Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP28210GC-P

Overview

MP28210GC-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a 1A, ultra-low-quiescent-current (500nA) step-down DC/DC converter with constant-on-time (COT) control, operating from 2.0V to 5.5V input and delivering selectable output voltages (1.2V–3.3V) in a 1.2mm×1.6mm CSP-12 package. It integrates dual 0.25Ω internal MOSFETs, supports 100% duty cycle in dropout, and features PG indicator, hiccup-mode short-circuit protection, and thermal shutdown - deployed in battery-powered wearables and IoT edge sensors.

For engineers reviewing the MP28210GC-P datasheet, MP28210GC-P pinout, MP28210GC-P application, or MP28210GC-P equivalent, key selection criteria include its 500nA IQ at µA loads, 7-step programmable VOUT via CTRL pins, COT-based fast transient response, 1.5MHz switching frequency in CCM, and CSP-12 footprint compatibility for space-constrained portable designs.

Technical Context

The MP28210GC-P implements a synchronous buck topology with integrated high-side P-channel and low-side N-channel MOSFETs (each R_DS(ON) = 0.25Ω), enabling high efficiency across load ranges. Its constant-on-time (COT) control scheme dynamically adjusts switching frequency (typically 1.5MHz) based on VIN/VOUT ratio and provides seamless PWM-to-PFM transition for light-load operation.

Three dedicated CTRL pins enable dynamic output voltage selection (1.2V–3.3V in 7 steps) and enable/disable control without external logic. The open-drain PG pin monitors regulated output with 90% threshold and 10% hysteresis, while internal soft-start (0.5ms) and output discharge prevent inrush and residual voltage issues during power cycling.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MP28210GC-P is housed in a 12-ball CSP package (1.2mm × 1.6mm, 0.4mm pitch) with bottom-side solder balls. Pin mapping follows JEDEC MO-211 and includes dedicated power, control, feedback, and test terminals.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS62840YKAR and ADP5302ACBZ-1-R7, the MP28210GC-P uniquely combines ultra-low I_Q, 100% duty cycle, integrated PG, and smallest CSP footprint - making it optimal for miniaturized, long-life battery systems where dropout behavior and fault visibility are design-critical.

Availability

MP28210GC-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wearable health monitors, IoT environmental sensor nodes, and portable medical diagnostic pens requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MP28210GC-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 power management ICs, with over 20 years of expertise in DC/DC conversion, motor drivers, and LED lighting controllers.

The MP28210 belongs to MPS's Ultra-Low IQ Buck Converter product line, engineered specifically for energy-harvesting and battery-powered edge devices where µA-range quiescent current and minimal solution size are non-negotiable.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for MP28210GC-P to start regulation?

The MP28210GC-P has an under-voltage lockout (UVLO) rising threshold of 1.65V to 1.95V (typical 1.8V). Regulation begins only when VIN exceeds this threshold; below it, the device remains disabled with 70nA shutdown current. This ensures reliable startup from partially discharged batteries.

How does the CTRL pin configuration affect output voltage accuracy?

Each CTRL combination sets a nominal VOUT (e.g., CTRL1=H/CTRL2=H/CTRL3=L → 1.8V), with guaranteed accuracy of ±1% over temperature and load. The internal error amplifier corrects deviations, so actual output remains within 1.773V–1.827V at 0.1A and -40°C to +85°C - critical for precision analog rails.

Can MP28210GC-P operate without external output capacitors?

No. The MP28210GC-P requires a minimum 10µF ceramic output capacitor for loop stability and ripple suppression. Removing it causes oscillation and failure to regulate. The device's COT control relies on output capacitor ESR and capacitance to shape the feedback response - omitting COUT violates the stability criteria defined in the datasheet.

What thermal derating applies above 85°C ambient?

At T_A = 85°C, the CSP-12 package's θ_JA is 95°C/W. With max junction temperature of 125°C, maximum continuous power dissipation drops to 421mW. For 1A output at 1.8V (1.8W), thermal derating reduces usable load current to ~470mA unless PCB copper area or airflow is enhanced per JEDEC JESD51-7 guidelines.

Is the PG pin compatible with 1.8V logic systems?

Yes. The PG pin is open-drain with 0.4V max sink voltage at 1mA, allowing direct interface to 1.8V GPIOs using a 100kΩ pull-up to VIN or a CTRL pin. Its 75µs delay and 10% hysteresis ensure clean, bounce-free power-good assertion even during brown-out conditions.

Does MP28210GC-P support forced PWM mode?

No. The MP28210GC-P uses automatic COT-based mode transitioning: it operates in PWM under heavy loads and seamlessly shifts to PFM (pulse-skipping) at light loads to maintain high efficiency. There is no pin or register to force continuous PWM - this architecture is fixed to optimize µA-range battery life.

What is the maximum allowable inductor DCR for 1A operation?

The datasheet recommends inductor DCR ≤ 144mΩ (as used in typical efficiency plots). Exceeding this increases conduction loss and thermal stress; at 1A, a 200mΩ DCR raises I²R loss by 56mW, potentially triggering thermal shutdown in enclosed spaces. Metal-alloy shielded inductors like Wurth 74479775222A meet this spec.