Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP2361DH-LF

Overview

MP2361DH-LF from Monolithic Power Systems is a monolithic 2A, 23V input, 1.4MHz synchronous step-down DC/DC converter with integrated high-side and low-side MOSFETs, fixed switching frequency, programmable soft-start, and cycle-by-cycle over-current protection. It delivers regulated output voltages from 0.92V to 16V and supports wide-input distributed power systems requiring stable 2A continuous current at up to 90% efficiency.

For engineers reviewing the MP2361DH-LF datasheet, MP2361DH-LF pinout, MP2361DH-LF application, or MP2361DH-LF equivalent, key selection considerations include its MSOP10E package thermal performance (θJA = 55°C/W), 0.18Ω high-side R_DS(ON), 20μA shutdown current, 2.5V enable threshold, and compatibility with low-ESR ceramic output capacitors in space-constrained industrial and telecom power designs.

Technical Context

The MP2361DH-LF employs peak current-mode control with internal slope compensation to ensure stability across duty cycles up to 70%, enabling robust transient response without external compensation complexity. Its transconductance error amplifier (G_EA = 630–1230 μA/V) and 1.4MHz oscillator provide precise regulation and fast load-step recovery.

It integrates a 0.18Ω high-side MOSFET and 10Ω low-side switch, supporting bootstrap gate drive via external capacitor on the BS pin. Fault protection includes thermal shutdown at 160°C, cycle-by-cycle current limiting (2.8–3.5A), and UVLO with 210mV hysteresis-enabling reliable operation in unregulated 4.75–23V input environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP2361DH-LF uses the MSOP10E package (3.1mm × 3.1mm × 1.0mm), featuring an exposed thermal pad on the bottom side that must be soldered to PCB ground for optimal thermal performance (θ_JA = 55°C/W, θ_JC = 12°C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MP2361DH-LF, MP2359DJ-LF-Z trades current capability and frequency for cost and package simplicity, while TPS54202DRCT sacrifices input voltage range and protection features for ease of loop compensation - making MP2361DH-LF the optimal choice for industrial 4.75–23V, 2A, thermally constrained designs.

Availability

MP2361DH-LF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for distributed power systems, battery charger pre-regulators, and DSL modem power supplies requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant packaging, and long-term industrial lifecycle support.

Supply support for MP2361DH-LF 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 design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan, and global manufacturing partnerships.

The MP2361 series belongs to MPS's high-density DC/DC converter product line, engineered for space-constrained industrial, telecom, and networking applications demanding wide-input, high-efficiency, and robust protection in minimal footprint packages.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended output voltage for MP2361DH-LF?

The MP2361DH-LF supports output voltages adjustable from 0.92V to 16V using an external resistor divider on the FB pin. The upper limit is constrained by the absolute maximum ratings of internal circuitry and the 23V input ceiling - exceeding 16V risks violating the FB pin voltage limit (6V) or compromising loop stability due to reduced duty cycle headroom.

Can MP2361DH-LF operate without an external bootstrap capacitor?

No. The BS pin requires a 10nF ceramic capacitor connected between BS and SW to charge the high-side gate driver. Omitting this capacitor prevents proper high-side MOSFET turn-on, resulting in no output regulation and potential thermal stress on the low-side switch during extended conduction.

Is the MSOP10E package of MP2361DH-LF lead-free and RoHS compliant?

Yes. The "-LF" suffix in MP2361DH-LF explicitly denotes lead-free, RoHS-compliant packaging per EU Directive 2011/65/EU, including matte tin plating and halogen-free molding compound - verified in MPS's official qualification reports and Digi-Key/Mouser compliance documentation.

How does the MP2361DH-LF respond during output short-circuit conditions?

Under short-circuit, the MP2361DH-LF activates frequency foldback: when FB voltage drops below 400mV, the oscillator frequency reduces from 1.4MHz to 210kHz, lowering peak current and power dissipation. Combined with cycle-by-cycle current limiting and thermal shutdown at 160°C, this prevents device damage while maintaining safe operating temperature.

What is the minimum recommended input capacitance for MP2361DH-LF at 23V input?

At 23V input and 2A load, the RMS input capacitor current reaches ~1A. MPS recommends ≥10μF X5R/X7R ceramic capacitance with ≥1A RMS rating, placed within 3mm of IN and GND pins. A parallel 0.1μF high-frequency ceramic capacitor is mandatory to suppress MHz-range switching noise.

Does MP2361DH-LF support synchronization to an external clock?

No. The MP2361DH-LF features a fixed internal 1.4MHz oscillator with no external sync pin or frequency adjustment capability. For synchronized multi-rail designs, consider MPS's MPQ4470 or MPQ4423 families, which offer SYNC input and spread-spectrum options.

What layout practices prevent instability in MP2361DH-LF designs?

Stability depends on minimizing parasitic inductance: route SW, IN, and GND traces as short/wide as possible; place C_IN, C_OUT, and bootstrap capacitor adjacent to respective pins; connect the MSOP10E exposed pad fully to a solid GND plane; and locate FB resistors and COMP compensation components within 2mm of their pins to avoid noise coupling.