Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP2496GR-P

Overview

MP2496GR-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a 36V, 2.5A synchronous step-down converter with integrated USB charging port identification (BC1.2 DCP, Divider, and 1.2V/1.2V modes), 5V fixed output, programmable line drop compensation, and hiccup-mode over-current protection. It delivers regulated 5V/2.5A to USB peripherals from 7–36V input in automotive cigarette lighter adapters and linear charger power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the MP2496GR-P datasheet, MP2496GR-P pinout, MP2496GR-P application, or MP2496GR-P equivalent, key selection criteria include its triple-frequency selectability (150/250/350 kHz), ±8kV HBM ESD rating on DP/DM/USB pins, 24mΩ internal USB MOSFET R_DS(ON), 40mΩ/32mΩ buck HS/LS R_DS(ON), and thermal shutdown at 165°C with 20°C hysteresis.

Technical Context

The MP2496GR-P integrates two independent power domains: a peak-current-mode synchronous buck regulator with internal 40mΩ HS and 32mΩ LS MOSFETs, and a dedicated USB current-limit switch with auto-detection logic for BC1.2-compliant charging. Its control architecture uses an internal 1V reference, error amplifier with optimized compensation, and cycle-by-cycle current limiting that triggers hiccup mode upon sustained overload.

USB port identification operates via a state machine that drives DP/DM lines into three distinct voltage configurations-shorted (DCP), 2.7V divider, or 1.2V/1.2V-based on device handshake requirements. Line drop compensation is implemented by sensing USB load current and injecting proportional voltage offset into the feedback path using VDROP pin selection (GND/middle/high).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP2496GR-P is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-26 (4mm × 4mm) package with exposed thermal pad. Pin numbering follows top-view orientation per MPS package drawing; PGND pins (5,6,12,13) and OUT pins (3,15,25) are assigned to multiple pads for low-impedance power routing and improved thermal dissipation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar USB charging port applications.

Compared with MP2494GQ-Z, MP2496GR-P adds BC1.2 detection and 2.5A capability at modest cost premium; versus TPS65987D, it offers simpler implementation and lower BOM count for legacy USB-A DCP applications without PD negotiation.

Availability

MP2496GR-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive cigarette lighter adapters, USB wall chargers with linear charger interfaces, and industrial USB hub power management requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges (–40°C to +125°C).

Supply support for MP2496GR-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 core expertise in DC-DC conversion, motor drivers, and USB power management solutions.

The MP2496 product line targets compact, high-reliability USB charging solutions for automotive and industrial applications where integration of buck regulation, USB detection, and protection is critical to system simplification.

FAQ

What is the maximum supported input voltage for MP2496GR-P?

The absolute maximum input voltage is 40V, but the recommended operating range is 7V to 36V. Operation above 36V risks exceeding internal voltage ratings of the bootstrap circuit and EN clamp Zener, potentially causing premature failure. The UVLO rising threshold is 5.7V, ensuring reliable startup down to nominal 12V automotive systems.

How does the line drop compensation function work in practice?

Line drop compensation measures USB load current via the internal current-sense amplifier and injects a proportional voltage offset into the feedback loop through the VDROP pin configuration. With VDROP = VCC, compensation reaches 400mV at 2.4A load; with VDROP = GND, it drops to 130mV. This maintains ~5V at the device end of long cables without requiring remote sensing wires.

Can MP2496GR-P support Apple MFi charging protocols?

No - MP2496GR-P implements only BC1.2-compliant DCP detection (including Divider and 1.2V/1.2V modes) and does not support Apple-specific resistor-based or digital authentication protocols. It will charge Apple devices in standard USB DCP mode at up to 5V/2.5A but cannot negotiate higher voltages or proprietary fast-charge sequences.

What is the purpose of the NC pins (16, 17, 21, 22)?

Pins 16 and 17 are no-connect but may be tied to OUT to improve thermal performance by increasing copper area for heat spreading. Pins 21 and 22 are strictly no-connect and must remain floating - connecting them risks internal signal coupling or latch-up due to proximity to sensitive analog nodes like DP/DM and VDROP.

Is external soft-start required for MP2496GR-P?

No - MP2496GR-P includes internal soft-start with fixed 1.65ms ramp time. The internal SS circuit controls the error amplifier reference during startup to prevent output overshoot. External soft-start is neither supported nor necessary; adding external capacitance to any pin will disrupt internal timing and regulation stability.

What PCB layout practices are critical for thermal performance?

Thermal performance depends on maximizing heat transfer from the exposed thermal pad (pin 26 center) to internal PGND planes. Use ≥6 thermal vias (0.3mm diameter) under the pad, connect all PGND pins (5,6,12,13) to a solid inner-layer ground plane, and avoid splitting PGND under the IC. Also tie AGND to PGND at one point near pin 18 to prevent noise coupling.

Does MP2496GR-P support USB suspend mode or dynamic current adjustment?

No - MP2496GR-P provides fixed 2.75A current limit and lacks I²C/SMBus interface or programmable current registers. It does not detect or respond to USB suspend signaling; current limit remains active regardless of data-line activity. For dynamic current control, a microcontroller-based solution with external current-sense and MOSFET is required.