Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP3383GF-P

Overview

MP3383GF-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a 4-string step-up WLED controller with peak-current-mode control, designed to drive white LED arrays in large LCD backlight systems. It supports 6V–33V input, delivers up to 400mA per string, regulates output up to 80V, and achieves 1.8% current matching accuracy between strings for uniform brightness in desktop monitors and all-in-one PCs.

For engineers reviewing the MP3383GF-P datasheet, MP3383GF-P pinout, MP3383GF-P application, or MP3383GF-P equivalent, key selection criteria include its TSSOP-16EP package, cascading capability with shared power, dual dimming (PWM + analog), and integrated protections including OVP, OTP, LED open/short, and inductor/diode short detection.

Technical Context

The MP3383GF-P implements fixed-frequency peak-current-mode control with externally set switching frequency (450–550 kHz via OSC resistor) and internal 12V LDO (VCC) for gate drive when VIN >13V. Its four matched current sources regulate LED string currents independently using ISET-resistor programming and achieve 1.8% inter-string matching at full scale.

It integrates open-string protection by monitoring VLEDx and VOVP to detect cathode disconnection, short-string protection triggered after 16–128 cycles of overvoltage on LEDx pins, and cycle-by-cycle current limiting via ISENSE with 160–200 mV threshold. Cascading is enabled by grounding ISENSE on slave ICs.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MP3383GF-P is housed in a thermally enhanced TSSOP-16EP package with exposed pad tied to GND for improved thermal dissipation (θJA = 45°C/W). Pin functions are identical to SOIC-16 but with optimized layout for high-current LED applications.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPQ3383-AEC1, the MP3383GF-P offers lower cost and identical core functionality for industrial/consumer use, while RT8585GSP trades channel count and flexibility for integration - making it unsuitable as a drop-in replacement but viable for simplified designs.

Availability

MP3383GF-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for desktop LCD flat-panel displays, all-in-one PCs, and 2D/3D LCD TVs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MP3383GF-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 design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan.

The MP3383 product line targets large-format LCD backlighting, emphasizing multi-string current matching, thermal robustness, and flexible dimming - addressing the precision and reliability demands of premium display systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum number of LED strings the MP3383GF-P can drive?

The MP3383GF-P drives exactly four independent LED strings simultaneously. It does not support more than four strings per IC, but multiple MP3383GF-P units can be cascaded using shared VIN and VOUT to scale total string count beyond four while maintaining current matching within each IC's group.

Can the MP3383GF-P operate with an input voltage below 6V?

No. The MP3383GF-P has a specified minimum input voltage of 6V per the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. Operation below 6V violates recommended operating conditions and may result in failure to start, unstable regulation, or undefined protection behavior - especially during cold-start or brown-out conditions.

How is LED current accuracy affected at low dimming levels?

At low analog dimming duty cycles (e.g., 5%), current matching degrades to 5.5% due to reduced signal-to-noise ratio in the internal current-sense path. PWM dimming maintains full-scale current accuracy (3%) regardless of duty cycle because it preserves the ISET reference integrity during conduction periods.

Does the MP3383GF-P require external compensation components on the COMP pin?

Yes. The COMP pin requires an external RC network (e.g., 1nF capacitor + 10kΩ resistor to GND) to stabilize the feedback loop. Omitting compensation causes instability, oscillation, or poor transient response - particularly under load steps or dimming transitions.

What happens if the OVP pin is left unconnected?

Leaving the OVP pin floating disables overvoltage protection and risks catastrophic failure of downstream LEDs or the external MOSFET. The datasheet mandates a resistor divider from VOUT to OVP to set a valid threshold; absence of this network removes a critical safety layer and voids functional reliability guarantees.

Is the TSSOP-16EP package lead-free and RoHS compliant?

Yes. The MP3383GF-P is lead-free, halogen-free, and fully compliant with the EU RoHS directive. MPS confirms green status on its official website under Quality Assurance, and the device carries standard JEDEC moisture sensitivity level (MSL) 2a rating for surface-mount assembly.

Can the MP3383GF-P drive red/green/blue LED strings for RGB backlighting?

No. The MP3383GF-P is specifically designed for white LED strings with forward voltages typically between 2.8V and 3.6V per diode. Its current regulation architecture, protection thresholds (e.g., VLEDx_OV = 14–22V), and dimming timing are optimized for WLED characteristics - not RGB spectral or VF profiles.