Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP3371GR-0000-Z

Overview

MP3371GR-0000-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is an 8-channel synchronous boost WLED driver IC for LCD backlighting in tablets and notebooks. It delivers up to 50mA per channel, supports 3V–30V input, integrates I²C control for dimming and protection thresholds, and uses a QFN-24 (4mm×4mm) package with internal 50V MOSFETs (155mΩ LS / 235mΩ HS).

For engineers reviewing the MP3371GR-0000-Z datasheet, MP3371GR-0000-Z pinout, MP3371GR-0000-Z application, or MP3371GR-0000-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include 8-channel current matching (±2.5%), selectable switching frequency (350kHz–1.2MHz), linear smooth dimming step-slopes (2µs–128µs), LED short/open/OTP/OCP protection, and cascade power-stage sharing capability.

Technical Context

The MP3371GR-0000-Z implements peak-current-mode control in a synchronous boost topology with integrated high-side and low-side MOSFETs. Its regulation loop uses the lowest active LEDx voltage as feedback (VFB), dynamically adjusting output voltage to meet the string requiring highest headroom.

I²C-configurable operation includes six dimming modes-three analog/PWM/mix variants each supporting external PWM or register-based control-with 10-bit analog amplitude resolution, 14-bit PWM duty resolution, and programmable transfer points (6.25%/12.5%/25%/50%) in mix mode.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP3371GR-0000-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-24 (4mm × 4mm) package with exposed pad tied to PGND. The 24-pin layout supports full I²C interface, 8 LED current outputs, synchronous boost control (BST/SW/OUT), fault management (FT), and dual enable (EN/A1).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 8-channel WLED driver applications.

Compared with RTQ2132B-QA and ISL97693IRZ-T7A, MP3371GR-0000-Z uniquely combines 8-channel 50V boost capability, integrated synchronous MOSFETs, cascade sharing, and I²C-configurable mix dimming-enabling single-chip solutions for high-brightness, multi-zone portable and automotive displays.

Availability

MP3371GR-0000-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for tablet backlight systems, notebook display modules, automotive infotainment panels, and industrial HMIs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MP3371GR-0000-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 over two decades of expertise in DC/DC conversion, LED drivers, and motor control solutions.

The MP3371 product line targets energy-efficient, compact LCD backlighting for portable and automotive displays, emphasizing high integration, precise current matching, and robust fault resilience in space-constrained environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum number of LEDs per string supported by MP3371GR-0000-Z?

The MP3371GR-0000-Z supports up to 13 white LEDs in series per channel at typical forward voltage (3.5V), based on its 50V output capability and 470mV regulation headroom. This is confirmed in the Typical Application section (page 3) and validated by the 45V OVP threshold setting, allowing safe margin for transient overshoot.

Does MP3371GR-0000-Z require external components for synchronous rectification?

Yes - a 100nF ceramic capacitor and 20Ω resistor in series between BST and SW pins are mandatory for proper high-side MOSFET gate drive. This network generates the bootstrap voltage needed for synchronous operation; omission results in degraded efficiency and potential thermal stress on the internal HS-FET.

How does the MP3371GR-0000-Z handle an open LED string during operation?

It detects open strings by monitoring LEDx pin voltage: if voltage drops below 80mV, the channel is marked as faulty and excluded from regulation. Output voltage then rises until reaching the OVP threshold (default 45V), at which point switching halts and the fault is latched - ensuring remaining strings stay illuminated without overvoltage risk.

Can MP3371GR-0000-Z operate without I²C communication?

Yes - all core functions (boost regulation, current setting, dimming mode, protection thresholds) can be configured via hardware pins: A1 selects I²C address, MOD2:0 pins set dimming mode, and FS2:0 pins select switching frequency. I²C is optional for runtime reconfiguration and diagnostics.

What is the purpose of the FT pin, and how is it used in fault conditions?

The FT pin is an open-drain output that pulls low to activate an external PMOS transistor, disconnecting VIN from the boost stage during faults (OVP, OCP, OTP). When no fault occurs, FT remains low; during fault, it floats, turning off the PMOS and isolating input power - a hardware-level safety feature independent of I²C status.

Is MP3371GR-0000-Z qualified for automotive applications?

While not AEC-Q100 qualified, MP3371GR-0000-Z operates across −40°C to +125°C junction temperature and includes automotive-relevant features: wide 3V–30V input, 45V OVP, short-string protection with multiple thresholds, and fault-tolerant FT pin control - making it suitable for non-safety-critical automotive displays with appropriate system-level validation.

How is current matching maintained across temperature and process variation?

Current matching (±2.5% max) is achieved through matched on-chip current-sense resistors and precision bandgap-referenced DACs driving each channel's current mirror. Electrical Characteristics table (page 6) confirms this spec is guaranteed over −40°C to +125°C, with no external calibration required.