Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP2930GQK-LF-Z

Overview

MP2930GQK-LF-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a 4-phase synchronous buck PWM controller for microprocessor core voltage regulation, featuring 8-bit VR10/VR11 DAC code input (6.25 mV/bit), dual-edge PWM mode for fast load transient response, and precision current balancing across all active phases. It supports 2-, 3-, or 4-phase operation with DCR/resistor current sensing and integrated voltage droop for load-line regulation in server and desktop CPU power delivery.

For engineers reviewing the MP2930GQK-LF-Z datasheet, MP2930GQK-LF-Z pinout, MP2930GQK-LF-Z application, or MP2930GQK-LF-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include phase configurability, remote-sense accuracy (20 MHz bandwidth), adjustable switching frequency (0.08–1.0 MHz), thermal monitoring via TM pin, and compatibility with MPS Intelli-phase drivers like MP86961.

Technical Context

The MP2930 implements interleaved multiphase control with programmable channel count (2/3/4) and symmetric phase timing determined by external resistor on FS pin. Its dual-edge PWM modulator enables simultaneous multi-phase turn-on during load transients to reduce output capacitor requirements.

Current sensing uses either precision DCR networks (RC time constant matched to L/DCR) or discrete sense resistors, feeding into per-channel current comparators and an averaging circuit for real-time channel-current balance. The error amplifier features ≥80 dB open-loop gain and ≥20 MHz bandwidth, driving a sawtooth-comparing PWM generator with remote-sense differential amplifier (VDIFF = VSEN − RGND).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP2930GQK-LF-Z is housed in a 40-pin QFN package (6 mm × 6 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. Pin functions are validated per Monolithic Power Systems Rev. 1.01 datasheet (April 2012).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar multiphase PWM controller applications.

Compared with MP2930GQK-LF-Z, MP2940C offers tighter DAC accuracy and VR13 readiness for future-proofing, while MP2964 adds phase count, integration, and digital control at the cost of increased complexity and BOM count - MP2930 remains optimal for cost-sensitive VR10/VR11 desktop/server designs where EOL status is managed via inventory planning.

Availability

MP2930GQK-LF-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for desktop CPU core VR, server processor power, and memory subsystem POL applications requiring stable component supply amid end-of-life transitions.

Supply support for MP2930GQK-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 manufacturing partnerships.

The MP2930 belongs to MPS's VR controller product line, engineered specifically for high-efficiency, multi-phase CPU and GPU core voltage regulation with emphasis on transient response, thermal intelligence, and VR standard compliance.

FAQ

Is MP2930GQK-LF-Z still in production?

No - MP2930 is officially end-of-life per MPS documentation (Rev. 1.01, April 2012). Aetrix Electronics maintains limited legacy stock for existing designs and provides migration support to MP2940C or MP2964 with pin-compatible layout guidance and VR spec alignment analysis.

What is the function of the OFS pin, and how is it configured?

The OFS pin programs a DC offset between DAC and REF to adjust no-load output voltage. Connect OFS to VCC via resistor for +1.6 V-regulated offset (positive adjustment), or to GND for −0.4 V-regulated offset (negative adjustment, max 150 mV). Leaving OFS unconnected disables offset.

How does MP2930 achieve current balancing across phases?

MP2930 measures per-phase current via ISENx+/− inputs, computes average current (IAVG), then compares each channel's sensed current to IAVG. It dynamically adjusts individual PWM duty cycles to maintain ≤±3% current mismatch - confirmed in electrical characteristics tables and block diagram feedback paths.

Can MP2930GQK-LF-Z be used with non-MPS gate drivers?

Yes - MP2930 outputs standard logic-level PWM signals (0.5 V low / 4.3 V high thresholds) compatible with third-party gate drivers. However, the SD pin is optimized for MPS Intelli-phase drivers (e.g., MP86961); interfacing with other drivers requires external logic to replicate Hi-Z shutdown behavior.

What is the purpose of the VRSEL pin, and how does it affect VID decoding?

VRSEL selects between VR10 extended code (VRSEL = GND) and VR11 code (VRSEL = floating or high). This changes the DAC's LSB weight from 6.25 mV (VR11) to 5 mV (extended VR10), altering the mapping between ID bits and output voltage - verified in the "8-Bit ID Input" feature description and electrical specs.

Does MP2930 support DCR current sensing with temperature compensation?

Yes - MP2930 supports DCR sensing using an RC network matched to L/DCR. For temperature compensation, MPS recommends using a PTC resistor in series with the sense network to counteract DCR drift, as explicitly stated in the "Inductor DCR Sensing" section of the datasheet.

How is overvoltage protection triggered, and what actions follow?

OVP triggers at DAC + 175 mV after valid ID detection. First, all PWM outputs go low within >20 ns to activate low-side FETs; then, when VDIFF falls below DAC + 75 mV, PWM enters Hi-Z and SD pin pulls low to disable external drivers - both actions are hardware-asserted and require VCC/EN reset to recover.