Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP3398AGS-Z
- Part No.:
- MP3398AGS-Z
- Manufacturer:
- Monolithic Power Systems Inc.
- Category:
- LED Drivers
- Package:
- 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MP3398AGS-Z.pdf
- Description:
- IC LED DRV CTRL PWM 350MA 16SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MP3398AGS-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a 4-string white LED step-up controller with analog and PWM dimming, designed for large LCD panel backlighting. It delivers up to 350mA per string, achieves ±2.5% current matching across strings, supports 5V–28V input, and regulates output via external MOSFET switching at programmable frequencies (150–621 kHz).
For engineers reviewing the MP3398AGS-Z datasheet, MP3398AGS-Z pinout, MP3398AGS-Z application, or MP3398AGS-Z equivalent, this device serves as a high-accuracy, multi-string WLED driver requiring precise current regulation, dual-dimming flexibility, and robust fault protection in display power systems.
Technical Context
The MP3398AGS-Z implements peak-current-mode control with fixed-frequency operation set by an external resistor on the OSC pin (1.23 V reference). It integrates four matched internal current sinks (±2.5% matching) and uses the lowest active LEDX pin voltage to dynamically regulate the boost bus voltage-ensuring sufficient headroom for all strings.
Dimming is implemented independently via two dedicated inputs: PWM pin accepts 200 Hz–2 kHz signals for current chopping, while ADIM pin accepts either DC (0.4–1.5 V) or high-frequency PWM (>20 kHz) for linear amplitude control. Protection includes recoverable thermal shutdown (150°C), OVP (1.23 V threshold), LED open/short detection, and inductor/diode short latching after 4–4096 cycles.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 5 V to 28 V - powers IC and boost stage directly; supports wide-range industrial and display supplies. |
| Max LED Current per String | 350 mA - sets upper limit for single-string drive capability in high-brightness backlight designs. |
| Current Matching Accuracy | ±2.5% - ensures uniform luminance across 4 LED strings without external calibration. |
| Switching Frequency Range | 150 kHz to 621 kHz - adjustable via ROSC resistor; balances EMI, efficiency, and inductor size. |
| Dimming Support | Analog (DC or >20 kHz PWM on ADIM) + PWM (200 Hz–2 kHz on PWM pin) - enables flicker-free and high-resolution brightness control. |
| OVP Threshold | 1.23 V on OVP pin - programmable overvoltage cutoff prevents LED string or boost capacitor damage. |
| Thermal Shutdown | 150°C with 25°C hysteresis - self-recovering protection avoids permanent latch-off during transient overheating. |
Pinout & Package
MP3398AGS-Z is packaged in SOIC16 with exposed pad (pin 4, GND) and standard 1.27 mm pitch. Pin functions are validated per MPS datasheet Rev. 1.06 (2018), including dedicated LED string cathode outputs (LED1–LED4), dual dimming inputs (PWM, ADIM), and system control pins (EN, COMP, OSC, ISET).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (COMP) | Error amplifier compensation node | Connects ceramic capacitor to ground to stabilize feedback loop; critical for transient response and stability. |
| 2 (EN) | Enable control input | Logic-level enable (≥1.8 V = ON, ≤0.6 V = OFF); must not float; controls full chip startup/shutdown sequence. |
| 3 (PWM) | PWM dimming signal input | Chops LED current at applied duty cycle; requires ≥1.25 V high / ≤0.75 V low thresholds for reliable triggering. |
| 4 (GND) | Power and signal ground | Common reference for all analog and digital circuitry; exposed pad must be soldered to PCB ground plane. |
| 5 (OSC) | Frequency setting input | 1.23 V regulated node; external resistor to GND sets switching frequency (e.g., 374 kΩ → 180 kHz). |
| 6 (ISET) | LED current programming node | 1.225 V regulated reference; current through external resistor sets per-string LED current (e.g., 30.5 kΩ → 32.3 mA). |
| 7 (ADIM) | Analog dimming input | Accepts 0.4–1.5 V DC or >20 kHz PWM; internal RC filter enables smooth amplitude control without visible flicker. |
| 8–11 (LED4–LED1) | LED string cathode switches | Open-drain outputs driving LED string cathodes; each provides independent current sink with <800 mV dropout at 330 mA. |
| 12 (OVP) | Over-voltage protection sense | Resistor divider from boost output sets OVP threshold; triggers shutdown if voltage exceeds 1.23 V. |
| 13 (ISENSE) | Inductor current sensing | Monitors external RSENSE for cycle-by-cycle current limiting; tied to GND if unused in cascaded configurations. |
| 14 (GATE) | N-MOSFET gate driver output | Drives external high-side N-channel MOSFET; 4.5–7 Ω sourcing / 2.5–5 Ω sinking impedance ensures fast switching. |
| 15 (VIN) | Main power input | Supplies IC bias and boost converter; requires local 4.7 µF X5R/X7R + 220 µF electrolytic bypassing. |
| 16 (VCC) | Internal 6 V LDO output | Powers gate driver and internal logic; regulated from VIN; UVLO disables chip if VCC drops below 3.6–4.4 V. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 4-channel current matching | ±2.5% accuracy between strings - eliminates luminance non-uniformity without external trimming. |
| Cascading capability | Multiple MP3398A ICs share one boost inductor - reduces component count and improves system efficiency in ultra-wide displays. |
| Dual independent dimming | Separate PWM and ADIM inputs - allows simultaneous use of global PWM and local analog control for hybrid dimming schemes. |
| Comprehensive fault protection | OCP, OTP, UVP, OVP, LED open/short, inductor/diode short - latches or recovers automatically without external supervision. |
| Low-dropout LED current sinks | ≤800 mV at 330 mA - minimizes conduction loss and thermal stress in high-current backlight arrays. |
Applications
| Desktop LCD Flat Panel Displays | Flat Panel Video Displays |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Backlighting for 24–32 inch commercial desktop monitors with uniform edge-lit or direct-lit LED arrays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary WLED current controller regulating 4 independent strings; manages dynamic bus voltage and dual-dimming coordination. Use Value: Enables consistent brightness and color fidelity across full screen area using only one boost stage and matched current sinks. | Use Scenario: High-brightness video wall tiles requiring synchronized dimming and thermal resilience under continuous operation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Centralized LED driver managing multiple parallel strings per tile; handles PWM frame sync and analog grayscale mapping. Use Value: Delivers flicker-free dimming down to 0.1% via combined ADIM/PWM while maintaining ±2.5% string-to-string current consistency. |
| 2D/3D LCD TVs | Industrial Control Panel Displays |
Use Scenario: Local dimming zones in mid-size LCD TVs (40–55 inch) where per-zone brightness control enhances contrast ratio. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Zone-specific WLED driver supporting rapid PWM dimming transitions and adaptive current scaling. Use Value: Achieves >10,000:1 dynamic contrast via precise per-string current regulation and sub-millisecond dimming response. | Use Scenario: Harsh-environment HMI displays in factory automation, requiring extended temperature operation and fault tolerance. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust backlight controller with recoverable thermal shutdown, LED open/short detection, and wide-input operation. Use Value: Ensures uninterrupted display visibility across –40°C to +125°C junction range with automatic fault recovery and no external watchdog needed. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar white LED backlight controller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP3398AGF-Z | TSSOP16-EP package with lower θJA (45°C/W) and higher power dissipation (2.78 W) vs. SOIC16 (1.56 W) | Better thermal performance in space-constrained or high-ambient-temperature designs; same pinout and functionality | Select when board layout allows TSSOP footprint and thermal management prioritizes junction temperature over creepage/clearance. |
| MP3398AGY-Z | SOIC20 package with additional pins for enhanced noise immunity and routing flexibility; identical electrical specs | Preferred for high-noise industrial environments where GND separation and signal isolation improve reliability | Choose when EMC robustness and layout margin outweigh cost and board area constraints. |
Compared with MP3398AGF-Z and MP3398AGY-Z, the MP3398AGS-Z offers the smallest footprint and lowest assembly cost in SOIC16, making it optimal for cost-sensitive consumer displays where thermal headroom and noise immunity are within specification limits.
Availability
MP3398AGS-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for desktop LCD flat panels, flat panel video displays, and 2D/3D LCD TVs requiring stable component supply, long-term production continuity, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for MP3398AGS-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 design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan, and global distribution.
The MP3398A belongs to MPS's WLED backlight controller product line, engineered specifically for large-format LCD panel illumination with emphasis on current accuracy, dimming flexibility, and integrated protection in compact packages.
FAQ
What is the maximum total output current supported by MP3398AGS-Z?
The MP3398AGS-Z supports up to 350 mA per string across 4 independent channels, yielding a maximum total LED current of 1.4 A. This assumes proper thermal design and external MOSFET selection - the IC itself does not source this current but regulates it via external current sinks and boost switching.
Can MP3398AGS-Z operate without an external MOSFET?
No. MP3398AGS-Z is a controller-only IC and requires an external N-channel MOSFET connected to the GATE pin to implement the step-up converter. The IC drives the MOSFET gate but does not integrate the power switch; omitting the MOSFET prevents boost operation and damages no internal circuitry, but renders the device nonfunctional.
How does the MP3398AGS-Z handle LED string failure detection?
It detects open strings by monitoring LEDX pin voltages: if any LEDX pin falls below 196 mV while others remain active, that string is marked off and the remaining strings regulate output voltage. For short strings, it triggers when LEDX voltage exceeds 6.3 V for 4096 switching cycles, then disables the faulty channel while maintaining operation of healthy strings.
Is the ADIM pin compatible with microcontroller GPIO outputs?
Yes - the ADIM pin accepts DC voltages from 0.4 V to 1.5 V for linear dimming control and tolerates PWM signals above 20 kHz. Most MCU GPIOs can drive it directly if configured for analog output or high-frequency PWM; no level-shifting is required due to its internal 10 MΩ pull-down and 100 pF filtering capacitor.
What is the minimum recommended input capacitance for MP3398AGS-Z?
MPS specifies a minimum of 4.7 µF X5R/X7R ceramic capacitor in parallel with a 220 µF electrolytic capacitor on VIN. This combination suppresses high-frequency switching noise and limits inrush current; reducing below 4.7 µF ceramic risks instability and increased EMI, especially at higher switching frequencies.
Does MP3398AGS-Z support synchronization of switching frequency across multiple ICs?
No - the MP3398AGS-Z uses an internal oscillator controlled by an external ROSC resistor and does not provide a SYNC pin or master/slave clock interface. Synchronization requires external circuitry or selecting alternative controllers like the MPQ3367 series, which include dedicated sync functionality.
MP3398AGS-Z Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Monolithic Power Systems Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- 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:
- 350mA
- Frequency:
- 540kHz
- Dimming:
- Analog, PWM
- Applications:
- Backlight
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-SOIC
MP3398AGS-Z FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MP3398AGS-Z through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MP3398AGS-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 MP3398AGS-Z reliable?
The price and inventory of MP3398AGS-Z are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MP3398AGS-Z is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MP3398AGS-Z?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MP3398AGS-Z transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MP3398AGS-Z?
MP3398AGS-Z orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MP3398AGS-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 MP3398AGS-Z?
For technical support, including MP3398AGS-Z datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MP3398AGS-Z requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MP3398AGS-Z is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MP3398AGS-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 MP3398AGS-Z meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MP3398AGS-Z?
All MP3398AGS-Z units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MP3398AGS-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 MP3398AGS-Z part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MP3398AGS-Z:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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