Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP2380DN-LF-Z

Overview

MP2380DN-LF-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a monolithic 5A, 21V input, 600kHz fixed-frequency step-down DC-DC converter with integrated high-side MOSFET (45mΩ R_DS(ON)), power-good indicator, and cycle-by-cycle overcurrent protection. It delivers stable 3.3V@5A output in distributed power systems and battery chargers using only standard external components.

For engineers reviewing the MP2380DN-LF-Z datasheet, MP2380DN-LF-Z pinout, MP2380DN-LF-Z application, or MP2380DN-LF-Z equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed thermal performance (θ_JA = 50°C/W), real-world efficiency curves (≥85% at 5A), and accurate alternative selection guidance for buck regulator design.

Technical Context

The MP2380 operates in peak current-mode control with a fixed 600kHz oscillator, supporting synchronization up to 1.5MHz via the EN/SYNC pin. Its internal 0.808V feedback reference and 40× error amplifier enable precise output regulation across line and load variations.

It integrates a thermally enhanced SOIC-8E package with exposed pad, featuring cycle-by-cycle current limiting, hiccup-mode short-circuit protection, and thermal shutdown at 150°C. The bootstrap circuit drives the high-side MOSFET using an external capacitor between SW and BST pins, enabling efficient operation down to 4.5V input.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP2380DN-LF-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced SOIC-8E package (8-pin SOIC with exposed thermal pad on underside), compliant with JEDEC MS-012 BA variant. The exposed pad must be soldered to PCB ground plane for thermal and electrical integrity.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MP2380DN-LF-Z, MP2384DN-LF-Z offers headroom for future current scaling in same footprint, while TPS54560BQPWPRQ1 adds automotive qualification and 60V tolerance at cost of package incompatibility and increased design complexity.

Availability

MP2380DN-LF-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for distributed power systems, battery charger front-ends, and industrial PLC I/O modules requiring stable component supply, RoHS compliance, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MP2380DN-LF-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 analog and power ICs, headquartered in California and serving global industrial, automotive, and consumer markets since 1997.

The MP2380 belongs to MPS's high-current monolithic buck converter product line, engineered for space-constrained, thermally demanding applications where integration, efficiency, and reliability outweigh the need for external MOSFET flexibility.

FAQ

What is the minimum recommended input capacitance for MP2380DN-LF-Z at 5A output?

A 22µF X5R or X7R ceramic capacitor is specified for 5A applications to suppress input ripple and limit surge current. This value assumes 12V input and 3.3V/5A output; for 21V input, increase to 33µF to maintain impedance margin at switching frequency. Mount directly between IN and GND pins with minimal trace length.

Can MP2380DN-LF-Z operate without an external bootstrap diode?

Yes - the internal bootstrap circuit functions without an external diode for most applications. An external Schottky diode (e.g., IN4148) is only recommended when V_OUT is 3.3V or 5V and duty cycle exceeds 65%, to improve light-load efficiency and BST capacitor recharge reliability.

How does the hiccup-mode overcurrent protection behave during sustained short-circuit?

When FB falls below 0.25V (indicating severe undervoltage), the MP2380 enters hiccup mode: it disables switching for ~10ms, then attempts restart. This limits average short-circuit current to ~1.5A and junction temperature rise, preventing thermal damage while allowing automatic recovery once fault clears.

What is the purpose of the exposed thermal pad on the SOIC-8E package?

The exposed pad serves as the primary thermal conduction path from die to PCB. It must be soldered to a solid copper pour connected to system ground. Failure to do so raises θ_JA beyond 50°C/W, causing thermal shutdown at <3A load even at +25°C ambient.

Is MP2380DN-LF-Z compatible with ceramic output capacitors having ≤5mΩ ESR?

Yes - the MP2380 is explicitly designed for low-ESR ceramic output capacitors (X5R/X7R). Its internal compensation and current-mode architecture ensure stability with ESR values as low as 1mΩ, eliminating need for bulk electrolytic or tantalum capacitors.

What is the maximum achievable output voltage accuracy over temperature and line/load conditions?

Output voltage accuracy is dominated by the 0.808V ±20mV (±2.5%) internal reference and resistor divider tolerance. With 1% feedback resistors and full 4.5–21V input/0–5A load range, total output error remains within ±3.5% - verified in Figure 6's load regulation plot showing <0.2% deviation at 5A.

Does EN/SYNC pin require a pull-up resistor for default-enable operation?

No - the EN/SYNC pin has no internal pull-up. To enable at power-on, connect it to VIN via a resistor divider that ensures ≥1.2V at EN when VIN exceeds 4.5V. For direct enable, tie to VIN through a current-limiting resistor (e.g., 100kΩ) to avoid exceeding 2µA input current spec.