Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP2388GQEU-P

Overview

MP2388GQEU-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a synchronous step-down DC/DC converter IC with integrated 110mΩ high-side and 50mΩ low-side MOSFETs, delivering 1A continuous output current across a 4.5V–21V input range. It operates at a fixed 2MHz switching frequency, supports adjustable output down to 0.8V via external resistor divider, and integrates AAM power-save mode for light-load efficiency-used in compact I/O power rails for notebooks and flat-panel displays.

For engineers reviewing the MP2388GQEU-P datasheet, MP2388GQEU-P pinout, MP2388GQEU-P application, or MP2388GQEU-P equivalent, key selection criteria include its ultra-thin QFN-8 (1.5mm×2.5mm) footprint, thermal shutdown (150°C), cycle-by-cycle over-current protection with hiccup recovery, and internal soft-start (1.5ms typical).

Technical Context

The MP2388GQEU-P employs peak-current-mode control with a fixed 2MHz oscillator and up to 83% maximum duty cycle, enabling stable regulation under wide VIN/VOUT ratios. Its internal 5V bias regulator powers all circuitry and remains functional across the full 4.5V–21V input range, with VCC decoupling required via ≤0.22μF ceramic capacitor.

AAM (Advanced Asynchronous Modulation) enables automatic transition between PWM and PFM modes: an external resistor from AAM to GND sets the modulation threshold (6.2μA current source), while FB voltage monitoring below 400mV triggers frequency foldback to reduce light-load ripple and improve efficiency.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP2388GQEU-P is housed in an ultra-thin QFN-8 package (1.5mm × 2.5mm, 0.5mm height) with exposed thermal pad for enhanced power dissipation. The package complies with JEDEC MO-220 and features 0.10mm max lead coplanarity.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with RT6220AGQW and TPS62865ARGTR, MP2388GQEU-P delivers optimal balance of ultra-compact size, integrated AAM for dynamic efficiency scaling, and robust protection-all within a 1.5mm×2.5mm QFN, making it ideal for thermally dense, battery-aware, or height-limited applications where 1A output suffices.

Availability

MP2388GQEU-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook I/O power, digital set-top box SoC supplies, and flat-panel display logic rails requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MP2388GQEU-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 in the US, China, and Taiwan, and global manufacturing partnerships.

The MP2388 belongs to MPS's high-frequency synchronous buck converter product line, engineered specifically for space-constrained consumer and computing applications demanding minimal external components, fast transient response, and adaptive light-load efficiency.

FAQ

What is the minimum recommended output capacitor for stable operation?

The MP2388GQEU-P is optimized for ceramic output capacitors ≥22μF with X5R/X7R dielectric. At 3.3V/1A output, a 22μF/6.3V 0805 ceramic capacitor ensures <15mVpp ripple and loop stability without external compensation. Lower values risk instability or excessive ripple under transient load steps.

Can MP2388GQEU-P operate with a 3.3V input supply?

No. The absolute minimum input voltage is 4.5V per datasheet specifications. At 3.3V, the internal VCC regulator cannot sustain 5V bias, causing premature UVLO shutdown. For 3.3V-input applications, consider the MP2317 (3V–17V input range) or MP2338 (2.5V–18V).

How does the AAM pin function when left floating?

When AAM is floating or tied to VCC, the MP2388GQEU-P operates exclusively in continuous conduction mode (CCM) regardless of load. This eliminates PFM-related output voltage ripple but increases light-load quiescent current to 0.7mA-suitable for noise-sensitive analog circuits but less efficient than resistor-biased AAM mode.

Is an external bootstrap diode required for reliable operation?

An external bootstrap diode (e.g., 1N4148) from VCC to BST is optional but recommended when VOUT ≥ 3.3V and duty cycle exceeds 65% (e.g., 12V→3.3V). It improves BST capacitor charging efficiency and prevents dropout during high-duty-cycle operation, especially at elevated temperatures.

What is the thermal performance of the QFN-8 package on a 4-layer PCB?

On a standard 4-layer JEDEC test board (JESD51-7), the MP2388GQEU-P exhibits θ_JA = 100°C/W and θ_JC = 20°C/W. With proper thermal pad soldering and 4+ vias to inner ground planes, it sustains 1A continuous load at +85°C ambient without thermal shutdown.

Does MP2388GQEU-P support output voltages below 0.8V?

No. The internal feedback reference is fixed at 0.798V ±12mV, and the datasheet specifies 0.8V as the minimum adjustable output. Attempting lower outputs violates regulation accuracy and may cause instability; for sub-0.8V rails, use a post-regulator LDO or select the MP2338 (0.6V reference).

How is over-current protection implemented during short-circuit events?

MP2388GQEU-P uses cycle-by-cycle current limiting with hiccup recovery: when inductor peak current exceeds 2.4A, FB drops below 400mV, triggering frequency foldback and eventual UV detection. The IC then shuts down for ~500ms before retrying-limiting average short-circuit current to <200mA and preventing thermal damage.