Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP3438GTL-Z
- Part No.:
- MP3438GTL-Z
- Manufacturer:
- Monolithic Power Systems Inc.
- Package:
- SOT-583
- Datasheet:
-
MP3438GTL-Z.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BOOST ADJ SOT583
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:608
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Product details
Overview
MP3438GTL-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully integrated, synchronous boost converter IC with 2A switching current limit, 1.2MHz fixed-frequency COT control, and automatic pass-through mode. It operates from 0.8V–16V input, delivers up to 16V output, and integrates low-RDS(ON) HS/LS MOSFETs in an SOT583 package-enabling compact LCD bias supplies and portable instrumentation.
For engineers reviewing the MP3438GTL-Z datasheet, MP3438GTL-Z pinout, MP3438GTL-Z application, or MP3438GTL-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include its 2.7V startup capability, adaptive COT transient response, configurable VIN UVLO via EN pin, and thermal shutdown at 150°C with 25°C hysteresis.
Technical Context
The MP3438GTL-Z implements constant-off-time (COT) control with internal error amplifier comparing FB voltage against 1.0V reference, enabling fast load-step response without external compensation. Its cycle-by-cycle current sensing on the LS-FET triggers turn-off at 2A peak, while blanking windows (80ns min-on, 220ns min-off) suppress noise-induced false triggering.
During automatic pass-through mode-activated when VIN exceeds VOUT-SET-the HS-FET remains continuously on with charge-pump gate drive, eliminating diode drop and sustaining >95% efficiency. VCC is powered either by VIN (>3.4V), or the higher of VIN/VOUT (<3.4V), ensuring stable bias across wide input transients.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 0.8V–16V operating; 2.7V minimum startup-supports single-cell Li-ion and multi-cell alkaline inputs. |
| Output Voltage Range | Adjustable up to 16V via FB resistor divider-enables LCD bias (e.g., 12V AVDD) and DSL line drivers. |
| Switching Current Limit | 2A typical peak-determines maximum deliverable output power at given VIN/VOUT ratio and inductor DCR. |
| Switching Frequency | 1.2MHz fixed-allows use of small 2.2–4.7µH inductors and reduces EMI fundamental frequency. |
| FB Reference Voltage | 1.0V ±1% over -40°C to +125°C-sets output accuracy and stability margin for feedback loop design. |
| Quiescent Current | 10µA at 3.3V input, no load-enables >100-hour runtime in battery-powered portable instruments. |
| Thermal Shutdown | 150°C with 25°C hysteresis-prevents permanent damage during sustained overload or poor PCB thermal layout. |
Pinout & Package
MP3438GTL-Z is housed in an ultra-compact SOT583 package (1.6mm × 2.1mm, 0.5mm pitch), optimized for space-constrained portable designs. Thermal resistance θJA = 65°C/W on a 2-layer 51mm×51mm PCB.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 BST | Bootstrap supply | Charged from VCC during LS-FET on-time; provides ~3.2V gate drive above SW for HS-FET conduction. |
| 2 VOUT | Power output | Drain node of HS-FET; powers VCC when VIN < 3.4V and supplies regulated output to load. |
| 3 SW | Switch node | Connection point for external inductor; carries high di/dt ripple current and requires tight layout. |
| 4 GND | Power ground | Primary return path for LS-FET source, FB divider, and input/output capacitors-must be low-impedance. |
| 5 FB | Feedback input | Senses output voltage via resistor divider; 50nA input bias enables high-value resistors for low quiescent loss. |
| 6 VCC | Bias supply | Internally regulated; decoupled with 1µF ceramic; powers gate drivers and control logic-critical for startup stability. |
| 7 EN | Enable control | Configurable UVLO threshold (1.2V turn-on); sinking 5µA enables resistor-based hysteresis setting for VIN monitoring. |
| 8 VIN | Input supply | Bypassed locally with ceramic capacitor; must exceed 2.7V at startup to ensure VCC reaches UVLO threshold. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Adaptive COT control | Delivers <5µs load-step response without external compensation-ideal for dynamic display bias loads. |
| Automatic pass-through mode | Enables direct VIN-to-VOUT conduction when VIN > VOUT-SET, reducing losses to <100mV dropout at 2A. |
| Integrated power MOSFETs | HS-FET RDS(ON) = 100mΩ, LS-FET RDS(ON) = 55mΩ-eliminates external Schottky diode and saves board area. |
| Programmable UVLO hysteresis | Set via EN pin resistor divider-allows precise input brown-out detection for battery-powered systems. |
| Internal soft-start | 3.5–6ms ramp-prevents inrush current into output capacitors and avoids system reset during power-up. |
Applications
| LCD Bias Supplies | Portable Instrumentation |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Generating 12V AVDD and –10V VGL for TFT-LCD panels in handheld medical monitors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary DC-DC boost regulator providing stable, low-noise high-voltage rails with fast transient recovery during backlight dimming. Use Value: Integrated MOSFETs and 1.2MHz switching enable <3mm² solution size; pass-through mode extends battery life when input rises above 12V. |
Use Scenario: Powering 5V/3.3V logic and analog front-ends in portable multimeters and data loggers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Step-up converter supplying regulated rail from single 3.7V Li-ion cell, supporting microcontroller wake-up bursts. Use Value: 10µA quiescent current and PSM operation extend battery runtime beyond 100 hours; 2.7V startup ensures operation down to depleted cell voltage. |
| DSL/ADSL Line Drivers | Electronic Cigarettes |
|
Use Scenario: Providing 12–15V bias to line driver amplifiers in customer-premises DSL modems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-efficiency boost stage delivering clean, well-regulated voltage under varying line-load conditions. Use Value: >91% efficiency at 3.3V→12V/0.3A minimizes thermal stress in sealed plastic enclosures; OVP protects downstream op-amps. |
Use Scenario: Stepping up 3.2–4.2V battery voltage to 5.5V for USB-C charging circuitry and LED indicators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Compact, thermally robust boost converter operating in high-temperature, vibration-prone environments. Use Value: SOT583 footprint fits narrow PCBs; OTP shutdown at 150°C prevents overheating during rapid draw cycles; EN pin enables battery-low cutoff. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous boost converter applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPS61088RHLR | 3.2A switch current, 2.7V–12V input, 500kHz–2.2MHz adjustable fSW, larger QFN-16 package | Higher current, wider fSW tuning-but requires external compensation and lacks pass-through mode | Select when >2A output current or programmable frequency is required; avoid if board space or automatic VIN>VOUT bypass is critical. |
| RT9086AGQW | 2A switch current, 2.5V–5.5V input only, 1.5MHz fixed fSW, WDFN-8 package, no pass-through mode | Limited input range excludes single-cell alkaline or deep-discharge Li-ion use cases | Choose only for fixed 3.3V/5V input systems where ultra-low profile is prioritized over input flexibility. |
Compared with TPS61088RHLR and RT9086AGQW, MP3438GTL-Z uniquely combines 2.7V startup, automatic pass-through, and SOT583 integration-making it optimal for space- and battery-life-constrained portable electronics requiring wide-input adaptability.
Availability
MP3438GTL-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LCD bias supplies, portable instrumentation, DSL line drivers, and electronic cigarette power management requiring stable component supply, full traceability, and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for MP3438GTL-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 design focus on efficiency, integration, and thermal robustness.
The MP3438 belongs to MPS's high-density synchronous boost converter product line, engineered for space-constrained, battery-powered applications demanding wide input range, fast transient response, and minimal external components.
FAQ
What is the minimum input voltage required to start up MP3438GTL-Z?
The MP3438GTL-Z starts up from as low as 2.7V when VCC is powered from VIN. With external VCC bias ≥0.9V, startup is possible down to 0.9V VIN. This enables operation across the full discharge curve of single-cell Li-ion batteries.
How does the automatic pass-through mode improve system efficiency?
When VIN exceeds the set VOUT, the HS-FET turns fully on and the LS-FET remains off-bypassing switching losses entirely. This reduces conduction loss to just HS-FET RDS(ON) × IOUT, achieving >98% efficiency and eliminating switching noise in sensitive analog sections.
Can MP3438GTL-Z operate without an external inductor?
No. The MP3438GTL-Z requires an external power inductor (e.g., MPS MPL-AL4020-3R3) connected between SW and VIN. The inductor stores energy during LS-FET conduction and transfers it to the output during HS-FET conduction-no internal inductor is integrated.
What is the purpose of the BST pin, and how should it be decoupled?
The BST pin supplies gate drive voltage (~3.2V above SW) to the HS-FET. It must be decoupled with a 0.1µF ceramic capacitor between BST and SW. This capacitor charges during LS-FET on-time and discharges to drive the HS-FET gate-layout must minimize trace inductance.
Does MP3438GTL-Z support output over-voltage protection?
Yes. If the FB voltage exceeds 110% of the 1.0V reference (i.e., >1.1V), the LS-FET is immediately disabled. Recovery occurs only after FB falls below 105% (1.05V), preventing latch-up and protecting downstream 12V-rated loads like LCD source drivers.
How is the output voltage set, and what resistor tolerance is recommended?
VOUT is set by a resistor divider from VOUT to FB: R2 = R1 × (VREF / (VOUT − VREF)), where VREF = 1.0V. Use 1% tolerance resistors for R1 (100kΩ–1MΩ) and R2 to maintain ≤±2% output accuracy across temperature and load variations.
What thermal derating applies at elevated ambient temperatures?
With θJA = 65°C/W, maximum continuous power dissipation drops linearly: PDMAX = (150°C − TA) / 65°C/W. At 85°C ambient, max dissipation is 1.0W-requiring ≤1.2A output current at 12V output to stay within safe junction limits.
MP3438GTL-Z Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Monolithic Power Systems Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- SOT-583
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Function:
- Step-Up
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Topology:
- Boost
- Output Type:
- Adjustable
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 0.8V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 16V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 16V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- 16V
- Current - Output:
- -
- Frequency - Switching:
- 1.2MHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- Yes
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-583
MP3438GTL-Z FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MP3438GTL-Z through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MP3438GTL-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 MP3438GTL-Z reliable?
The price and inventory of MP3438GTL-Z are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MP3438GTL-Z is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MP3438GTL-Z?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MP3438GTL-Z transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MP3438GTL-Z?
MP3438GTL-Z orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MP3438GTL-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 MP3438GTL-Z?
For technical support, including MP3438GTL-Z datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MP3438GTL-Z requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MP3438GTL-Z is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MP3438GTL-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 MP3438GTL-Z meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MP3438GTL-Z?
All MP3438GTL-Z units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MP3438GTL-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 MP3438GTL-Z part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MP3438GTL-Z:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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