Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP2338GTL-P

Overview

MP2338GTL-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a synchronous step-down DC/DC converter with integrated 115mΩ/55mΩ MOSFETs, delivering up to 3A continuous output current across a 4.5V–28V input range and 0.5V–16V adjustable output. It employs constant-on-time (COT) control for fast transient response, features power-good indication, hiccup-mode over-current protection, and operates in SOT583 package for space-constrained industrial and consumer power rails.

For engineers reviewing the MP2338GTL-P datasheet, MP2338GTL-P pinout, MP2338GTL-P application, or MP2338GTL-P equivalent, key selection considerations include its 450kHz switching frequency, ±1.5% reference accuracy over temperature, 160µA quiescent current, thermal shutdown at 150°C, and compatibility with pre-biased outputs - all critical for stable 5V/3A or 3.3V/3A point-of-load designs.

Technical Context

The MP2338GTL-P uses constant-on-time (COT) control architecture with input- and output-voltage-dependent on-timer to maintain stable 350–550kHz switching across line and load. Its internal high-side and low-side N-channel MOSFETs operate in CCM at full load and transition to PFM/skip mode below ~300mA to sustain >90% efficiency at light loads.

Protection logic integrates valley-current sensing for OCP, dual-threshold UVLO on VIN (3.96V rise / 3.63V fall), and open-drain PG with 84–112% VREF window detection. Bootstrap charging is internally regulated to 5V with 2.62V UVLO on BST, enabling reliable high-side gate drive without external charge pumps.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT583 is an 8-pin, 1.6mm × 2.1mm, thermally enhanced surface-mount package with exposed thermal pad (pin 4 = GND). Its pin pitch is 0.4mm, optimized for high-density PCB layouts requiring minimal footprint and efficient heat transfer.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MP2338GTL-P, MP2338GTL offers identical functionality with standard traceability, while RT7295BGJ8F trades COT responsiveness and pre-bias capability for higher switching frequency and broader input range - making it less suitable for dynamic load applications requiring sub-10µs recovery.

Availability

MP2338GTL-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for game consoles, multi-function printers, power meters, and flat panel televisions requiring stable component supply, full production traceability, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MP2338GTL-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 design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan, and global manufacturing partnerships.

The MP2338 belongs to MPS's high-efficiency synchronous buck converter product line, engineered for compact, thermally constrained applications in consumer, industrial, and computing markets where integration, efficiency, and reliability are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended output current for MP2338GTL-P at 24V_IN → 5V_OUT?

The MP2338GTL-P delivers 3A continuous output current under these conditions, validated with 6.8µH inductor and 22µF output capacitance. Thermal derating begins above 85°C ambient; PCB copper area and airflow determine actual sustained current - refer to θ_JA = 55°C/W on 2-layer EVL2338-TL-00A board.

Does MP2338GTL-P support forced continuous conduction mode (FCCM)?

No - the MP2338GTL-P automatically transitions between CCM and PFM/skip mode based on load. It lacks an external pin or register to force FCCM; light-load efficiency is optimized via natural frequency reduction rather than fixed-frequency operation with diode emulation.

Can the PG pin be pulled up to a voltage higher than V_OUT?

Yes, but with caution: PG is open-drain and rated for ≤6V. If pulled up to a voltage >V_OUT, PG will not de-assert (go low) when input power fails - compromising system safety. MPS recommends pulling PG to V_OUT to ensure correct fault signaling during brownout.

What is the minimum output voltage achievable with MP2338GTL-P?

The minimum regulated output is 0.5V, set by the 500mV internal reference and FB divider ratio. Achieving lower voltages requires external circuitry (e.g., resistive offset), which degrades accuracy and load regulation - not supported per datasheet specifications.

Is the SOT583 package RoHS and halogen-free compliant?

Yes - MP2338GTL-P meets RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and is halogen-free per IEC 61249-2-21. Lead-free matte tin plating is applied to all terminals, and the molding compound contains no brominated flame retardants.

How does t_ON extension improve dropout performance?

When duty cycle exceeds 92%, the MP2338GTL-P extends t_ON to maintain regulation down to V_IN − V_OUT ≈ 0.8V. This lowers switching frequency to ≥250kHz, preventing collapse during low-headroom conditions - critical for 5V-out from 5.5V input rails.

What bootstrap capacitor value is required for reliable operation?

A 0.1µF X7R ceramic capacitor is mandatory between BST and SW pins. Lower values risk insufficient gate drive under heavy load; larger values increase start-up time and do not improve performance. Place capacitor within 2mm of the pins with short, direct traces.