Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP2612ER-LF-P

Overview

MP2612ER-LF-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a monolithic switching Li-ion battery charger IC supporting 2- or 3-cell series packs, featuring integrated 0.2 Ω power MOSFET, 2 A programmable charge current, ±0.75% battery voltage regulation accuracy, and fixed 600 kHz switching frequency. It delivers fast CC/CV charging with thermal shutdown, cycle-by-cycle overcurrent protection, and NTC-based battery temperature monitoring for portable power systems.

For engineers reviewing the MP2612ER-LF-P datasheet, MP2612ER-LF-P pinout, MP2612ER-LF-P application, or MP2612ER-LF-P equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, real-world application cards, and confirmed alternative parts with documented functional differences for battery management system design and qualification.

Technical Context

The MP2612ER-LF-P implements peak current-mode control with dual feedback loops-COMPI for constant-current regulation and COMPV for constant-voltage regulation-enabling precise 2A charge current (±5%) and 8.4 V/12.6 V output accuracy (±0.75%). Its internal 0.2 Ω MOSFET switch and 600 kHz oscillator minimize external component count while maintaining up to 90% efficiency across 9–24 V input range.

It integrates two independent linear regulators (VREF33 = 3.3 V/50 mA, VREF25 = 2.5 V no-load), a programmable timer (30 min trickle timeout, 3 hr total), and an NTC window comparator (73%/30% of VREF33) for battery temperature supervision. The CELLS pin selects 2-cell (GND) or 3-cell (VREF33) configuration, and CHGOK/ACOK provide open-drain status signaling.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MP2612ER-LF-P is housed in a thermally enhanced 4 mm × 4 mm QFN-16 package with exposed thermal pad on underside, rated for -20 °C to +85 °C ambient operation and 46 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BQ24610RTWR and ISL9238HRZ-T, the MP2612ER-LF-P offers higher integration (integrated MOSFET, 3.3 V LDO, dual status pins), tighter voltage accuracy (±0.75% vs ±1%), and simpler layout-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained 2S/3S applications where host control is unnecessary.

Availability

MP2612ER-LF-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone power management, industrial handheld terminals, medical portable monitors, and wireless test equipment requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MP2612ER-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, battery management, and motor control.

The MP2612 belongs to MPS's Li-ion switching charger product line, designed specifically for compact, high-efficiency charging of 2- and 3-cell battery packs in portable and industrial electronics without external power switches.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for 2-cell operation?

The MP2612ER-LF-P requires a minimum input voltage of 9 V for 2-cell operation, as specified in the Recommended Operating Conditions table. This ensures sufficient headroom (≥180 mV) between VIN and VBATT during charging, even at full 8.4 V battery voltage, preventing reverse current flow and enabling reliable regulation.

How is the 2A charge current set and verified?

The 2A charge current is set by a 100 mΩ sense resistor (RS1) between CSP and BATT, based on the 200 mV full-scale sense voltage (ICHG = 200 mV / RS1). Verification is achieved by measuring the actual current into a calibrated dummy load under CC mode at 25 °C, confirming ≤±5% deviation per Electrical Characteristics table (ICC = 1.8–2.2 A).

Can the MP2612ER-LF-P support power path management?

Yes-the MP2612ER-LF-P supports power path management when paired with the MP8110 current-sense amplifier. MP8110 monitors system load current and feeds back to MP2612's COMPI loop, dynamically reducing charge current to prioritize system power. This configuration is detailed in Figure 2 and Application Information section.

What happens if the NTC pin is left unconnected?

If the NTC pin is left unconnected, the internal comparator sees an undefined voltage, triggering immediate NTC fault protection. The charger suspends charging, pulls CHGOK high, and disables output-preventing unsafe operation. The datasheet explicitly states the NTC pin must be connected to a thermistor divider; floating is not permitted.

Is the VREF25 pin usable as a system reference?

No-the VREF25 pin is a dedicated 2.5 V reference for internal circuitry only and must remain floating with no external load. The datasheet specifies zero output current capability and prohibits capacitive loading beyond 100 pF. For external 2.5 V references, use VREF33 with appropriate buffering or a separate precision reference IC.

Does the MP2612ER-LF-P support automatic recharge after CV termination?

Yes-it supports automatic recharge when battery voltage drops to 4.0 V/cell (8.0 V for 2S, 12.0 V for 3S), with 100 mV hysteresis. After CV termination, CHGOK floats high; if VBATT falls below the recharge threshold, the IC re-enters CC mode without requiring EN toggling or reset, ensuring uninterrupted system uptime.

What is the thermal pad soldering requirement for the QFN-16 package?

The exposed thermal pad on the MP2612ER-LF-P QFN-16 must be soldered to a solid copper thermal plane on the PCB using a grid of ≥9 solder vias (0.3 mm diameter, spaced ≤1 mm apart) connected to inner-layer ground planes. Insufficient thermal pad connection risks exceeding 125 °C junction temperature under 2A load, triggering thermal shutdown.