Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP3394EF-LF-Z
- Part No.:
- MP3394EF-LF-Z
- Manufacturer:
- Monolithic Power Systems Inc.
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width) Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MP3394EF-LF-Z.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRVR CTRLR PWM 16TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MP3394EF-LF-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a step-up white LED driver IC with four integrated current sources for large LCD panel backlighting. It operates from 5V–28V input, delivers up to 200mA per string, achieves ±2.5% inter-string current matching, and regulates LED current via an external ISET resistor (1.23V reference). It drives an external N-MOSFET in fixed-frequency peak-current-mode boost topology and supports both external PWM and DC-input burst dimming.
For engineers reviewing the MP3394EF-LF-Z datasheet, MP3394EF-LF-Z pinout, MP3394EF-LF-Z application in LCD backlighting, or MP3394EF-LF-Z equivalent for multi-string WLED control, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, real-world dimming implementation details, thermal protection behavior, and cascading configuration guidance for extended channel count designs.
Technical Context
The MP3394EF-LF-Z implements a programmable-frequency (145–600 kHz), peak-current-mode boost controller with internal 6V LDO (VCC) powering gate drive and logic. Its four open-drain LED current sinks operate with 350mV regulation voltage, enabling high efficiency across wide output voltage ranges.
Dimming is implemented either via external PWM signal on DBRT (with BOSC biased by 100kΩ resistor) or DC analog voltage (0.2–1.2V) on DBRT paired with BOSC capacitor (1.0–2.0 kHz internal oscillator). Protection includes open/short LED detection per string, programmable OVP (1.23V threshold at OVP pin), UVLO (4.2V rising edge), and thermal shutdown at 150°C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 5V to 28V - supports direct connection to standard DC power rails used in LCD TV and monitor mainboards. |
| Max LED Current per String | 200mA - enables driving high-brightness WLED arrays with up to 12 LEDs per string in typical configurations. |
| Current Matching Accuracy | ±2.5% - ensures uniform luminance across all four strings without external calibration or trimming. |
| Switching Frequency Range | 145 kHz to 600 kHz - adjustable via ROSC resistor to optimize inductor size, EMI, and efficiency trade-offs. |
| LED Regulation Voltage | 350mV - low dropout across internal current sources minimizes power loss and improves thermal performance. |
| Dimming Control Modes | External PWM (100 Hz–20 kHz) or DC-input burst (0.2–1.2 V on DBRT) - provides flexible brightness control compatible with MCU GPIO or analog DAC outputs. |
| OVP Threshold | 1.23V at OVP pin - sets overvoltage protection point via resistor divider; triggers shutdown if output exceeds programmed limit during open-string fault. |
| Thermal Shutdown | 150°C - internal sensor disables switching and gate drive to prevent permanent damage under sustained overload or poor heatsinking. |
Pinout & Package
TSSOP16EP package with exposed thermal pad (θJA = 45°C/W, θJC = 10°C/W); RoHS-compliant, lead-free finish.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 COMP | Loop compensation node | Connects to ceramic capacitor to ground; stabilizes feedback loop for step-up converter regulation. |
| 2 EN | Enable control input | Active-high logic input; must be driven-floating state disables device and increases quiescent current. |
| 3 DBRT | Brightness control input | Accepts external PWM signal or 0.2–1.2V DC for linear dimming; polarity is positive (higher voltage = higher duty). |
| 4 GND | Power and signal ground | Common return path for all internal circuits, current sensing, and external components; requires low-impedance PCB plane. |
| 5 OSC | Oscillator frequency set | Connects to resistor-to-ground; sets switching frequency (fSW ≈ 62.1 / ROSC[kΩ] kHz) with 1.23V internal reference. |
| 6 ISET | LED current programming | 1.23V-regulated node; LED current = 790 × 1.23V / (RSET + 0.4kΩ) mA - defines per-string current precision. |
| 7 BOSC | Burst oscillator timing | Connects to capacitor-to-ground for DC dimming mode (fBOSC ≈ 3.5 / CBOSC[nF] kHz); resistor-to-ground for external PWM mode. |
| 8–11 LED4–LED1 | LED string cathode sinks | Open-drain outputs; each sinks programmed current to ground; voltage <196mV indicates open-string fault. |
| 12 OVP | Over-voltage protection sense | Resistor divider from output to ground; trips protection when voltage reaches 1.23V - prevents damage during open-string events. |
| 13 ISENSE | Inductor current sense | Senses voltage across external RSENSE for peak-current-mode control; tie to GND if unused in master-slave cascading. |
| 14 GATE | N-MOSFET gate driver output | Drives external power switch; sourcing/sinking impedance ≤4Ω/2Ω ensures fast turn-on/turn-off and low gate loss. |
| 15 VIN | Main supply input | 5–28V input powering internal circuitry and boost switch; requires local 4.7μF X7R + 220μF electrolytic bypass. |
| 16 VCC | Internal 6V LDO output | Supplies gate driver and logic; drops to 0V during shutdown; bypass with ≥1μF ceramic capacitor to GND. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Four-channel current regulation | Independent 200mA-per-string capability with 2.5% matching - eliminates need for per-string current-setting resistors or external op-amps. |
| Programmable switching frequency | 145–600 kHz via single ROSC resistor - allows optimization of magnetic component size, efficiency, and conducted EMI filtering requirements. |
| Dual dimming architecture | Supports both external PWM (100Hz–20kHz) and DC-input burst modes - enables compatibility with legacy MCU timers or precision analog control systems. |
| String-level fault protection | Detects open (VLEDx < 196mV) and short (VLEDx > 6.3V) conditions per string - isolates faulty strings while maintaining operation of remaining channels. |
| Cascading capability | Enables up to 12-string operation using multiple MP3394s sharing one inductor and power source - reduces BOM count and board space vs. discrete solutions. |
| Low 350mV current-sense voltage | Minimizes conduction loss in LED current paths - improves overall system efficiency by ~2–3% compared to 500mV+ reference drivers at 120mA/string. |
Applications
| Desktop LCD Flat Panel Displays | Flat Panel Video Displays |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: 24-inch to 27-inch IPS monitors with dual 4-string WLED backlights requiring uniform brightness and flicker-free dimming. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary WLED current controller managing four independent strings, synchronized dimming, and open-string recovery. Use Value: Enables 10,000:1 contrast ratio with 0.1%–100% PWM dimming range and automatic re-regulation after single-string failure. |
Use Scenario: Commercial signage displays operating 24/7 with ambient light sensing and dynamic brightness adjustment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current LED driver with thermal foldback and UVLO ensuring reliable startup under variable input conditions. Use Value: Maintains consistent luminance across temperature (-20°C to +125°C junction) and input voltage (5V–28V) variations without recalibration. |
| LCD TVs (32–55 inch) | Industrial Control Panel Monitors |
|
Use Scenario: Edge-lit LCD TV backlight with 8–12 strings implemented via two cascaded MP3394EF-LF-Z ICs sharing one boost inductor. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Master-slave configured LED driver providing synchronized dimming, shared voltage regulation, and coordinated fault handling. Use Value: Reduces total solution cost by 22% and PCB area by 35% versus discrete boost + current sink implementations for 8+ string systems. |
Use Scenario: HMI panels in factory automation equipment requiring EMC-compliant, long-life backlighting with fail-safe operation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust LED driver with short-circuit lockout, thermal shutdown, and RoHS-compliant packaging for industrial environments. Use Value: Achieves >100,000-hour MTBF with built-in diagnostics (OVP flag, thermal warning via VCC drop) and no external protection components required. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar multi-string WLED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPQ3367-AEC1 | Automotive-grade AEC-Q100 qualified; 6-string support; higher max current (250mA/string); integrated MOSFET. | Designed for automotive infotainment displays; requires no external power MOSFET but has larger footprint and higher cost. | Select for automotive applications requiring qualification; not drop-in due to different pinout, higher quiescent current (6mA), and integrated FET constraints. |
| LM3409QMYX/NOPB | Single-string buck-boost LED driver; no integrated current sinks; requires external current sense and dimming circuitry. | Targeted at flexible topology designs where string count varies; lacks native multi-string matching or cascading features. | Choose when system requires mixed topology (buck/boost/SEPIC) or custom current regulation per string; adds design complexity and BOM count. |
Compared with MP3394EF-LF-Z, MPQ3367-AEC1 offers automotive qualification and higher integration but sacrifices pin compatibility and increases cost; LM3409QMYX/NOPB provides topology flexibility but requires external components to match MP3394EF-LF-Z's four-string matched regulation and cascading capability.
Availability
MP3394EF-LF-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for desktop LCD flat panel displays, LCD TVs, and industrial control panel monitors requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant manufacturing.
Supply support for MP3394EF-LF-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.
The MP3394 product line targets large-format LCD backlighting applications, delivering high-efficiency, multi-string current regulation with integrated protection and flexible dimming to replace discrete boost + current sink solutions.
FAQ
What is the maximum number of LED strings supported by MP3394EF-LF-Z in a single IC?
The MP3394EF-LF-Z supports exactly four independent LED strings, each capable of up to 200mA. It does not support more than four strings per IC, but two or more devices can be cascaded to extend channel count while sharing one boost inductor and power source.
Can MP3394EF-LF-Z operate without an external MOSFET?
No. The MP3394EF-LF-Z is a controller-only IC and requires an external N-channel MOSFET connected to the GATE pin to implement the step-up converter. It does not integrate any power switch and cannot function without this external component.
How is LED current accuracy affected by temperature variation?
LED current regulation maintains ±2.5% matching between strings across -20°C to +125°C junction temperature, as confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table. The 1.23V ISET reference and current-source architecture ensure minimal drift, with no additional compensation required.
What happens during an open-string fault, and how quickly does recovery occur?
When one string opens, its LEDx pin voltage drops below 196mV; the IC marks it off within 2048 switching cycles (~13ms at 150kHz), then re-regulates output voltage using remaining strings. Full recovery to stable brightness occurs within 100ms after fault clearance.
Is the TSSOP16EP package thermally enhanced, and what is its power dissipation limit?
Yes, the TSSOP16EP includes an exposed thermal pad. At TA = +25°C, its continuous power dissipation limit is 2.78W (θJA = 45°C/W). For sustained 200mA/string operation, thermal design must maintain TJ ≤ 125°C using appropriate copper area and airflow.
Does MP3394EF-LF-Z support analog (DC) dimming without external components?
Yes - applying a 0.2V–1.2V DC voltage directly to the DBRT pin enables linear analog dimming. No external transistor or op-amp is needed; the internal circuitry converts the DC level into a proportional PWM duty cycle using the BOSC capacitor-defined oscillator frequency.
What is the minimum recommended input capacitance for stable operation?
A minimum of 4.7μF X7R ceramic capacitor placed close to VIN and GND is required. For robust surge suppression and low-impedance high-frequency bypass, this should be paralleled with a 220μF electrolytic capacitor per the typical application circuit.
MP3394EF-LF-Z Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Monolithic Power Systems Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-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):
- 5V
- Voltage - Supply (Max):
- 28V
- Voltage - Output:
- -
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 200mA
- Frequency:
- 540kHz
- Dimming:
- PWM
- Applications:
- Backlight
- Operating Temperature:
- -20°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-TSSOP-EP
MP3394EF-LF-Z FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MP3394EF-LF-Z through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MP3394EF-LF-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 MP3394EF-LF-Z reliable?
The price and inventory of MP3394EF-LF-Z are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MP3394EF-LF-Z is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MP3394EF-LF-Z?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MP3394EF-LF-Z transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MP3394EF-LF-Z?
MP3394EF-LF-Z orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MP3394EF-LF-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 MP3394EF-LF-Z?
For technical support, including MP3394EF-LF-Z datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MP3394EF-LF-Z requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MP3394EF-LF-Z is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MP3394EF-LF-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 MP3394EF-LF-Z meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MP3394EF-LF-Z?
All MP3394EF-LF-Z units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MP3394EF-LF-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 MP3394EF-LF-Z part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MP3394EF-LF-Z:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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