Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP23701GQEU-Z

Overview

MP23701GQEU-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a 24V, 2A, synchronous step-down white LED driver IC with integrated 100mΩ high-side MOSFET and 80mΩ low-side synchronous rectifier, operating at fixed 1.5MHz switching frequency and supporting deep analog dimming via EN/DIM pin (0.7–1.44V range). It delivers precise constant-current LED regulation for infrared and general lighting applications requiring thermal protection and robust fault handling.

For engineers reviewing the MP23701GQEU-Z datasheet, MP23701GQEU-Z pinout, MP23701GQEU-Z application, or MP23701GQEU-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include its 100mV feedback reference, NTC-based ambient temperature sensing, cycle-by-cycle current limiting, open-LED protection, and UTQFN-8 (1.5mm×2.5mm) thermal performance in space-constrained handheld and backlight designs.

Technical Context

The MP23701GQEU-Z implements peak-current mode control with internal error amplifier comparing FB voltage against 100mV reference to regulate output LED current. Its fixed 1.5MHz oscillator enables compact external components while maintaining stable loop dynamics across 4.2–24V input range.

Thermal management integrates dual-layer protection: NTC-connected ambient monitoring (with 0.76–1.25V threshold window) and junction-level thermal shutdown at 150°C with 60°C hysteresis. Fault recovery uses auto-restart with 2.4ms hiccup timer and soft-start reinitialization.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP23701GQEU-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced UTQFN-8 package (1.5mm × 2.5mm, 0.5mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad for PCB heat dissipation. Pin 1 is NC; pins 2–8 are functional as defined below:

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver applications.

Compared with MP23701GQEU-Z, MPQ23701GQEU-A adds automotive qualification at higher cost and same footprint, while LT3466-1EDD demands external FETs and offers lower current capability - making MP23701GQEU-Z optimal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained 2A LED systems within 24V input limits.

Availability

MP23701GQEU-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for infrared illumination systems, handheld flashlight modules, and industrial handheld computer backlights requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant packaging, and lead-free/halogen-free construction.

Supply support for MP23701GQEU-Z 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 MP23701 belongs to MPS's LED driver product line, engineered specifically for high-efficiency, thermally robust constant-current regulation in portable, industrial, and surveillance lighting where analog dimming, small form factor, and fault resilience are critical.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required to start up the MP23701GQEU-Z?

The MP23701GQEU-Z has a turn-on threshold of 3.5V to 4.0V (typical 3.7V) on VIN with hysteresis of 0.12V. Startup occurs only when both VIN exceeds this threshold and the EN/DIM pin voltage rises above 0.545V. Below 4.2V, operation is not guaranteed per datasheet specifications, though functional behavior may occur in some conditions.

Can the MP23701GQEU-Z drive multiple parallel LED strings?

Yes, but only with external current-sharing circuitry. The MP23701GQEU-Z regulates total output current, not per-string current. Driving parallel strings without individual sense resistors or active balancing risks current mismatch and thermal runaway. Recommended practice is series configuration or per-string current regulation using additional ICs.

How does the NTC thermal protection function without external biasing?

The MP23701GQEU-Z includes an internal 41–72μA current source connected to the NTC pin. When an NTC thermistor is connected between NTC and GND, this current generates a voltage inversely proportional to resistance. As temperature rises, NTC resistance drops, lowering the NTC pin voltage - triggering current reduction when it falls below 0.76V (low threshold) or full shutdown below 0.34V.

Is the 100mV feedback reference internally trimmed or adjustable?

The 100mV feedback reference is factory-trimmed and fixed, with guaranteed tolerance of ±7mV (93–107mV) over temperature and input voltage. It is not user-adjustable; output current is set solely by the external sense resistor value using R_SENSE = 0.1V / I_LED. No external calibration or resistor divider is supported.

What happens during an LED short-circuit event?

Upon LED short-circuit detection - identified by FB voltage rising above burst threshold or inductor current exceeding 3.6A - the MP23701GQEU-Z disables both HS and LS switches for 2.4ms, pulls VCOMP to ground, then restarts with soft-start. This hiccup-mode protection prevents thermal damage while maintaining automatic recovery without external intervention.

Does the MP23701GQEU-Z support PWM dimming in addition to analog dimming?

No - the MP23701GQEU-Z supports analog dimming only via DC voltage on EN/DIM. It lacks dedicated PWM input functionality. Attempting PWM on EN/DIM causes erratic behavior due to internal 22ms turn-off delay and analog response characteristics. For PWM dimming, select MPS parts like MPQ4425HGQ or MP24814.

What is the maximum recommended PCB copper area for the thermal pad under the UTQFN-8 package?

MPS recommends a minimum 25mm² exposed copper area (e.g., 5mm × 5mm) connected to internal GND planes via ≥4 thermal vias (0.3mm diameter, 0.65mm center-to-center spacing). This achieves θ_JA ≈ 90°C/W on a 4-layer board, enabling full 2A operation at TA ≤ 60°C without forced airflow.