Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP2236CGJ-Z

Overview

MP2236CGJ-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a forced continuous conduction mode (FCCM), synchronous step-down DC/DC converter delivering up to 6A continuous output current with 3V–18V input range, 600kHz switching frequency, and integrated 25mΩ/12mΩ high-side/low-side MOSFETs. It regulates 0.6V–8V output voltage via resistive feedback and targets power rails in flat-panel displays and digital TV power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the MP2236CGJ-Z datasheet, MP2236CGJ-Z pinout, MP2236CGJ-Z application, or MP2236CGJ-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include FCCM operation for light-load efficiency, COT control for fast transient response, hiccup-mode OCP, thermal shutdown, and TSOT23-8 layout compatibility with minimal external components.

Technical Context

The MP2236CGJ-Z employs constant-on-time (COT) control with internal ramp compensation to stabilize regulation without requiring output capacitor ESR, enabling full ceramic capacitor designs. Its dual-MOSFET architecture integrates a 25mΩ high-side and 12mΩ low-side switch, supporting up to 6A load with <1.5ms soft-start and 170ns minimum off-time.

Protection logic includes valley-current-based over-current detection triggering hiccup mode after 3 or 31 cycles depending on under-voltage threshold (80% or 60% VREF), plus thermal shutdown at 150°C with 20°C hysteresis. The EN pin features a 2MΩ internal pull-down and 1.2V rising threshold for reliable enable/disable sequencing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP2236CGJ-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced TSOT23-8 package with exposed pad for improved heat dissipation. Pin 4 (GND) and Pin 1 (AGND) require separate low-impedance connections to system ground plane using short, wide copper traces per layout guidelines.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MP2236CGJ-Z, MP2238CGJ-Z trades margin for identical footprint and control architecture, while RT7295BGJ8F shifts to peak-current-mode control-requiring different loop compensation and losing inherent ceramic-capacitor stability.

Availability

MP2236CGJ-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for flat-panel television power supplies, digital set-top box main rails, and distributed industrial embedded systems requiring stable component supply with full production traceability.

Supply support for MP2236CGJ-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 power management ICs, with over two decades of innovation in DC/DC converters, LED drivers, and motor drivers.

The MP2236C product line delivers compact, high-efficiency synchronous buck regulators optimized for consumer electronics power rails where FCCM operation, COT control, and minimal external components are critical.

FAQ

What is the minimum recommended output capacitance for stable operation?

The MP2236CGJ-Z supports full ceramic output capacitors due to its internal ramp compensation. A minimum of 3×22µF X5R/X7R ceramic capacitors is recommended for 3.3V/5V outputs to limit ripple below 20mV and ensure stability across temperature and load. Lower values may cause instability under heavy transient loads.

Does MP2236CGJ-Z support pre-biased output start-up?

Yes. The IC disables both high-side and low-side MOSFETs during start-up if the FB pin senses a pre-existing output voltage above the soft-start ramp. This prevents reverse current flow through the low-side FET and protects downstream circuitry without requiring external isolation components.

Can the switching frequency be adjusted externally?

No. MP2236CGJ-Z operates at a fixed nominal 600kHz switching frequency determined by its internal constant-on-time control architecture. Frequency varies slightly with input/output voltage and temperature (480–720kHz), but no external resistor or capacitor can modify it.

What is the maximum allowable junction temperature during continuous operation?

The absolute maximum junction temperature is 150°C, at which thermal shutdown activates. For reliable continuous operation, junction temperature should remain ≤125°C under worst-case conditions (18V_IN, 6A_OUT, 70°C ambient) using the EVL2236C-J-00A evaluation board layout with θJA = 66°C/W.

Is an external bootstrap diode required for proper operation?

No. The MP2236CGJ-Z includes internal bootstrap charging circuitry. An external diode (e.g., 1N4148) is optional and only beneficial when VIN < 5V, VOUT = 3.3V, and duty cycle >65%-to improve high-side gate drive efficiency and reduce BST capacitor stress.

How does the hiccup over-current protection behave during sustained short-circuit?

Upon detecting valley-current limit violation, the device enters hiccup mode after either 3 cycles (if UV2 = 60% VREF triggers) or 31 cycles (if UV1 = 80% VREF triggers). It then restarts with 12.5% duty cycle every ~10ms, limiting average short-circuit current to <1A and preventing thermal runaway.

What is the purpose of separating AGND and GND pins?

AGND provides a quiet analog reference for the error amplifier and feedback comparator, while GND serves as the high-current power return path. Separating them prevents switching noise from SW and inductor current from corrupting feedback accuracy-critical for maintaining ±1% output regulation under dynamic load.