Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP2617AGL-Z

Overview

MP2617AGL-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a monolithic 3A synchronous buck switching charger IC with integrated NVDC (Narrow Voltage DC) power path management for single-cell Li-ion batteries. It delivers regulated SYS output voltage (4.22–4.63V programmable), supports dual-input USB/DC adapter (4–10V), and implements five independent control loops including input current limit (up to 3A), constant charge current (up to 3.025A), and thermal fold-back. It enables immediate system operation with deeply discharged or absent batteries in portable tablets and handheld devices.

For engineers reviewing the MP2617AGL-Z datasheet, MP2617AGL-Z pinout, MP2617AGL-Z application, or MP2617AGL-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.6MHz fixed-frequency operation, programmable input current limit via ILIM resistor or M0/M1 logic pins, smart power path priority handling (system load before battery charge), integrated 40mΩ BATT-to-SYS ideal diode, and battery full voltage of 4.35V - critical for fast-charge compliance in USB-powered portable systems.

Technical Context

The MP2617AGL-Z integrates a 1.6MHz synchronous buck regulator with internal high-side (130mΩ) and low-side (100mΩ) NMOS switches, enabling efficient SYS output regulation while simultaneously charging the battery. Its NVDC architecture decouples SYS voltage from battery state: when VBATT ≤ 3.4V, VSYS is fixed at 3.6V; above 3.4V, VSYS tracks VBATT + 200mV to minimize charger conduction loss during CC/CV stages.

Five closed-loop controls operate concurrently: input current limit (programmable up to 3A via R_ILIM), input voltage clamp (via VLIM resistor divider), constant charge current (set by R_ISET), terminal battery voltage (4.35V ±12mV), and thermal regulation (120°C fold-back, 150°C shutdown). The device uses fixed off-time control with BST bootstrap for gate drive and includes dedicated open-drain status outputs (CHGOK, ACOK) for system-level monitoring.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP2617AGL-Z is housed in a thermally optimized QFN-20 package (3mm × 4mm, 0.5mm pitch) with exposed PGND pad for efficient heat dissipation. Pin 5 (PGND) and the underside thermal pad must be soldered to a large PCB copper area to maintain junction temperature below 125°C under 3A load.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with BQ25618RTWR and MAX77751EWW+T, MP2617AGL-Z delivers higher charge current (3.025A), fully integrated NVDC power path (no external FET), and simpler USB2.0/3.0 mode selection - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained tablets and smartphones needing robust adapter/battery handoff.

Availability

MP2617AGL-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for tablet PCs, smartphones, e-book readers, and portable media players requiring stable component supply, automotive-grade reliability, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MP2617AGL-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 analog and mixed-signal semiconductor company specializing in high-efficiency power management ICs for consumer, industrial, and automotive markets.

The MP2617 series belongs to MPS's battery management product line, designed specifically for portable devices requiring integrated switching chargers with intelligent power path control and USB-compliant input current limiting.

FAQ

What is the difference between MP2617A and MP2617B?

The MP2617A and MP2617B share identical pinout, package, and power path architecture, but differ in battery full voltage: MP2617A terminates charge at 4.35V ±12mV, while MP2617B uses 4.20V ±21mV. This makes MP2617A suitable for high-capacity Li-ion cells requiring extended voltage range, and MP2617B for standard 4.2V cells. Both support identical input current programming and SYS voltage adjustment ranges.

How does the NVDC power path handle system load priority during input current limiting?

When input current reaches the programmed limit (e.g., 2A), the MP2617AGL-Z satisfies the system load first by reducing charge current proportionally. If SYS demand exceeds input capacity, the internal 40mΩ BATT-to-SYS MOSFET turns on to supplement power from the battery - maintaining stable VSYS without interruption. This behavior is automatic and requires no external control signals.

Can MP2617AGL-Z operate with a 0V battery present?

Yes. When VBATT ≤ 3.4V, the MP2617AGL-Z fixes VSYS at 3.6V regardless of battery state, enabling immediate system boot. It initiates trickle charge at 3.0V threshold and enforces a 45-minute trickle timer before terminating charge if voltage fails to rise - protecting against shorted or defective cells.

What is the purpose of the VLIM pin and how is it configured?

The VLIM pin sets the input voltage clamp threshold using a resistor divider from IN to AGND. When the divided voltage reaches 1.52V, the MP2617AGL-Z reduces duty cycle to clamp VIN - protecting against overvoltage adapters. For example, a 100kΩ/100kΩ divider clamps at 3.04V, while 200kΩ/100kΩ clamps at 4.56V. This feature operates independently of input current limiting.

Is external compensation required for the DC-DC converter loop?

No. The MP2617AGL-Z uses fixed off-time control with internal compensation, eliminating the need for external RC networks. Stability is guaranteed across all operating conditions (4–10V input, 3.6–4.63V SYS, 0–3A load) when using the recommended 1.2µH shielded inductor and specified input/output capacitors per the datasheet typical application circuit.

How is battery temperature monitored and what thermistor is supported?

The NTC pin reads a standard NCP18XH103F 10kΩ NTC thermistor (B=3380K) placed inside the battery pack. The IC compares the pin voltage to 65% VCC (0°C) and 33.5% VCC (50°C) thresholds, suspending charge outside this range. Hysteresis (35mV low, 70mV high) prevents chatter near trip points, and no external biasing resistors are required.

What happens when the EN pin is pulled high?

When EN is pulled to >1.5V, the MP2617AGL-Z enters shutdown mode: all switching stops, SYS and BATT are disconnected, CHGOK and ACOK go high-impedance, and quiescent current drops to 3µA. The device retains all register states and resumes operation within 1ms of EN returning low - enabling low-power system-level sleep control.