Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP2236GJ-P

Overview

MP2236GJ-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a high-frequency, synchronous step-down DC/DC converter delivering 6A continuous output current with 3V–18V input range and adjustable 0.6V–8V output. It integrates 25mΩ/12mΩ internal MOSFETs, uses constant-on-time (COT) control for fast transient response, and features hiccup-mode OCP and thermal shutdown. It powers core rails in flat-panel TV power supplies and digital set-top boxes.

For engineers reviewing the MP2236GJ-P datasheet, MP2236GJ-P pinout, MP2236GJ-P application, or MP2236GJ-P equivalent, key selection criteria include its TSOT23-8 package footprint, 600kHz switching frequency, 600mV reference voltage tolerance (±1mV), low-side valley current limit of 6A, and bootstrap capacitor requirement for high-side gate drive.

Technical Context

The MP2236GJ-P implements constant-on-time (COT) control with internal ramp compensation to stabilize regulation without requiring external compensation components. Its dual-MOSFET architecture uses integrated 25mΩ high-side and 12mΩ low-side switches, enabling high efficiency across 3V–18V input and up to 6A load.

It supports pre-biased start-up and includes dedicated BST pin for floating high-side driver supply, EN pin with 2MΩ internal pull-down and 1.2V rising threshold, and FB pin referenced to a trimmed 600mV internal bandgap. Protection includes hiccup-mode over-current (triggered at 6A valley current) and thermal shutdown at 150°C with 20°C hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP2236GJ-P is housed in a thermally enhanced TSOT23-8 package (2.9mm × 1.6mm × 0.85mm), optimized for high-power density and manual or automated assembly. The exposed pad (pin 4 GND) must be soldered to a large copper pour for thermal dissipation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MP2236GJ-P, MP2235GJ-Z trades 1A current capability for lower unit cost in non-margin-critical designs, while RT6220AGQW offers alternative control architecture and package at the expense of layout compatibility and higher static power.

Availability

MP2236GJ-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for flat-panel television power supplies, digital set-top box core rails, and distributed monitor auxiliary power requiring stable component supply, full production traceability, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MP2236GJ-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 power management ICs, with over two decades of expertise in DC/DC conversion, motor drivers, and LED lighting controllers.

The MP2236 belongs to MPS's high-current, high-efficiency synchronous buck converter product line, designed specifically for space-constrained consumer and industrial applications demanding minimal external components and robust protection.

FAQ

What is the minimum output voltage achievable with MP2236GJ-P?

The MP2236GJ-P supports an output voltage as low as 0.6V, set by its internal 600mV reference and external resistor divider. This enables direct powering of modern low-voltage SoCs and FPGAs. The FB pin bias current is only 10–50nA, ensuring minimal divider error even with high-value resistors that reduce power loss.

Can MP2236GJ-P operate with 100% duty cycle?

No - MP2236GJ-P does not support true 100% duty cycle. At high input-to-output ratios, it extends on-time to maintain regulation, dropping switching frequency down to ~260kHz, but maintains a minimum off-time of 170ns. Output voltage will drop below regulation if input falls below V_OUT × D_MAX, where D_MAX ≈ 94% per datasheet Equation (2).

Is an external bootstrap diode required?

An external bootstrap diode (e.g., 1N4148) is optional and only beneficial when VIN < 5V, VOUT = 3.3V, and duty cycle exceeds 65%. Under those conditions, it improves high-side gate drive strength and efficiency by ~0.5–1%. For standard 12V input applications, the internal bootstrap circuit suffices.

How does the hiccup-mode OCP behave during sustained short-circuit?

Under sustained short-circuit, MP2236GJ-P enters hiccup mode after either three cycles (if UV2 = 60% VREF triggers) or 31 cycles (if UV1 = 80% VREF triggers). It then restarts periodically with 12.5% duty cycle, limiting average short-circuit current to ~1.5A and keeping junction temperature within safe limits until fault removal.

What is the recommended input capacitor configuration?

MPS recommends two 22µF X5R/X7R ceramic capacitors placed close to the IN and GND pins. Total RMS current rating must exceed half the maximum load current (≥3A RMS). A 0.1µF ceramic capacitor should also be added adjacent to the IC for high-frequency decoupling, especially when using bulk electrolytic or tantalum input caps.

Does MP2236GJ-P support forced PWM mode?

No - MP2236GJ-P operates exclusively in automatic COT mode with seamless transition between PWM (heavy load) and PFM/skip mode (light load). There is no pin or register to force continuous PWM; light-load efficiency is optimized via frequency reduction and tri-state low-side driver behavior.

What is the thermal resistance (θ_JA) of the TSOT23-8 package under standard conditions?

On the EV2236-J-00A 4-layer evaluation board (63.5mm × 63.5mm), θ_JA is measured at 66°C/W. This value assumes proper thermal pad soldering to a 1-in² copper pour with ≥4 thermal vias. In compact 2-layer layouts, θ_JA may degrade to >100°C/W, requiring derating above 3A continuous load.