Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP2160GQH-P

Overview

MP2160GQH-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a synchronous step-down DC/DC converter delivering 0.6A continuous output current from a 2.3V–5.5V input, regulating down to 0.6V with 11μA quiescent current, 2.4MHz switching frequency, and COT control for fast transient response in ultra-compact QFN-6 (1.0×1.5mm) packaging-ideal for space-constrained battery-powered wearables.

For engineers reviewing the MP2160GQH-P datasheet, MP2160GQH-P pinout, MP2160GQH-P application, or MP2160GQH-P equivalent, key selection criteria include its 120mΩ/80mΩ internal PMOS/NMOS FETs, 100% duty-cycle capability, integrated output discharge, hiccup-mode short-circuit protection, and stable operation with low-ESR ceramic capacitors.

Technical Context

The MP2160GQH-P employs constant-on-time (COT) control with input-voltage feed-forward to maintain near-constant 2.4MHz switching across input and output ranges, enabling simplified loop stability without external compensation. Its sleep-mode architecture disables noncritical blocks while retaining the error amplifier and PWM comparator to sustain regulation at ultra-light loads.

It integrates high-side P-channel (120mΩ R_DS(on)) and low-side N-channel (80mΩ R_DS(on)) MOSFETs, supports 100% duty cycle for VIN-to-VOUT dropout minimization, and features zero-current detection (ZCD) to force discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) during light-load AAM operation-reducing switching losses and improving efficiency below 10mA.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP2160GQH-P is housed in an ultra-small QFN-6 package (1.0mm × 1.5mm, 0.5mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad for enhanced heat dissipation in dense PCB layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous step-down converter applications.

Compared with TPS62260DRVR and RT7297BZSP, MP2160GQH-P uniquely combines 11μA IQ, integrated output discharge, hiccup-mode SCP, and ZCD-driven AAM-enabling superior battery longevity and autonomous fault handling in space- and energy-constrained designs.

Availability

MP2160GQH-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless sensor nodes, wearable health monitors, and portable medical diagnostics requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MP2160GQH-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 MP2160 series targets ultra-compact, battery-optimized DC/DC conversion-designed specifically for wearables, IoT endpoints, and portable medical devices where size, efficiency, and reliability are non-negotiable.

FAQ

What is the minimum recommended output capacitance for stable operation?

The MP2160GQH-P is stable with a single 10μF X5R/X7R ceramic capacitor. For reduced light-load ripple and improved transient response, a 22μF capacitor is recommended. The device does not require external compensation, and stability is maintained across 4.7–47μF ceramic values with ESR <10mΩ.

Does MP2160GQH-P support forced PWM mode or only auto-mode operation?

MP2160GQH-P operates exclusively in automatic mode-transitioning between CCM, DCM, and sleep mode based on load. It does not offer a forced PWM pin or register control. This simplifies design but means switching frequency varies slightly under light loads due to AAM and ZCD behavior.

How is output voltage set, and what tolerance does the feedback network introduce?

V_OUT is set by a resistor divider from OUT to GND, with FB referenced to 600mV ±6mV (±1%). Using 1% resistors (e.g., 200kΩ/200kΩ for 1.2V), total output tolerance remains within ±1.5% including resistor drift and layout parasitics-no trimming required.

Can MP2160GQH-P operate with input voltage equal to the desired output voltage?

Yes-its 100% duty-cycle capability allows regulation even when V_IN = V_OUT, eliminating dropout voltage penalty. This is essential for maintaining rail integrity during battery discharge (e.g., 3.3V output from a 3.4–3.0V Li-ion cell).

What thermal derating applies above +85°C ambient?

With θ_JA = 220°C/W on a 4-layer PCB, maximum continuous output current derates linearly from 0.6A at +25°C to ~0.35A at +85°C ambient. Above +85°C, thermal shutdown (160°C) activates with 30°C hysteresis-requiring careful copper pour and thermal via design for >0.4A sustained loads.

Is the EN pin internally pulled down, and what is its leakage current?

Yes-an internal 1MΩ resistor pulls EN to GND. EN input current is 0μA at 0V and 1.2μA at 2V, ensuring reliable disable state with open or grounded EN, and low power consumption in always-on systems where EN is driven by a GPIO.

Does MP2160GQH-P support output capacitor ESR monitoring or remote sense?

No-it lacks remote sense pins or ESR compensation circuitry. Output regulation relies solely on FB voltage sampling at the OUT pin. Layout best practice requires short, direct FB trace routing away from noisy SW and inductor nodes to avoid regulation error.