Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP2603EJ-LF-P

Overview

MP2603EJ-LF-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a single-cell linear Li-ion battery charger IC with programmable 50–150mA constant-current/constant-voltage (CC/CV) charging, ±0.75% battery voltage regulation at 4.2V, and integrated thermal protection at 130°C. It operates from 4.75–5.25V input, supports trickle charge below 2.6V, and delivers <1µA reverse leakage when unplugged - used in compact portable devices like Bluetooth headsets and digital cameras.

For engineers reviewing the MP2603EJ-LF-P datasheet, MP2603EJ-LF-P pinout, MP2603EJ-LF-P application, or MP2603EJ-LF-P equivalent, key selection criteria include programmable charge current via IPGM resistor, open-drain CHGZ status output, absence of external sense resistor or blocking diode, and TSOT23-5 thermal performance under 150mA load.

Technical Context

The MP2603EJ-LF-P implements a fully integrated linear CC/CV charge algorithm with automatic mode transition: trickle charge (<10% I_CHG) below 2.6V, constant-current charging up to 4.2V, then constant-voltage regulation until charge current drops to 10% of programmed value. It features internal UVLO (2.3V typ), no external compensation required, and thermal foldback activation at 130°C.

Its architecture eliminates need for external current-sense resistor, reverse-blocking diode, or output stability capacitor - reducing BOM count and PCB area. The IPGM pin sets charge current via single resistor (e.g., 2.5kΩ → 150mA), while CHGZ provides open-drain end-of-charge indication compatible with LED or microcontroller GPIO.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP2603EJ-LF-P is housed in a 5-pin TSOT23 package (2.9mm × 1.6mm × 0.85mm), optimized for space-constrained portable designs and thermally efficient PCB layout with exposed pad grounding.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar linear Li-ion battery charger applications.

Compared with TP4056 and BQ24072, MP2603EJ-LF-P offers lower BOM count (no sense resistor/diode/capacitor), tighter VBATT regulation (±0.75%), and ultra-low reverse leakage (<1µA), making it optimal for space- and efficiency-critical sub-150mA portable chargers.

Availability

MP2603EJ-LF-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for Bluetooth headsets, MP3 players, and digital cameras requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant packaging, and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MP2603EJ-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 across Asia and North America.

The MP2603 belongs to MPS's battery management product line, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained portable electronics needing reliable single-cell Li-ion charging without external passive components.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required to enable MP2603EJ-LF-P?

The MP2603EJ-LF-P enables when input voltage exceeds 3.5V and remains above both the UVLO threshold (2.3V typ) and battery voltage. Below 3.5V, the IC disables completely, drawing only leakage current. This behavior prevents unstable charging during weak or fluctuating USB sources.

Can MP2603EJ-LF-P charge a battery while powering a system load?

No - MP2603EJ-LF-P is a dedicated charger IC without power-path management. It connects only between IN and BATT; system load must be powered separately from the battery or via an external power switch. For simultaneous charge-and-run, a dedicated power-path IC like BQ2407x is required.

How does the IPGM resistor value affect charge current accuracy over temperature?

At –20°C to +85°C, charge current varies ±10% of programmed value depending on RPGM range: ±10% for 7.2–12.4kΩ, ±30% for 1.5–7.2kΩ. Accuracy improves with tighter-tolerance resistors (1%) and placement away from heat sources, as IPGM bias current has minor tempco.

Is an output capacitor required on the BATT pin?

No - the MP2603EJ-LF-P is internally compensated and stable without an output capacitor on BATT. Adding one (e.g., 1–10µF ceramic) is optional and may improve transient response but is not necessary for regulation or stability per datasheet testing.

What happens when the die temperature reaches 130°C during charging?

At 130°C, the internal thermal foldback circuit reduces the charge current reference linearly to maintain die temperature - no shutdown occurs. Current decreases gradually while charging continues, preventing thermal cycling and ensuring uninterrupted charge completion under sustained high ambient or poor PCB thermal design.

Does CHGZ assert low during trickle charge mode?

Yes - CHGZ is actively pulled low during all active charging phases: trickle, constant-current, and constant-voltage. It transitions to high-impedance (open-drain float) only when charge current falls to ≤10% of the programmed I_CHG, indicating full charge or fault condition.