Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP2984GR-P

Overview

MP2984GR-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a 36V synchronous buck-boost controller with quad-switch architecture, I²C programmability, real-time current monitoring (IMON), and adjustable over-current protection via IPWM input. It operates across 5V–36V input and supports 0.5V–28V output voltage with configurable slew rate and constant-current limit-designed specifically for USB Type-C power delivery (PD) supplies requiring seamless buck/boost mode transition.

For engineers reviewing the MP2984GR-P datasheet, MP2984GR-P pinout, MP2984GR-P application, or MP2984GR-P equivalent, this device delivers valley-current control in buck mode and peak-current control in boost mode for fast transient response, FCCM operation for light-load stability, and integrated VOUT discharge for safe sequencing-critical for PD source designs with dynamic voltage negotiation.

Technical Context

The MP2984GR-P implements dual-mode current sensing: valley-current detection during buck operation and peak-current detection during boost operation, enabling smooth mode transitions without output voltage droop or overshoot. Its I²C interface configures VOUT, slew rate, soft-start time, and constant-current limit with 1mV VREF resolution and <50mA current-step granularity via IPWM modulation.

It integrates four independent gate drivers (HG1/LG1/HG2/LG2) supporting external N-channel MOSFETs in a synchronous 4-switch topology, with bootstrap supplies (BST1/BST2), VIN regulation logic (VINREG), and interrupt reporting (INT) for OCP/OVP/OTP/PNG faults-all coordinated under a single valley/peak hybrid control loop.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP2984GR-P is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-32 (4mm × 4mm) package with wettable flanks and an exposed thermal pad. Pin assignment follows standard MPS layout with dedicated gate drivers (HG1/LG1/HG2/LG2), current-sense inputs (CSP/CSN), and dual-domain control pins (VINREG, IMON, IPWM).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous buck-boost controller applications.

Compared with RTQ2962-QA and ISL81601IRZ, the MP2984GR-P uniquely combines USB PD-ready I²C programmability, analog IMON telemetry, and hybrid valley/peak current control-making it optimal for compact, firmware-integrated PD sources where dynamic voltage/current adjustment and fault visibility are critical.

Availability

MP2984GR-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB power delivery (PD) source designs, industrial PC power supplies, and programmable test equipment requiring stable component supply, full production traceability, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MP2984GR-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 two decades of leadership in DC-DC conversion, motor drivers, and battery management solutions.

The MP2984 belongs to MPS's USB PD and high-efficiency buck-boost controller product line, engineered specifically for compact, software-defined power supplies that demand seamless mode transition, precise current control, and comprehensive fault visibility.

FAQ

What is the function of the IPWM pin on the MP2984GR-P?

The IPWM pin accepts a PWM signal to dynamically scale the configured constant-current limit (IOUT_LIMIT). With ILIM bits set to 111 (68mV default), a 48% IPWM duty cycle reduces the effective current limit to ~36mV, while 71.5% raises it to ~51.5mV-enabling firmware-controlled current dimming without I²C register writes.

How does the MP2984GR-P handle buck-to-boost mode transitions?

It uses valley-current control in buck mode and peak-current control in boost mode, with shared compensation and synchronized gate drive logic. This hybrid approach eliminates output voltage discontinuity during transitions, achieving <10μs recovery from 50% load step while maintaining <±1% regulation across 0.5V–28V VOUT range.

Can the MP2984GR-P operate without an external microcontroller?

Yes-default configuration is set via hardware pins: FS selects switching frequency, ILIM sets initial current limit, ADDR configures I²C address, and EN enables automatic start-up. All parameters remain fully functional without I²C, though programmability (VOUT slew rate, soft-start, OCP threshold) requires microcontroller interaction.

What is the purpose of the VINREG pin?

VINREG sets the minimum input voltage required for continued operation after startup. When tied to AVDD, it defaults to ~1.2V, corresponding to ~8.8V VIN minimum. This prevents dropout during transient input sags while allowing deep discharge of backup batteries in portable applications.

Does the MP2984GR-P support forced continuous conduction mode (FCCM)?

Yes-FCCM is enabled via I²C register bit. In FCCM, the low-side FET remains active even at light loads, eliminating discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) noise and improving output voltage accuracy and transient response-critical for sensitive analog or RF circuits powered from the same rail.

How is over-voltage protection (OVP) triggered and cleared?

OVP triggers when FB voltage exceeds 119–135% of VREF (configurable via register), pulling INT low and halting switching. Recovery requires removal of the overvoltage condition *and* a write to the OVP clear bit in the fault status register-preventing auto-restart into a persistent fault condition.

What thermal performance can be expected on a standard PCB?

On the MPS EV2984-R-00B (6-layer, 2oz copper), θJA is 28°C/W. At 5A load and 12V input, case temperature rise is ≤15°C above ambient-well within the 125°C max junction rating. Thermal pad soldering and 4+ vias to inner ground planes are mandatory for rated performance.