Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP2188GQA-Z

Overview

MP2188GQA-Z 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 - ideal for powering FPGA I/O banks and SSD controller cores.

For engineers reviewing the MP2188GQA-Z datasheet, MP2188GQA-Z pinout, MP2188GQA-Z application, or MP2188GQA-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include dual-rail sequencing capability, 1.2MHz switching frequency stability across input voltage, low 80µA quiescent current in active operation, and QFN-16 (2.2mm×2.6mm) thermal performance with θJA = 75°C/W.

Technical Context

The MP2188GQA-Z implements independent constant-on-time (COT) control per channel with input-voltage feed-forward, maintaining stable ~1.2MHz switching frequency across 2.5V–5.5V VIN and 0.8V–D_MAX·VIN VOUT ranges. Each channel features dedicated EN, PG, FB, and SW pins enabling asynchronous enable/disable and rail-specific power-good monitoring.

It integrates cycle-by-cycle over-current protection (5.3A min), thermal shutdown at 150°C with 30°C hysteresis, and proprietary light-load DCM control using zero-current detection to suppress switching-node ringing - all while supporting 100% duty cycle in dropout and auto-discharge via internal NMOS when disabled.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP2188GQA-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced 2.2mm × 2.6mm QFN-16 package with exposed thermal pad. Pin numbering follows JEDEC MO-220 standard; pin 1 is marked by index area on top view.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with RTQ2132B-QT and TPS65218D0RSLR, MP2188GQA-Z delivers superior thermal efficiency in minimal footprint due to its 60mΩ/30mΩ MOSFET pair and optimized QFN-16 thermal pad, while retaining essential sequencing and safety features without added protocol overhead.

Availability

MP2188GQA-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for solid-state drive (SSD) controller power, FPGA I/O bank supply, and portable instrument core logic requiring stable component supply across automotive-grade temperature range (-40°C to +125°C).

Supply support for MP2188GQA-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 focus on energy-efficient DC/DC conversion, motor drivers, and LED lighting solutions.

The MP2188 belongs to MPS's high-density dual-buck converter product line, designed specifically for space-constrained, multi-rail applications in portable computing, storage, and communications infrastructure where thermal performance and sequencing integrity are critical.

FAQ

What is the minimum recommended output capacitance for stable operation?

The MP2188GQA-Z is stable with ≥22µF X7R ceramic output capacitors per channel. Lower values may cause instability under heavy load transients; using two 22µF caps in parallel per rail is recommended for optimal ESR reduction and ripple suppression.

Can the fixed 1.1V and 1.8V outputs be adjusted to other voltages?

Yes - connecting external resistor dividers to FB1 and FB2 enables adjustment down to 0.8V. For channel 1 (1.1V nominal), use R1=214.58kΩ and R2=3.59kΩ as base; for channel 2 (1.8V), use R1=227.61kΩ and R2=4.28kΩ. External resistors must be ≤20kΩ total to avoid bias error.

How does the auto-discharge function operate during shutdown?

When EN1 or EN2 is pulled low, an internal NMOS switch connects the corresponding output to GND, actively discharging the output capacitor. Discharge time depends on C_OUT and load; typical 22µF cap discharges from 1.8V to 100mV in <5ms with no load.

Is the MP2188GQA-Z RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes - MP2188GQA-Z is fully RoHS-compliant and lead-free per EU Directive 2011/65/EU. All package finishes meet JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level 3 (MSL3) and are compatible with standard Pb-free reflow profiles.

What is the maximum allowable junction temperature and thermal derating behavior?

The absolute maximum junction temperature is 150°C, with thermal shutdown activating at that point and 30°C hysteresis. At 25°C ambient, the QFN-16 package supports 1.67W continuous dissipation (θ_JA=75°C/W); above 85°C ambient, output current must be linearly derated to maintain T_J ≤125°C.

Does the MP2188GQA-Z support forced PWM or discontinuous conduction mode (DCM)?

No - it uses proprietary COT control with automatic transition between CCM and DCM based on load. At light loads, it enters DCM with zero-current detection to eliminate switching-node ringing, but does not offer user-selectable mode forcing.

Are the two channels synchronized or interleaved?

Channels operate independently with unsynchronized switching. No phase offset or synchronization circuitry is included - this avoids beat-frequency artifacts but requires separate input filtering for each channel in noise-sensitive applications.