Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP2361DH-LF-P

Overview

MP2361DH-LF-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a monolithic 2A, 23V input, 1.4MHz synchronous step-down DC/DC converter with integrated high- and low-side MOSFETs, fixed-frequency current-mode control, programmable soft-start, and cycle-by-cycle over-current protection. It delivers stable 0.92V–16V adjustable output in distributed power systems and battery chargers using only standard external components.

For engineers reviewing the MP2361DH-LF-P datasheet, MP2361DH-LF-P pinout, MP2361DH-LF-P application, or MP2361DH-LF-P equivalent, this device supports fast transient response in compact industrial and telecom power rails, offers thermal shutdown and UVLO with hysteresis, and enables efficient design with ceramic output capacitors and minimal BOM count.

Technical Context

The MP2361DH-LF-P implements fixed-frequency (1.4MHz) current-mode control with internal slope compensation to stabilize operation above 40% duty cycle. Its transconductance error amplifier (630–1230 μA/V) drives the COMP pin to regulate output voltage via feedback resistor divider referenced to 0.92V bandgap.

It integrates a 0.18Ω high-side MOSFET and 10Ω low-side MOSFET, enabling 2A continuous output with 90% peak efficiency. Bootstrap capacitor charging relies on internal 5V regulator and external BS pin connection, while frequency foldback activates below 0.4V FB to limit short-circuit current.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP2361DH-LF-P uses the MSOP10E package (3.0mm × 3.0mm, 0.5mm pitch), featuring an exposed thermal pad on the bottom for enhanced heat dissipation. Pin 1 is marked by a half-circle index, and the package is RoHS-compliant and lead-free.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MP2361DH-LF-P, the DK variant sacrifices thermal performance for legacy footprint compatibility, while the MP2362DH-LF-Z trades 0.3% efficiency and 2.48mA higher quiescent current for 50% higher output current capability-making it ideal for scalable designs where pinout retention is critical.

Availability

MP2361DH-LF-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for distributed power systems, battery chargers, DSL modems, and pre-regulator applications requiring stable component supply, RoHS compliance, and long-term industrial availability.

Supply support for MP2361DH-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, with design centers across Asia and North America and global distribution.

The MP2361 product line targets cost-sensitive, space-constrained DC/DC applications in telecom, networking, and consumer electronics-delivering high integration, reliability, and ease of use without external MOSFETs or complex compensation.

FAQ

What is the minimum recommended input voltage for MP2361DH-LF-P?

The absolute minimum operating input voltage is 4.75V per the Recommended Operating Conditions table. Operation below this level causes UVLO activation and disables regulation. The 25V absolute maximum rating applies only to transient spikes-not steady-state operation-and must be respected to prevent permanent damage to the internal MOSFETs.

Can MP2361DH-LF-P operate without an external bootstrap diode?

Yes-MP2361DH-LF-P uses an internal 5V charge pump to drive the high-side MOSFET gate via the BS pin, eliminating the need for an external bootstrap diode in most applications. An external Schottky diode (e.g., IN4148) is optional only when VOUT ≥ 3.3V and duty cycle exceeds 65%, to improve efficiency by ~1–2% under heavy load.

How does the MP2361DH-LF-P handle short-circuit conditions?

Under short-circuit, the FB voltage drops below 0.4V, triggering frequency foldback-reducing switching frequency from 1.4MHz to 210kHz-and limiting peak inductor current via cycle-by-cycle current sensing. Thermal shutdown engages if junction temperature exceeds 160°C, providing dual-layer fault protection without latch-up.

Is the MSOP10E package thermally enhanced compared to standard MSOP10?

Yes-the MSOP10E package features an exposed thermal pad on the bottom surface, directly connected to the die substrate, achieving θJA = 55°C/W (vs. 150°C/W for MSOP10). This 63% lower thermal resistance enables full 2A output at +85°C ambient without forced airflow or heatsinking.

What output capacitor ESR range is supported for stable operation?

The MP2361DH-LF-P is optimized for low-ESR ceramic capacitors (e.g., X5R/X7R 10–47μF), but also supports tantalum and low-ESR electrolytic types. For ceramics, ESR < 10mΩ is typical; for tantalum, ESR up to 100mΩ remains stable. Compensation can be adjusted to accommodate higher ESR via C6 pole placement per the datasheet's Section 8.3.

Does MP2361DH-LF-P require a minimum load to maintain regulation?

No-it maintains regulation from zero load to 2A. The 10Ω low-side MOSFET ensures bootstrap capacitor recharge even at light loads, and the current-mode architecture sustains loop stability across the full load range without minimum load requirements or external bias resistors.

How is the soft-start time determined for MP2361DH-LF-P?

Soft-start time is set by the external capacitor on the SS pin: tSS ≈ 1.2 × CSS × 9kΩ. For example, a 10nF capacitor yields ~108μs ramp time, while 100nF gives ~1.08ms. The SS pin voltage ramps linearly to 1.2V, controlling the COMP pin reference and thus output voltage slew rate.