Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP3802DH-LF-Z

Overview

MP3802DH-LF-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a high-voltage DC-to-AC EL lamp driver IC with 240V_PP regulated output, dual independent oscillator control (boost at 84kHz, EL lamp at 250Hz), 2.5–5.5V input range, and integrated H-bridge + boost converter stages for driving up to 5 in² electroluminescent lamps in portable battery-powered devices.

For engineers reviewing the MP3802DH-LF-Z datasheet, MP3802DH-LF-Z pinout, MP3802DH-LF-Z application, or MP3802DH-LF-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include regulated ±120V output capability, shutdown current of 10nA, MSOP-8 thermal resistance (θ_JA = 150°C/W), split-supply operation support, and independent frequency tuning via RSW_OSC/REL_OSC resistors.

Technical Context

The MP3802DH-LF-Z implements a two-stage architecture: a current-mode boost converter (f_SW = 50–200kHz, adjustable via RSW_OSC) generating a regulated +120V DC at CS, followed by an H-bridge (f_EL = 60–1kHz, adjustable via REL_OSC) that inverts polarity across VA/VB to produce 240V_PP AC for EL lamps. Both oscillators operate independently without shared timing references.

It supports true split-supply operation (VA and VB swing symmetrically around ground), features internal N-channel MOSFETs with R_DS(ON) = 9Ω, and uses a single external inductor plus minimal passive components-no transformer or high-voltage capacitors required beyond the 150V NPO ceramic at CS.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP3802DH-LF-Z is housed in an 8-pin MSOP package with exposed thermal pad (JEDEC MO-187, variation AA-T). Pin 4 (GND) connects directly to the exposed pad for optimal thermal and electrical grounding.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar EL lamp driver applications.

Compared with MAX14521E and TPS65131, MP3802DH-LF-Z uniquely integrates both boost regulation and H-bridge drive in one MSOP-8 package with dual-frequency adjustability and 10nA shutdown-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, battery-limited EL applications demanding design simplicity and long runtime.

Availability

MP3802DH-LF-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable multimedia players, LCD backlighting, and remote controls requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant packaging, and guaranteed long-term availability through MPS's qualified product lifecycle program.

Supply support for MP3802DH-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/EL drivers, motor control, and battery management.

The MP3802 belongs to MPS's high-voltage display driver product line, engineered specifically for efficient, compact, and low-quiescent-power excitation of electroluminescent lamps in space- and energy-constrained portable electronics.

FAQ

What is the maximum EL lamp area supported by MP3802DH-LF-Z?

The MP3802DH-LF-Z is rated for EL lamps up to 5 square inches, as verified in MPS's typical application circuit with 22.5mA input current and 240V_PP output under 250Hz drive. Larger areas may require derating due to increased capacitive load and reduced efficiency.

Can MP3802DH-LF-Z drive EL lamps from a 2.5V input without performance loss?

Yes-MP3802DH-LF-Z maintains full 240V_PP output regulation and 250Hz lamp frequency down to 2.5V input, as confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table (VIN = 2.5V tested). Efficiency drops to ~72% at 2.5V versus 83% at 3.0V, but lamp brightness remains stable.

Is an external inductor required, and what value is recommended?

Yes-an external power inductor is mandatory. The typical application uses a 47µH shielded drum-core inductor (e.g., Coilcraft MSS5131-473), selected to support 84kHz switching at 22.5mA input current while limiting peak inductor current to <500mA per MPS design guidelines.

How does the EN pin interface work, and what logic levels trigger enable/disable?

The EN pin is internally pulled up. Driving EN ≤ (VDD – 0.6V) disables the IC (shutdown current = 10nA); driving EN ≥ (VDD – 0.3V) enables operation. No external pull-up is needed, and direct connection to microcontroller GPIO is fully compatible.

Does MP3802DH-LF-Z require a heatsink in standard operation?

No heatsink is required. At 22.5mA input and 250Hz lamp drive, power dissipation is ~180mW. With θ_JA = 150°C/W and 25°C ambient, junction temperature rise is ~27°C-well within the –40°C to +85°C operating range using standard 1oz copper PCB layout.

What capacitor type and voltage rating is required at the CS pin?

A 150V-rated NPO/C0G ceramic capacitor (3.3nF in typical application) is required at CS. X7R types are not recommended due to voltage coefficient drift; NPO ensures stable capacitance under ±120V DC bias and prevents regulation instability.

Can VA and VB be used to drive asymmetric loads or non-EL devices?

No-VA and VB are designed exclusively for balanced, capacitive EL lamp loads. Driving resistive or inductive loads, or mismatched capacitive loads, risks latch-up, excessive shoot-through current, or undefined H-bridge behavior per MPS application notes.