Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP2560DQ-LF-P

Overview

MP2560DQ-LF-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a 4MHz, 2.5A, 42V non-synchronous step-down DC/DC converter with integrated 220mΩ high-side MOSFET, current-mode control, and programmable switching frequency. It delivers stable 3.3V output in automotive power rails and industrial distributed supplies, featuring 120µA quiescent current and internal soft-start for inrush control.

For engineers reviewing the MP2560DQ-LF-P datasheet, MP2560DQ-LF-P pinout, MP2560DQ-LF-P application, or MP2560DQ-LF-P equivalent, key selection criteria include its 4.5–42V input range, 0.8–39V adjustable output, thermal shutdown at 150°C, and QFN10 package compatibility with high-density PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The MP2560DQ-LF-P employs peak-current-mode PWM control with cycle-by-cycle current limiting and internal error amplifier (200V/V gain, 60µA/V transconductance). Its oscillator frequency is resistor-programmable from 500kHz to 4MHz via the FREQ pin, enabling EMI-sensitive designs like AM radio front-ends.

It integrates a bootstrap driver for the high-side MOSFET, requiring external BST–SW capacitor charging during low-duty cycles. The device uses internal UVLO (3.0V rising threshold, 0.4V hysteresis) and precision enable logic (1.5V rising EN threshold) to ensure robust startup and shutdown sequencing in battery-backed systems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP2560DQ-LF-P is housed in a thermally enhanced 3mm × 3mm QFN-10 package with exposed thermal pad (connected to GND). The package supports high-power density layouts and efficient heat transfer to PCB ground planes.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MP2560DQ-LF-P, MP2451DT-LF-Z offers smaller size but sacrifices 6V input headroom and 1.7A output capacity; LM5164QDDARQ1 adds AEC-Q100 compliance and 100V rating at the cost of lower current and higher BOM complexity for non-automotive use cases.

Availability

MP2560DQ-LF-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment systems, industrial sensor nodes, distributed telecom power, and medical diagnostic instrumentation requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and voltage ranges.

Supply support for MP2560DQ-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 design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan and global manufacturing partnerships.

The MP2560 belongs to MPS's high-voltage DC/DC converter product line, engineered for compact, efficient power conversion in automotive, industrial, and telecom applications where wide input range and high-frequency operation are critical.

FAQ

What is the minimum recommended input voltage for reliable startup?

The MP2560DQ-LF-P features an under-voltage lockout (UVLO) with a rising threshold of 3.0V and hysteresis of 0.4V. Reliable startup occurs at VIN ≥ 3.0V; operation below this level disables regulation and places the device in shutdown mode with 12µA supply current.

Can the MP2560DQ-LF-P operate without an external bootstrap diode?

Yes-the MP2560DQ-LF-P integrates a bootstrap regulator that charges the BST capacitor from VIN through an internal PMOS switch. No external diode is required, though layout must ensure sufficient voltage headroom (VIN – V_SW) during charging intervals to maintain ≥2.2V BST–SW bias.

How does frequency foldback improve light-load efficiency?

At light loads, the MP2560DQ-LF-P automatically reduces switching frequency to minimize gate-driving and switching losses. This dynamic scaling maintains >85% efficiency down to ~100mA output, extending battery runtime without requiring external control signals.

What is the maximum allowable output voltage adjustment range?

The feedback reference is fixed at 0.8V ±2.4%, and the device supports output voltages from 0.8V to 39V. This is achieved using a resistive divider on the FB pin; R2 ≤ 40kΩ is recommended to sink the ~20µA BS circuitry current at no load.

Is the exposed thermal pad electrically connected internally?

Yes-the exposed pad on the QFN10 package is internally tied to GND. It must be soldered to a dedicated PCB ground plane with multiple thermal vias to achieve specified θ_JA = 50°C/W and prevent thermal shutdown under full 2.5A load.

Does the MP2560DQ-LF-P support synchronization to an external clock?

No-the MP2560DQ-LF-P uses a resistor-programmed internal oscillator and does not provide an external sync input. Frequency is set solely by the R_FREQ resistor from FREQ to GND, with typical values ranging from 18kΩ (4MHz) to 45kΩ (1.6MHz).

What failure protections are built into the MP2560DQ-LF-P?

The device includes thermal shutdown (150°C trip, 135°C recovery), input UVLO (3.0V rising, 2.6V falling), cycle-by-cycle current limiting (3.5A typ), and bootstrap UVLO (2.2V rising). All protections are fully internal and require no external components to activate.