Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP2560DQ-LF-Z

Overview

MP2560DQ-LF-Z 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 regulated output from 0.8V to 39V across a 4.5–42V input range and supports automotive and industrial power rails requiring compact, high-frequency operation.

For engineers reviewing the MP2560DQ-LF-Z datasheet, MP2560DQ-LF-Z pinout, MP2560DQ-LF-Z application, or MP2560DQ-LF-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include its 4MHz programmable oscillator, 120µA quiescent current in active mode, internal soft-start, and thermal shutdown with 15°C hysteresis-critical for battery-powered and high-EMI-sensitive designs like AM radio front-ends.

Technical Context

The MP2560DQ-LF-Z implements peak current-mode control with an internal error amplifier (200V/V gain, 60µA/V transconductance) and cycle-by-cycle current limiting. Its programmable oscillator uses an external resistor on the FREQ pin to set frequency from 500kHz to 4MHz, enabling EMI mitigation in noise-sensitive applications.

It features a dedicated bootstrap driver (BST pin) with 5V regulation, UVLO thresholds at 3.0V (rising) and 2.6V (falling), and precision enable logic with 1.5V rising threshold and 300mV hysteresis. Internal soft-start ramps a 2.6V reference to prevent output overshoot during startup.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP2560DQ-LF-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced 3mm × 3mm QFN-10 package with exposed pad (connected to GND). The package supports high-power density layouts and efficient heat dissipation via PCB copper area.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MP2560DQ-LF-Z, MP2451DJ-LF-Z trades frequency agility and package size for lower unit cost and simpler layout, while LM5164QPWRQ1 prioritizes automotive qualification and integrated bootstrap diode at the expense of output current and frequency programmability.

Availability

MP2560DQ-LF-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment power, industrial sensor node supply, and medical portable device rail applications requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant packaging, and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MP2560DQ-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, with design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan and global distribution since 1997.

The MP2560 product line targets high-frequency, wide-input-voltage DC/DC conversion for automotive, industrial, and battery-powered systems where compact size, EMI robustness, and thermal efficiency are critical.

FAQ

What is the minimum recommended inductor value for MP2560DQ-LF-Z at 4MHz operation?

A 4.7µH inductor is recommended for 4MHz operation, as specified in MPS Application Note AN-105. This value balances ripple current (targeting ~30% of 2.5A limit), physical size, and saturation margin. Larger values increase size and DCR losses; smaller values risk exceeding minimum on-time limits and causing pulse-skipping instability.

Can MP2560DQ-LF-Z operate with input voltage below 4.5V?

No-MP2560DQ-LF-Z has a guaranteed operating minimum input of 4.5V per datasheet Section 5 (Recommended Operating Conditions). Below this, UVLO prevents startup, and internal regulators may not sustain bias. For sub-4.5V inputs, consider MPS's MP2158 (2.5–6V input) or MP2161 (2.5–6.5V) families instead.

How is the bootstrap capacitor selected for MP2560DQ-LF-Z?

Select a 0.1µF ceramic capacitor rated ≥16V, placed directly between BST and SW pins. Its ESR must be <100mΩ to ensure reliable charging during low-duty-cycle operation. The capacitor must withstand peak BST-SW voltage up to VIN + 0.3V and be located within 2mm of the IC pins to minimize parasitic inductance.

Does MP2560DQ-LF-Z require an external current-sense resistor?

No-MP2560DQ-LF-Z uses an internal current-sense FET and comparator for cycle-by-cycle current limiting. No external sense resistor is needed, reducing BOM count, board area, and power loss. The current limit is factory-trimmed to 2.9–3.5A and cannot be adjusted externally.

What is the maximum allowable output voltage for MP2560DQ-LF-Z?

The maximum output voltage is 39V, derived from the 0.8V feedback reference and the absolute maximum ratings of the FB pin (−0.3V to +6V). At V_OUT = 39V, the upper resistor in the divider must be sized so that FB voltage remains within spec-e.g., R2 = 10kΩ, R1 ≈ 478kΩ yields 39V with <1% error.

Is MP2560DQ-LF-Z pin-compatible with other MP2560 variants?

Yes-MP2560DQ-LF-Z (QFN-10) shares identical pinout and functionality with MP2560DN (SOIC8E), though package dimensions, thermal resistance (θ_JA = 50°C/W for both), and exposed pad connection differ. Layouts must account for different land patterns and GND pad soldering requirements.

How does frequency foldback improve light-load efficiency?

At light loads, MP2560DQ-LF-Z automatically reduces switching frequency to lower gate-driving and switching losses. This foldback behavior-documented in Figure 5 of the datasheet-maintains >80% efficiency down to 10mA load, extending battery life without requiring external PFM control circuitry.