Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP2560DN-LF-P

Overview

MP2560DN-LF-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a 4MHz, 42V input, 2.5A non-synchronous step-down DC/DC converter with integrated 220mΩ high-side MOSFET, internal soft-start, and programmable switching frequency. It delivers up to 93% efficiency, supports 0.8V–39V adjustable output, and operates across –40°C to +85°C for automotive and industrial power rails.

For engineers reviewing the MP2560DN-LF-P datasheet, MP2560DN-LF-P pinout, MP2560DN-LF-P application, or MP2560DN-LF-P equivalent, key selection criteria include its 4.5V–42V wide input range, 120µA quiescent current in active operation, 12µA shutdown current, 100ns minimum on/off times, and SOIC8E thermally enhanced package with exposed pad.

Technical Context

The MP2560DN-LF-P uses peak current-mode control with an internal error amplifier (200V/V gain, 60µA/V transconductance) and cycle-by-cycle current limiting. Its oscillator frequency is resistor-programmable from 500kHz to 4MHz via the FREQ pin, enabling EMI-sensitive designs like AM radio and ADSL systems.

It integrates a bootstrap driver for the high-side MOSFET, with dedicated UVLO (2.6V/3.0V hysteresis), thermal shutdown (150°C), and under-voltage lockout. The COMP pin serves as the error amplifier output for external loop compensation, supporting stable regulation with ceramic output capacitors without requiring external current-sense resistors.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP2560DN-LF-P is housed in a thermally enhanced SOIC8E package (8-pin, exposed thermal pad on bottom). The exposed pad must be soldered to a PCB ground plane for optimal thermal performance (θ_JA = 50°C/W, θ_JC = 10°C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM5164QWRXMRQ1 and TPS54240DGQR, MP2560DN-LF-P offers superior 2.5A capability in a smaller SOIC8E package, 4MHz operation for EMI avoidance, and 12µA shutdown current-making it optimal for space-constrained, battery-aware, and high-frequency-sensitive applications.

Availability

MP2560DN-LF-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment systems, industrial sensor nodes, and distributed telecom power supplies requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant packaging, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MP2560DN-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 core expertise in DC/DC conversion, LED drivers, and motor control solutions.

The MP2560 product line targets high-input-voltage, medium-current buck converters for automotive, industrial, and telecom applications-designed to replace discrete MOSFET+controller solutions with integrated, thermally optimized packages.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended output current for MP2560DN-LF-P in SOIC8E package?

The MP2560DN-LF-P is rated for 2.5A continuous output current. This assumes proper PCB layout with the exposed thermal pad soldered to a ≥1cm² copper ground plane, ambient temperature ≤60°C, and adequate airflow. At full load and 42V input, thermal derating begins above 75°C ambient due to its 2.5W power dissipation limit and 50°C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance.

Can MP2560DN-LF-P operate with only ceramic capacitors on input and output?

Yes. The MP2560DN-LF-P is explicitly designed to be stable with ceramic output capacitors-no minimum ESR requirement. For input, a 10µF X5R/X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 5mm of VIN and GND pins is sufficient. No electrolytic or tantalum bulk capacitance is needed, simplifying filtering and improving reliability.

How does the frequency foldback feature improve light-load efficiency?

At light loads, MP2560DN-LF-P automatically reduces switching frequency to minimize gate-driving and switching losses. Unlike burst-mode controllers, it maintains constant-frequency PWM down to ~10% load, then scales frequency linearly-reducing quiescent loss while avoiding audible noise and output voltage ripple associated with discontinuous conduction mode.

What is the purpose of the BST pin, and what capacitor value is recommended?

The BST pin supplies the floating gate driver for the internal high-side MOSFET. A 0.1µF X7R ceramic capacitor must be placed between BST and SW pins. This capacitor is charged during the low-side conduction phase (when SW ≈ GND) and sustains the driver during high-side conduction. Insufficient BST capacitance causes gate drive collapse and erratic switching.

Is MP2560DN-LF-P pin-compatible with other MP2560 variants like MP2560DQ?

No. MP2560DN-LF-P uses the SOIC8E package (8-pin, exposed pad), while MP2560DQ uses a 3×3mm QFN10 package. Pin functions differ: QFN has dual SW pins (1&2) and dual VIN pins (8&9), whereas SOIC8E consolidates these into single pins. Layout, thermal design, and decoupling requirements are not interchangeable.

Does MP2560DN-LF-P support output voltages below 0.8V?

No. The internal feedback reference is fixed at 0.8V ±2.4%, and the FB pin is designed for resistive divider-based regulation. Output voltages below 0.8V cannot be achieved without external circuitry (e.g., op-amp offset injection), which is unsupported and invalidates the guaranteed specifications including line/load regulation and thermal performance.

What failure protections are built into MP2560DN-LF-P?

MP2560DN-LF-P includes thermal shutdown (150°C trip, 135°C hysteresis), input UVLO (2.6V/3.0V thresholds), cycle-by-cycle current limiting (3.5A typical), and BST UVLO (2.2V). All protections are fully internal-no external components required. During fault conditions, the high-side MOSFET is immediately disabled and COMP is pulled to GND to prevent latch-up.