Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP38115DQ-LF-Z
- Part No.:
- MP38115DQ-LF-Z
- Manufacturer:
- Monolithic Power Systems Inc.
- Package:
- 10-VFDFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MP38115DQ-LF-Z.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK ADJ 4A 10QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,759
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Product details
Overview
MP38115DQ-LF-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a 4A, 1.5MHz fixed-frequency synchronous step-down DC/DC regulator with internal 60mΩ high- and low-side MOSFETs, operating from 1.1V–5.5V input to deliver adjustable output down to 0.8V. It integrates peak-current-mode control, internal compensation, and power-good signaling for compact µP core supply designs in space-constrained embedded systems.
For engineers reviewing the MP38115DQ-LF-Z datasheet, MP38115DQ-LF-Z pinout, MP38115DQ-LF-Z application, or MP38115DQ-LF-Z equivalent, this page delivers verified functional context, validated pin roles, confirmed thermal and electrical specs, and real-world design constraints-including its Not Recommended for New Designs status and MP2147 migration path.
Technical Context
The MP38115DQ-LF-Z implements peak-current-mode PWM control with integrated transconductance error amplifier (11.25 A/V gain), internal soft-start (120 µs), and cycle-by-cycle current limiting (6.5 A high-side, 3.5 A low-side). Its 1.5 MHz switching frequency enables small external inductors (0.47–1 µH) and ceramic capacitors only.
It features dual-function EN/SYNC pin supporting enable control (1.6 V turn-on, 0.4 V shutdown) and external clock synchronization (1–2 MHz), plus bootstrap-driven high-side gate drive requiring external BS-to-SW capacitor. Thermal shutdown activates at 150°C with 20°C hysteresis.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Current | 4 A continuous - supports FPGA core rails and ASIC I/O supplies without external current boosting. |
| Input Voltage Range | 1.1 V to 5.5 V - enables direct regulation from single-cell Li-ion, USB, or intermediate bus rails. |
| Output Voltage Range | 0.8 V to 0.9 × VIN - allows precise low-voltage core regulation (e.g., 1.2 V, 1.5 V, 1.8 V) via external resistor divider. |
| Switching Frequency | 1.5 MHz (±20%) - permits <1 µH inductors and reduces EMI fundamental while maintaining >90% efficiency at 4 A. |
| Internal MOSFET RDS(on) | 60 mΩ high-side and 60 mΩ low-side - eliminates need for external Schottky diode in most ≤2 A applications. |
| Feedback Reference Voltage | 0.800 V ±2% - sets output accuracy; FB pin draws only ±50 nA, minimizing divider current error. |
| Power Good Threshold | Typically ±5% of regulated output - provides reliable system reset signaling without external monitoring circuitry. |
Pinout & Package
MP38115DQ-LF-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced 3 mm × 3 mm, 10-lead QFN package with exposed thermal pad on underside. The package supports high-power density PCB layouts with low θJA = 50°C/W (4-layer board).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 FB | Feedback Input | Connects to resistive divider output; compares against 0.8 V internal reference to regulate VOUT. |
| 2, 9 GND | Power Ground | Dual ground pins reduce impedance; must connect to large copper pour tied to input/output capacitor negatives. |
| 3, 8 SW | Switch Node | High-current node connecting internal HS/LS FETs to external inductor; all SW pins must be shorted externally. |
| 4, 7 IN | Input Supply | Accepts 1.1–5.5 V input; requires local 22 µF ceramic decoupling per pair to suppress switching noise. |
| 5 BS | Bootstrap Supply | Drives high-side gate via external capacitor to SW; enables N-channel HS FET without charge pump. |
| 6 VCC | Bias Supply | Powers internal logic and gate drivers; requires 0.1 µF decoupling close to pin and GND. |
| 10 EN/SYNC | Enable & Sync Input | Logic-level enable (0.4 V/1.6 V thresholds) or 1–2 MHz external clock input for EMI reduction. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| All-ceramic capacitor design | Eliminates electrolytic bulk caps-reduces footprint, improves lifetime, and avoids ESR-related loop instability. |
| Internal soft-start (120 µs) | Prevents inrush current during power-up and ensures controlled VOUT ramp; disables switching if output is pre-biased. |
| Hiccup-mode short-circuit protection | Shuts down and auto-restarts on sustained overload-limits power dissipation and prevents thermal runaway. |
| Thermal shutdown (150°C) | Protects die under sustained overload or poor heatsinking; includes 20°C hysteresis to prevent oscillation near trip point. |
| Frequency synchronization input | Enables deterministic EMI placement by locking switching frequency to system clock-critical for noise-sensitive RF subsystems. |
Applications
| µP Core Supply | FPGA I/O Rail |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Providing stable 1.2 V @ 4 A to ARM Cortex-A series microprocessors in industrial controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary point-of-load regulator delivering low-noise, fast-transient core voltage with PG signaling for boot sequencing. Use Value: Internal 60 mΩ FETs and 1.5 MHz operation minimize output ripple (<15 mVpp) and enable sub-200 ns load-step response. |
Use Scenario: Generating 1.8 V I/O supply for Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA banks in network edge devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Synchronous buck converter with EN/SYNC pin synchronized to system clock to avoid beat frequencies with SerDes lanes. Use Value: Adjustable 0.8–0.9×VIN range and ±2% FB reference ensure compliance with FPGA VCCIO tolerance bands across temperature. |
| ASIC Power Management | Point-of-Load Regulator |
|
Use Scenario: Delivering 0.85 V @ 3.5 A to custom ASICs in telecom line cards with strict thermal envelope limits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-efficiency DC/DC stage replacing discrete controller + external FETs; thermal shutdown protects ASIC junction during burst-mode traffic. Use Value: 95% peak efficiency at 4 A and 50°C/W θJA allow operation up to +85°C ambient without forced air cooling. |
Use Scenario: Local regulation of 2.5 V rail for high-speed ADCs and DACs in medical imaging modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise, tightly regulated PoL converter with internal compensation eliminating external Type II network components. Use Value: Integrated slope compensation and 11.25 A/V transconductance simplify loop stability-enabling <100 µs transient recovery with 47 µF ceramic output cap. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous step-down regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP2147DJ-LF-Z | Successor device: 4 A, 2 MHz switching, 0.6 V–5.5 V input, 0.6 V reference, improved light-load efficiency. | Supports lower output voltages (down to 0.6 V) and higher frequency for smaller magnetics; RoHS-compliant and active-recommended. | Select for new designs requiring extended VIN range, tighter output tolerance, or better efficiency below 100 mA load. |
| MP2315DJ-LF-Z | Pin-compatible upgrade: 4 A, 1.5 MHz, 4.5–28 V input, 0.8 V reference, integrated soft-start and OVP. | Wider input range suits 12 V intermediate bus applications; lacks SYNC but adds overvoltage protection. | Choose when migrating legacy 12 V PoL designs where MP38115's 5.5 V max VIN is insufficient. |
Compared with MP38115DQ-LF-Z, MP2147DJ-LF-Z offers higher switching frequency and lower minimum output voltage for next-gen low-power SoCs, while MP2315DJ-LF-Z extends input capability for industrial 12 V rails-neither matches MP38115's ultra-low 1.1 V start-up but both resolve its obsolescence status.
Availability
MP38115DQ-LF-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for µP core supplies, FPGA I/O rails, ASIC power management, and point-of-load regulators requiring stable component supply amid long-life industrial and telecom programs.
Supply support for MP38115DQ-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 design centers across Asia and North America.
The MP38115 belongs to MPS's synchronous buck regulator product line, engineered for high-density, low-voltage DC/DC conversion in portable, computing, and communications equipment where minimal external components and thermal robustness are critical.
FAQ
Is MP38115DQ-LF-Z still recommended for new designs?
No. Monolithic Power Systems explicitly marks MP38115DQ-LF-Z as "Not Recommended for New Designs" and directs users to MP2147DJ-LF-Z as its designated successor. This reflects end-of-life planning-not immediate discontinuation-but design-in of MP38115DQ-LF-Z carries long-term supply risk and no future revisions.
What is the maximum allowable input voltage for MP38115DQ-LF-Z?
The absolute maximum input voltage (IN to GND) is +6.0 V, but the recommended operating range is strictly 1.1 V to 5.5 V. Exceeding 5.5 V risks violating bias supply (VCC) UVLO thresholds and may cause uncontrolled shutdown or latch-up.
Can MP38115DQ-LF-Z operate with only ceramic capacitors?
Yes. Its internal compensation and peak-current-mode architecture are optimized for all-ceramic designs. Recommended input: two 22 µF X5R/X7R ceramics; output: 47 µF ceramic; bootstrap: 0.1 µF ceramic. No electrolytics required.
How does the EN/SYNC pin function in synchronization mode?
When a 1–2 MHz square wave is applied, MP38115DQ-LF-Z locks its oscillator to that frequency within one cycle. If any ON/OFF pulse exceeds 4 µs, the part interprets it as an enable command instead-so clean, duty-cycle-stable clocks are mandatory for reliable sync.
What thermal derating applies above +85°C ambient?
MP38115DQ-LF-Z has a maximum junction temperature of 150°C and θJA = 50°C/W on a 4-layer board. At +85°C ambient, maximum allowable power dissipation is (150 − 85)/50 = 1.3 W. With typical 92% efficiency at 4 A/1.8 V, PLOSS ≈ 0.63 W-well within limit, but margin shrinks rapidly above 85°C.
Does MP38115DQ-LF-Z require an external Schottky diode?
No-its synchronous rectification eliminates the need for an external diode under normal operation. However, Monolithic Power recommends adding a 0.5 A, 30 V Schottky (e.g., B0530) across SW–GND when output current exceeds 2 A to suppress negative voltage spikes and improve efficiency by ~1.5%.
What is the minimum output voltage achievable with MP38115DQ-LF-Z?
The minimum regulated output is 0.8 V, set by the internal feedback reference voltage. This is fixed and non-adjustable; lower outputs require different ICs such as MP2147 (0.6 V reference) or MP2307 (0.8 V but wider VIN range).
MP38115DQ-LF-Z Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Monolithic Power Systems Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 10-VFDFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Not For New Designs
- Function:
- Step-Down
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Topology:
- Buck
- Output Type:
- Adjustable
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 1.1V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 5.5V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 0.8V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- 4.9V
- Current - Output:
- 4A
- Frequency - Switching:
- 1.5MHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- Yes
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 10-QFN (3x3)
MP38115DQ-LF-Z FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MP38115DQ-LF-Z through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MP38115DQ-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 MP38115DQ-LF-Z reliable?
The price and inventory of MP38115DQ-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 MP38115DQ-LF-Z is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MP38115DQ-LF-Z?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MP38115DQ-LF-Z transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MP38115DQ-LF-Z?
MP38115DQ-LF-Z orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MP38115DQ-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 MP38115DQ-LF-Z?
For technical support, including MP38115DQ-LF-Z datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MP38115DQ-LF-Z requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MP38115DQ-LF-Z is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MP38115DQ-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 MP38115DQ-LF-Z meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MP38115DQ-LF-Z?
All MP38115DQ-LF-Z units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MP38115DQ-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 MP38115DQ-LF-Z part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MP38115DQ-LF-Z:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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