drops below a programmable release threshold (e.g., 10.2 V), sustaining regulated input voltage for critical system response during AC loss. Used in DSL/PON modems and home gateways.

For engineers reviewing the MP201DS-LF-P datasheet, MP201DS-LF-P pinout, MP201DS-LF-P application, or MP201DS-LF-P equivalent, key selection factors include programmable storage/release voltages via resistor dividers, 2.5 A dump current capability, integrated 260 mA charge current limit, open-drain GASP flag signaling, and SOIC-8 thermal performance (θJA = 90°C/W).

Technical Context

The MP201 implements dual feedback regulation: FB1 monitors and maintains storage capacitor voltage (VSTRG) at a precise 1.00 V reference, while FB2 senses VIN to trigger release when it falls below its 1.00 V threshold. Its internal boost/charge/release circuitry uses the BST pin connected to a DC/DC switch node to enable high-voltage storage charging beyond VIN.

Operation includes three distinct phases: pre-charge (inrush-limited to 260 mA), regulated storage refresh (maintaining VSTRG within ±3% of target), and controlled energy release (dumping up to 2.5 A into VIN with tight regulation near VRELEASE). Thermal shutdown activates at 150°C with 30°C hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP201DS-LF-P is housed in a standard SOIC-8 package (5.0 mm × 6.2 mm, 1.27 mm pitch) with exposed pad not present; θJA = 90°C/W on 4-layer PCB per JESD51-7.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS61094IRTER and LT4363IMS-1#PBF, MP201DS-LF-P uniquely combines programmable dual-voltage regulation, 2.5 A dump current, and dedicated GASP signaling - making it the only fit for telecom-grade hold-up requiring precise timing, high energy delivery, and host coordination.

Availability

MP201DS-LF-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cable modem design, DSL gateway production, and PON ONU manufacturing requiring stable component supply across multi-year product lifecycles.

Supply support for MP201DS-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.

The MP201 belongs to MPS's Telecom Power Management product line, engineered specifically for broadband access infrastructure where reliable, programmable power fail response is mandatory for service continuity.

FAQ

What is the maximum storage voltage supported by MP201DS-LF-P?

The MP201DS-LF-P supports storage voltages up to 32 V, limited by its absolute maximum STRG pin rating. In practice, the usable range is VIN to (2 × VIN – 0.8 V), allowing 23 V storage on a 12 V input rail. This enables use of standard 25 V electrolytic capacitors at 90% derating, improving size and cost efficiency.

How does the GASP pin function during normal and failing input conditions?

The GASP pin is an open-drain output that remains high-impedance until FB2 voltage drops below 1.00 V (i.e., VIN falls below programmed release threshold). At that point, GASP is actively pulled low with 4 mA sink capability and 0.3 V saturation. Its 73 μs rising delay ensures noise immunity, while sub-microsecond falling edge gives immediate power-loss notification to the host processor.

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

No - the BST pin requires connection to a switching node (SW) of an external DC/DC converter to generate the boosted gate drive needed for storage capacitor charging above VIN. Without this, the MP201 can only pre-charge to VIN level (≤18 V) using its internal 260 mA current limit, losing its key high-voltage storage advantage.

What is the recommended layout practice for the STRG pin connection?

The STRG pin must connect to the storage capacitor using the shortest possible, widest copper trace - ideally ≥2 mm wide with multiple vias to inner ground planes. This minimizes parasitic inductance and resistance, ensuring full 2.5 A dump current delivery without voltage droop or oscillation during release. Avoid routing near noisy digital traces or switching nodes.

How is thermal performance affected during sustained dump operation?

During 2.5 A dump at 10.2 V release into a 12 V rail, power dissipation peaks at ~4.5 W in the IC. With θJA = 90°C/W, junction temperature rise exceeds safe limits within milliseconds without heatsinking. Therefore, MP201DS-LF-P relies on short-duration hold-up (typically <30 ms); continuous dump is prevented by thermal shutdown at 150°C with 30°C hysteresis.

Does MP201DS-LF-P require external compensation components?

No external compensation is required for basic operation. The internal control loop is factory-tuned for stability with recommended external components: 2.2 nF on VMAX, 15 pF across R4 in the FB2 divider, and proper placement of R1/R2 close to FB1. Layout adherence - especially short FB trace lengths and solid ground return - is more critical than added compensation.