Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP3385GF-Z
- Part No.:
- MP3385GF-Z
- Manufacturer:
- Monolithic Power Systems Inc.
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 20-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width) Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MP3385GF-Z.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRVR CTRLR PWM 20TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MP3385GF-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a 4-string, 80V-rated WLED controller IC for LCD backlighting, featuring peak-current-mode PWM boost control, I²C programmable dimming modes (PWM/analog/mixed), 1.8% string current matching, and 4.5V–33V input operation. It drives external MOSFETs to regulate up to 300mA per string and supports auto-detection of unused LED strings at startup for reliable panel power-up in large-format displays.
For engineers reviewing the MP3385GF-Z datasheet, MP3385GF-Z pinout, MP3385GF-Z application, or MP3385GF-Z equivalent, this device is selected for high-accuracy multi-string LED biasing in desktop monitors, all-in-one PCs, and 2D/3D TVs where programmable protection thresholds, thermal shutdown, and cascading capability are critical design requirements.
Technical Context
The MP3385GF-Z implements a fixed-frequency, peak-current-mode step-up converter with internal 6V LDO (VCC) powering gate drive and control circuitry. Its regulation loop uses COMP-based error amplification and cycle-by-cycle current limiting via IS-sensed voltage, with programmable OCP (150–500mV) and OVP (18–75.5V, 2V/step).
I²C interface (400kHz) configures all operating parameters: dimming mode (6 types), full-scale current (2–100%, 8-bit), dimming resolution (10-bit internal), switching frequency (100–900kHz), LED short threshold (4–11V), and channel enable/disable - enabling precise system-level tuning without hardware changes.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 4.5V to 33V - supports wide-input industrial and consumer DC supplies including 12V/24V rails. |
| Max Output Voltage Rating | 80V per LED string - enables driving long series strings (e.g., 14× white LEDs @ ~5.7V each) without external clamping. |
| String Current Matching | 1.8% - ensures uniform brightness across 4 independent backlight zones, critical for color accuracy in large panels. |
| Dimming Resolution | 10-bit (0.098% step) in internal dimming mode - delivers smooth, flicker-free luminance control down to 0.1% brightness. |
| Switching Frequency Range | 100kHz–900kHz, programmable via I²C + ROSC - allows optimization of inductor size, EMI, and efficiency for specific board layouts. |
| Current Sense Threshold | 150mV–500mV, 50mV/step - sets precise overcurrent protection for external MOSFET and inductor stress management. |
| OVP Threshold Range | 18V–75.5V, 2V/step - configurable to match exact LED string Vf tolerance and prevent false shutdown during transient load shifts. |
| Thermal Shutdown | 150°C with 25°C hysteresis - provides robust, self-recovering protection against sustained overload or poor heatsinking. |
Pinout & Package
TSSOP20-EP package (4.4mm × 6.5mm, 0.65mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad connected to GND for enhanced power dissipation (θJA = 40°C/W, θJC = 8°C/W).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 DRV | Gate driver output | Drives external N-MOSFET switch; requires series resistor (e.g., 10Ω) for ringing suppression. |
| 2 VCC | Internal 6V LDO output | Powers gate driver and internal logic; must be bypassed with ≥1μF ceramic capacitor to PGND. |
| 3 EN | Enable control input | Active-high logic (1.5V min); must not be left floating - internal pull-down inactive. |
| 4 VIN | Main supply input | 4.5–33V input; requires local ceramic bypass (≥10μF) near pin to suppress ripple and EMI. |
| 5 PWM | Brightness control input | Accepts external PWM signal (0.4V low / 1.5V high); used for analog/mixed dimming when filtered via LPF pin. |
| 6 SCL / 7 SDA | I²C interface bus | Standard 400kHz I²C; requires external pull-ups (typically 4.7kΩ to VCC) for communication and register configuration. |
| 8 FT | Fault flag output | Open-drain indicator - pulled low during OVP/OCP/OTP/LED fault; requires external 100kΩ pull-up to VCC. |
| 9 LPF | Analog dimming filter node | Connects to GND via capacitor (e.g., 100nF) only in analog/mixed dimming modes; omitted in direct PWM mode. |
| 10 OSC | Frequency set input | Resistor (e.g., 100kΩ) to GND sets base frequency; I²C FS bits fine-tune final fSW between 100–900kHz. |
| 11 COMP | Loop compensation node | Connects RC network (e.g., 1nF + 10kΩ) to GND to stabilize boost converter feedback loop dynamics. |
| 12 ISET | Current reference input | Resistor to GND (e.g., 100.8kΩ) sets full-scale string current; 1.98V nominal reference enables 201mA typical. |
| 13–17 LED4–LED1 | String current sinks | Open-drain outputs for LED string cathodes; each independently enabled/disabled via I²C register 00H. |
| 18 OVP | Output overvoltage sense | Monitors boost output via resistive divider; triggers shutdown if voltage exceeds programmed threshold. |
| 19 IS | Inductor current sense | Connects to RSENSE (between inductor and PGND); enables cycle-by-cycle current limiting and short-diode protection. |
| 15 PGND / 20 AGND | Power & signal ground | Separate grounds minimize noise coupling; exposed pad must be soldered to solid GND plane for thermal performance. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Auto-detection of unused LED strings | Prevents OVP-triggered startup failure by disabling open strings before boost initiation - simplifies debug on prototype boards. |
| 6 dimming mode selection via I²C | Enables runtime switching between direct PWM, internal PWM (23kHz), analog, and mixed modes - eliminates need for multiple BOM variants. |
| Programmable LED short protection (4–11V) | Allows precise threshold alignment with actual string Vf drop to avoid nuisance tripping during cold-start or aging drift. |
| Cascading capability with single power source | Supports multi-chip configurations using IS-to-GND connection on slave devices - scales current capacity without additional controllers. |
| Recoverable thermal shutdown (150°C/125°C) | Permits automatic recovery after cooling - avoids system lockup in thermally constrained enclosures like slim-panel TVs. |
| 10-bit internal dimming resolution | Delivers >1000 discrete brightness levels with monotonic response - essential for HDR-compatible backlight dimming curves. |
Applications
| Desktop LCD Flat Panel Displays | All-in-One PCs |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Backlighting for 24–32-inch IPS panels requiring uniform edge-lit illumination and dynamic contrast control. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary WLED string controller managing four independent current channels, synchronized dimming, and real-time fault reporting via FT pin. Use Value: 1.8% current matching ensures ΔE < 2 color deviation across display area; I²C configurability enables OEM-specific dimming profiles without firmware update. |
Use Scenario: Integrated display module in space-constrained AIO systems where thermal headroom is limited and EMI must meet Class B limits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-efficiency boost controller with programmable 400kHz switching frequency and thermal foldback to maintain stable operation under ambient temperature swings. Use Value: TSSOP20-EP package with exposed pad achieves 3.12W power dissipation; recoverable OTP prevents unexpected black-screen failures during extended video playback. |
| 2D/3D LCD TV Backlight Units | Commercial Digital Signage Panels |
|
Use Scenario: Local dimming zones in 4K UHD TVs using segmented LED arrays for enhanced contrast ratio and HDR compliance. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: String driver supporting mixed dimming mode (25% transfer point) to combine analog precision at high brightness with PWM flicker-free control at low luminance. Use Value: 10-bit internal dimming resolution enables smooth 0.1%–100% luminance ramping; unused-string detection improves yield in multi-BOM production lines. |
Use Scenario: Brightness-stable backlight for 55+ inch signage operating 24/7 in retail environments with variable ambient light. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust WLED controller with latch-off OCP (OCPM=0), 80V string rating, and cascading support for high-current (>1A total) configurations. Use Value: Programmable OVP (up to 75.5V) accommodates LED Vf drift over 50,000-hour lifetime; I²C register locking prevents accidental reconfiguration in field-deployed units. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar WLED controller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| RT8542GSP | Single-string controller (no multi-string current matching); 60V max output; no I²C interface - uses analog/PWM pins only. | Limited to simpler, lower-cost displays without zone dimming or string redundancy requirements. | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs need for 4-string coordination or digital configurability. |
| ISL97693IRTZ-T7A | 4-string controller with 1.5% matching; 60V rating; SPI interface instead of I²C; integrated MOSFET drivers (no external FET required). | Better suited for compact designs where board space is constrained and external MOSFET layout complexity must be avoided. | Choose when integration density and reduced external component count are prioritized over 80V margin and I²C ecosystem compatibility. |
Compared with RT8542GSP and ISL97693IRTZ-T7A, the MP3385GF-Z uniquely combines 80V string rating, 1.8% matching, and full I²C configurability - making it optimal for high-reliability, scalable backlight systems where voltage headroom and software-defined operation are mandatory.
Availability
MP3385GF-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for desktop LCD flat panel displays, all-in-one PCs, and 2D/3D LCD TV backlighting requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for MP3385GF-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 core expertise in DC/DC conversion, LED drivers, and motor control solutions.
The MP3385 product line targets mid-to-large LCD backlight applications, delivering digitally configurable, thermally robust, and high-accuracy WLED control for premium visual experiences in consumer and commercial displays.
FAQ
What is the maximum LED string voltage the MP3385GF-Z can safely regulate?
The MP3385GF-Z has an absolute maximum rating of 80V per LED string, with programmable over-voltage protection (OVP) thresholds ranging from 18V to 75.5V in 2V steps. This allows safe operation with up to 14-series white LEDs (typical Vf ≈ 5.7V) while maintaining margin for Vf drift and temperature variation. Operation beyond 75.5V requires external clamping.
How does the unused LED string auto-detection function work during startup?
At power-on, the MP3385GF-Z monitors OVP pin voltage and LEDX pin states before initiating boost switching. If any LEDX pin remains below 206mV (indicating an open or unconnected string), that channel is automatically disabled and marked in the fault register. This prevents output voltage runaway and OVP triggering, ensuring reliable startup even with partial string configurations.
Can the MP3385GF-Z operate without an external MOSFET?
No. The MP3385GF-Z is a controller-only IC and requires an external N-channel MOSFET driven by the DRV pin. It does not integrate power switches. The gate driver provides 4Ω source / 2Ω sink impedance and is optimized for standard logic-level MOSFETs; no external driver stage is needed for typical 20–50mΩ Rds(on) devices.
What dimming resolution is achievable in internal PWM mode?
In internal PWM dimming mode (MODE=00, INTERFACE=1), the MP3385GF-Z provides 10-bit dimming resolution (0–1023 steps), corresponding to 0.098% increments across the 0–100% range. This enables precise luminance control for HDR and medical-grade display applications where smooth grayscale transitions are critical.
Is cascading multiple MP3385GF-Z ICs supported, and how is it implemented?
Yes - cascading is supported via the IS pin. In master-slave configuration, the IS pin of each slave IC is tied to PGND, while the master's IS senses total inductor current. All ICs share the same VIN, VCC, and I²C bus. This allows synchronized operation and current scaling across multiple backlight zones without inter-chip timing skew or external synchronization signals.
What is the role of the LPF pin, and when must its capacitor be omitted?
The LPF pin outputs a low-pass filtered version of the PWM input for analog/mixed dimming. A capacitor (e.g., 100nF) must be placed between LPF and GND in those modes. In direct PWM dimming mode (INTERFACE=0, MODE=00), the LPF capacitor is omitted because brightness is controlled solely by the duty cycle of the raw PWM signal applied to the PWM pin.
Does the MP3385GF-Z support both latch-off and recoverable overcurrent protection?
Yes. Bit OCPM in register 01H selects between latch-off (OCPM=0) and recoverable (OCPM=1) overcurrent protection. In latch-off mode, the IC halts switching until EN is toggled or VIN is cycled. In recoverable mode, it resumes operation automatically once sensed current falls below the programmed OCP threshold - ideal for transient overload conditions.
MP3385GF-Z Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Monolithic Power Systems Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 20-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width) Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Not For New Designs
- Type:
- DC DC Controller
- Topology:
- Step-Up (Boost)
- Internal Switch(s):
- No
- Number of Outputs:
- 4
- Voltage - Supply (Min):
- 4.5V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 33V
- Voltage - Output:
- 80V
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 300mA
- Frequency:
- 100kHz ~ 900kHz
- Dimming:
- Analog, I2C, PWM
- Applications:
- Backlight
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-TSSOP-EP
MP3385GF-Z FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MP3385GF-Z through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MP3385GF-Z on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MP3385GF-Z reliable?
The price and inventory of MP3385GF-Z are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MP3385GF-Z is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MP3385GF-Z?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MP3385GF-Z transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MP3385GF-Z?
MP3385GF-Z orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MP3385GF-Z order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MP3385GF-Z?
For technical support, including MP3385GF-Z datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MP3385GF-Z requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MP3385GF-Z is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MP3385GF-Z products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MP3385GF-Z meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MP3385GF-Z?
All MP3385GF-Z units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MP3385GF-Z, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MP3385GF-Z part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MP3385GF-Z:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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