Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP2360DG-LF-P

Overview

MP2360DG-LF-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a monolithic synchronous step-down DC/DC converter with integrated 0.3Ω high-side MOSFET, delivering 1.8A continuous output current across 4.5V–24V input range, fixed 1.4MHz switching frequency, and adjustable output from 0.81V to 15V; used in distributed power systems for point-of-load regulation of FPGA or DSP core supplies.

For engineers reviewing the MP2360DG-LF-P datasheet, MP2360DG-LF-P pinout, MP2360DG-LF-P application, or MP2360DG-LF-P equivalent, key selection criteria include thermal performance in 2mm × 2mm QFN8 package, cycle-by-cycle overcurrent protection, 0.1µA shutdown quiescent current, and compatibility with low-ESR ceramic output capacitors without external compensation.

Technical Context

The MP2360DG-LF-P implements peak current-mode control with internal slope compensation, enabling stable operation with minimal external components and fast transient response. Its error amplifier compares FB voltage against a precision 0.81V reference, while the PWM comparator integrates sensed inductor current and ramp compensation to regulate duty cycle.

It features built-in thermal shutdown at 150°C, under-voltage lockout with 2.8V turn-on threshold and 150mV hysteresis, and foldback frequency reduction below 250mV FB to limit current during short-circuit events. The bootstrap circuit (BST–SW) drives the high-side MOSFET gate above VIN using an external 0.1µF capacitor.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP2360DG-LF-P is housed in a thermally enhanced 2mm × 2mm QFN8 package with exposed thermal pad (JEDEC MO-229 VCCD-3 compliant). Pin 1 is marked by a corner chamfer or dot; the exposed pad must be soldered to PCB ground plane for optimal thermal performance and EMI control.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MP2331H, MP2360DG-LF-P trades higher frequency and density for proven reliability in existing 2mm × 2mm layouts; versus LM2678-ADJ, it delivers superior integration and thermal performance in compact industrial modules.

Availability

MP2360DG-LF-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telecom infrastructure, digital entertainment systems, and battery-powered instrumentation requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for MP2360DG-LF-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, headquartered in California and serving global industrial, telecom, and consumer markets since 1997.

The MP2360 belongs to MPS's mainstream buck converter product line, designed specifically for space-constrained, medium-power applications demanding high integration, low EMI, and robust protection features without external compensation.

FAQ

What is the recommended input capacitor for MP2360DG-LF-P?

A 10µF X5R or X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 2mm of the IN and GND pins is recommended to suppress high-frequency switching noise and limit input voltage spikes. Additional bulk capacitance may be added upstream if source impedance exceeds 100mΩ at 1.4MHz.

Can MP2360DG-LF-P operate with an output voltage below 0.81V?

No - the internal 0.81V bandgap reference sets the absolute minimum regulated output. Attempting to set VOUT lower than 0.81V via resistor divider will cause regulation loss and uncontrolled output collapse due to feedback loop saturation.

Is an external bootstrap diode required for MP2360DG-LF-P?

An external Schottky diode (e.g., IN4148) from VOUT to BST is optional and recommended only when VOUT ≥ 3.3V and duty cycle exceeds 65%, to improve efficiency by reducing BST capacitor charging losses during high-duty-cycle operation.

How does the MP2360DG-LF-P handle short-circuit conditions?

Under short-circuit, FB voltage drops below 250mV, triggering oscillator foldback to 460kHz and reducing peak current limit to ~2A. Combined with thermal shutdown at 150°C, this provides dual-layer protection without latch-off, enabling automatic recovery once fault clears.

What is the maximum allowable PCB copper area for the exposed thermal pad?

The exposed pad (EP) must be connected to a solid GND plane with ≥4 thermal vias (0.3mm diameter, spaced ≤1mm apart) beneath it. No maximum copper area is specified, but extending the GND pour beyond the package outline by ≥1mm improves θJA by up to 15°C/W in still-air conditions.

Does MP2360DG-LF-P support synchronization to an external clock?

No - the MP2360DG-LF-P uses a fixed internal 1.4MHz oscillator and lacks a SYNC pin or frequency-adjust capability. For synchronized operation, consider MPS's MP2331H or MPQ4420A, which offer external clock synchronization.

Why are pins 1 and 8 labeled NC instead of grounded?

Pins 1 and 8 are internally unconnected die pads - not tied to any circuit node. Leaving them floating avoids unintended parasitic coupling; grounding them is permissible per layout guidelines but provides no functional benefit and may slightly increase thermal resistance.