Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP2188GQA-P

Overview

MP2188GQA-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a dual-channel synchronous step-down DC-DC converter IC with integrated 60mΩ/30mΩ MOSFETs, delivering up to 3A per channel from 2.5V–5.5V input. It provides fixed 1.1V and 1.8V outputs, employs constant-on-time (COT) control for fast transient response, and includes auto output discharge, power-good indicators, and hiccup-mode short-circuit protection. It targets FPGA core/I/O rail sequencing in portable SSDs and battery-powered systems.

For engineers reviewing the MP2188GQA-P datasheet, MP2188GQA-P pinout, MP2188GQA-P application, or MP2188GQA-P equivalent, key selection criteria include dual-rail fixed-output capability, 1.2MHz switching frequency with COT stability, QFN-16 (2.2mm×2.6mm) thermal performance, and independent EN/PG per channel for precise power sequencing in space-constrained embedded designs.

Technical Context

The MP2188GQA-P implements a dual independent COT control architecture with input voltage feed-forward, maintaining stable 1.2MHz switching across 2.5V–5.5V input and both 1.1V/1.8V outputs. Each channel features dedicated EN, PG, FB, and SW pins, enabling asynchronous startup/shutdown and fault isolation.

It integrates high-side (60mΩ) and low-side (30mΩ) MOSFETs per channel, supports 100% duty-cycle operation in dropout, and uses zero-current detection (ZCD) with 30ns propagation delay to manage light-load DCM transition-avoiding switching-node ringing while sustaining efficiency down to microamp quiescent current.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP2188GQA-P is housed in a thermally enhanced 2.2mm × 2.6mm QFN-16 package with exposed thermal pad, optimized for PCB heat spreading and low-profile integration in mobile and storage applications.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-output synchronous buck converter applications.

Compared with RTQ2132B-QT and TPS6521845RSLR, MP2188GQA-P offers optimal balance of size (2.2mm×2.6mm), fixed dual-rail simplicity, and auto-discharge-making it preferred for space-constrained SSDs and battery-powered instruments where BOM reduction and deterministic sequencing outweigh programmability or higher current headroom.

Availability

MP2188GQA-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for solid-state drives, handheld instrumentation, and wireless networking cards requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MP2188GQA-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 MP2188 belongs to MPS's high-density DC-DC converter product line, engineered specifically for dual-rail power delivery in portable storage, FPGA, and battery-operated embedded systems where minimal footprint and sequencing reliability are critical.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for MP2188GQA-P to regulate both outputs?

The MP2188GQA-P requires a minimum input voltage of 2.5V to maintain regulation on both 1.1V and 1.8V outputs. Below this, UVLO disables the device; the rising threshold is 2.2V ±0.2V, with 150mV hysteresis to prevent chatter during brownout conditions.

Can MP2188GQA-P operate with only one channel enabled?

Yes-EN1 and EN2 are fully independent. Disabling one channel (e.g., pulling EN2 low) halts switching on that rail while the other remains fully functional, preserving efficiency and thermal performance. No cross-talk or instability occurs between channels.

Does MP2188GQA-P require external compensation components?

No. The constant-on-time (COT) control architecture is internally compensated and stable with standard 22µF ceramic output capacitors. No external Type-II or Type-III compensation network is needed-reducing design time and component count.

How does the auto-discharge function work during shutdown?

When EN is pulled low, the MP2188GQA-P actively turns on the low-side MOSFETs to discharge both output capacitors through the internal 30mΩ/60mΩ switches. Discharge completes in <1ms for 22µF loads, eliminating need for external bleed resistors or FETs.

What is the thermal performance of MP2188GQA-P in its QFN-16 package?

In a standard 4-layer JEDEC JESD51-7 PCB, the MP2188GQA-P exhibits θ_JA = 75°C/W and θ_JC = 16°C/W. At 3A per channel and 5V input, junction temperature rise is ~113°C above ambient-well within the 125°C max operating limit when ambient ≤35°C.

Is MP2188GQA-P compatible with ceramic output capacitors only?

Yes-its COT control and stability design are optimized for low-ESR ceramic capacitors (X5R/X7R). Tantalum or electrolytic capacitors are not recommended, as their higher ESR degrades transient response and may cause instability due to phase shift in the feedback loop.

What happens during a short-circuit event on one channel?

The affected channel enters hiccup mode: it disables switching, discharges the soft-start capacitor, waits ~10ms, then attempts soft-start recovery. The unaffected channel continues normal operation-ensuring system partial functionality during fault conditions.