Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP3362GJ-Z

Overview

MP3362GJ-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a fixed-frequency, current-mode boost LED driver IC designed for single-string white LED applications requiring 3V minimum input and up to 36V output. It integrates an 80mΩ/40V internal N-channel MOSFET, supports analog and PWM dimming on a shared EN/DIM pin, delivers up to 95% efficiency at 1MHz with 10 LEDs @ 200mA, and features 0.2V feedback threshold for high-efficiency current regulation.

For engineers reviewing the MP3362GJ-Z datasheet, MP3362GJ-Z pinout, MP3362GJ-Z application, or MP3362GJ-Z equivalent, key selection considerations include its dual-dimming capability (PWM <2kHz / analog >5kHz), programmable 200kHz–2.2MHz switching frequency via ROSC, OVP/UVLO/thermal/short-LED protections, and TSOT23-8 footprint compatibility with space-constrained backlighting designs.

Technical Context

The MP3362GJ-Z employs peak-current-mode control with slope compensation to ensure stability across wide duty cycles (>50%), using an internal error amplifier (250μA/V transconductance) referenced to a precise 200mV FB threshold. Its COMP pin enables external RC loop compensation for robust regulation under varying input (3–36V) and load conditions.

Dimming mode selection is determined solely by applied signal frequency on EN/DIM: sub-2kHz triggers PWM dimming (hard-switching enable/disable), while >5kHz enables analog dimming (linear current scaling via duty cycle), with seamless transition between modes without reconfiguration.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP3362GJ-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced TSOT23-8 package (2.9mm × 1.6mm × 0.85mm), optimized for compact LED driver layouts with exposed thermal pad (pin 8 GND serves as primary thermal path).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar boost LED driver applications.

Compared with LT3466-1EDD#TRPBF and TPS61165DRVR, MP3362GJ-Z provides broader input range (3V min), higher integrated switch current (4A), programmable fSW, and true analog+PWM dual-dimming - making it optimal for high-reliability, space-constrained, and multi-mode lighting systems.

Availability

MP3362GJ-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for medium-sized LCD backlighting, industrial panel lighting, automotive interior lighting, and architectural accent lighting requiring stable component supply and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MP3362GJ-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 power management ICs, with design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan, and global manufacturing partnerships.

The MP3362 belongs to MPS's LED driver product line, engineered specifically for efficient, compact, and reliable boost-based white LED current regulation in display and general lighting applications.

FAQ

What dimming methods does MP3362GJ-Z support, and how are they selected?

The MP3362GJ-Z supports both PWM and analog dimming on the same EN/DIM pin. A PWM signal below 2kHz initiates PWM dimming (IC switches on/off per duty cycle), while a signal above 5kHz enables analog dimming (LED current scales linearly with duty cycle). No external configuration is needed - mode detection is automatic and internal.

How is the switching frequency set, and what is the practical range?

Switching frequency is set by connecting a resistor (ROSC) from OSC/SYNC to GND: fSW (kHz) ≈ 40,000 / ROSC (kΩ), yielding 200kHz–2.2MHz. Alternatively, a 200kHz–2.2MHz external clock applied to OSC/SYNC synchronizes multiple MP3362GJ-Z devices to suppress beat frequencies and reduce EMI peaks.

What protection features are integrated, and how do they respond to faults?

MP3362GJ-Z integrates UVLO (shuts down below 2.5V VIN), OVP (stops switching if OVP pin >1.18V), thermal shutdown (170°C, 20°C hysteresis), short-FB protection (disables if FB <50mV for 20ms), and cycle-by-cycle current limiting (4A typical, 6.5A latch-off). All protections auto-recover when fault conditions clear, except latch-off which resets after removal.

Can MP3362GJ-Z drive more than 10 LEDs, and what limits the maximum string voltage?

MP3362GJ-Z regulates up to 36V output, so it can drive up to 10 white LEDs (3.6V VF each) with headroom for OVP margin. Exceeding 36V risks OVP triggering or exceeding absolute max ratings. Output voltage is set by the external OVP resistor divider - VOVP threshold is 1.18V at the pin, scaled to desired output.

What is the recommended layout practice for thermal management in TSOT23-8?

Thermal performance relies on soldering the exposed thermal pad (connected to pin 8 GND) to ≥100mm² of inner/outer PCB copper with ≥4 thermal vias (0.3mm diameter, spaced ≤1mm apart). Avoid placing sensitive traces under the IC; keep COMP and FB traces short and shielded from SW node noise to prevent loop instability.

How is LED current accuracy affected by temperature and supply variation?

LED current accuracy depends primarily on RFB tolerance and FB threshold drift. The 200mV FB reference has ±2% initial tolerance and ±50ppm/°C drift over –40°C to +125°C. With 1% RFB, total ILED error is typically ±3.5% over temperature and line - sufficient for backlighting but not precision instrumentation.

Is MP3362GJ-Z compatible with ceramic output capacitors, and what ESR considerations apply?

Yes - MP3362GJ-Z is optimized for low-ESR ceramic output capacitors (X7R/X5R). Total output capacitance should be ≥10μF to limit ripple to <5% of VOUT. Since the control loop uses external COMP compensation, ESR has negligible effect on stability - unlike older current-mode controllers requiring bulk electrolytics for phase margin.