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Home > Products > Integrated Circuits (ICs) > Power Management (PMIC) > Voltage Regulators - DC DC Switching Regulators

Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP38872DL-LF-P

Name: MP38872DL-LF-P
Brand: Monolithic Power Systems Inc.
SKU: MP38872DL-LF-P
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: MP38872DL-LF-P

Manufacturer:: Monolithic Power Systems Inc.

Category:: Voltage Regulators - DC DC Switching Regulators

Package:: 14-VFDFN Exposed Pad

Datasheet:: MP38872DL-LF-P.pdf

Description:: IC REG BUCK ADJ 6A 14QFN

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Product details

Overview

MP38872DL-LF-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a synchronous step-down DC/DC converter with integrated 45mΩ high-side MOSFET and external low-side gate driver, delivering 6A continuous output current across 4.5V–21V input range, fixed 600kHz switching frequency, and adjustable 0.8V–15V output voltage. It targets point-of-load regulation in digital set-top boxes, flat-panel displays, and broadband communications equipment requiring high efficiency and thermal robustness.

For engineers reviewing the MP38872DL-LF-P datasheet, MP38872DL-LF-P pinout, MP38872DL-LF-P application, or MP38872DL-LF-P equivalent, key selection criteria include its synchronizable EN/SYNC interface (300kHz–1.5MHz), cycle-by-cycle over-current protection, power-good indicator, thermal shutdown at 150°C, and compatibility with low-ESR ceramic output capacitors.

Technical Context

The MP38872DL-LF-P implements peak current-mode control with a fixed 600kHz oscillator and supports external synchronization up to 1.5MHz via the EN/SYNC pin. Its internal error amplifier compares FB voltage against a 0.808V reference and drives a COMP node for PWM duty-cycle adjustment.

It integrates a 5V internal VCC regulator powered from VIN, supplies gate drive to an external low-side MOSFET via the BG pin, and uses bootstrap charging (BST pin) to sustain high-side gate voltage. Protection includes under-voltage lockout (4.1V rising threshold), hiccup-mode short-circuit recovery, and thermal shutdown with 10°C hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Input Voltage Range	4.5V to 21V - supports wide industrial and consumer DC bus inputs including 12V and 20V rails.
Output Current	6A continuous - enables single-chip PoL supply for FPGA I/O, SoC cores, or display logic without parallel devices.
Switching Frequency	Fixed 600kHz, synchronizable to 300kHz–1.5MHz - allows EMI tuning and multi-rail phase alignment.
Feedback Reference	0.808V ±1.6% - sets output voltage via resistor divider; enables precise 3.3V, 2.5V, or 1.8V regulation.
Internal High-Side R_DS(on)	45mΩ - limits conduction loss at 6A, supporting >90% efficiency at mid-load in typical 12V→3.3V designs.
Thermal Shutdown	150°C with 10°C hysteresis - protects die during overload or poor PCB thermal design; resumes operation at 140°C.
Power Good Threshold	0.74V ±0.05V - asserts open-drain PG low when output drops >10% below nominal, enabling system sequencing.

Pinout & Package

MP38872DL-LF-P is housed in a thermally enhanced 14-pin QFN package (3mm × 4mm) with exposed thermal pad, optimized for high-power density and PCB heat dissipation. Pin 1 is marked by a dot; the exposed pad must be soldered to a solid copper thermal plane.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1 FB	Feedback Input	Connects to resistor divider tap; regulates output by comparing against 0.808V internal reference.
2 PG	Power Good Output	Open-drain signal asserting low when VOUT falls >10% below target; used for system enable sequencing.
3 EN/SYNC	Enable & Sync Input	Active-high enable; accepts external clock (300kHz–1.5MHz) for synchronized multi-rail operation.
4,5,6 IN	Main Input Supply	High-current VIN path; requires local 22µF X5R/X7R ceramic capacitor to suppress switching noise.
7 N/C	No Connect	Not internally bonded; must remain unconnected and unrouted.
8,9,10 SW	Switch Node	Drives external inductor; carries high di/dt; must be routed short and away from sensitive analog nodes.
11 BST	Bootstrap Capacitor Terminal	Connects to SW via 1µF ceramic cap; supplies floating gate drive voltage for high-side switch.
12 VCC	Bias Regulator Output	5V internal regulator output; requires 1µF X7R/X5R decoupling capacitor near pin.
13 BG	Low-Side Gate Driver	Sinks/source up to 1A to drive external synchronous MOSFET gate; complements internal high-side switch.
14 GND	Power Ground Reference	Primary ground return; must be connected directly to thermal pad and isolated from noisy switching paths.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Synchronizable switching frequency	EN/SYNC pin accepts 300kHz–1.5MHz external clock for EMI reduction and multi-phase coordination.
Cycle-by-cycle over-current protection	Detects peak inductor current exceeding 8A threshold per cycle, preventing MOSFET failure during transient shorts.
Integrated 45mΩ high-side MOSFET	Reduces BOM count and layout complexity while maintaining >93% efficiency at 3.3V/6A (VIN=12V).
Thermal shutdown with hysteresis	Shuts down at 150°C and re-enables at 140°C, avoiding oscillation during sustained thermal overload.
Stable with low-ESR ceramic capacitors	Supports X5R/X7R MLCCs as output filter - eliminates need for electrolytic or tantalum, improving reliability.

Applications

Point-of-Load Regulation

Digital Set-Top Boxes

Use Scenario: Local 3.3V rail generation for HDMI controller and demodulator ICs in cable/satellite STBs.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary buck controller managing dynamic load steps up to 4A with <5% output deviation.

Use Value: Synchronizable frequency avoids beat frequencies with video clock domains, reducing conducted EMI.

Use Scenario: Powering MPEG decoder SoC core and memory interfaces requiring tight 1.2V/2.5V/3.3V rails.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-efficiency PoL regulator with PG signaling to coordinate boot sequence with FPGA configuration.

Use Value: 6A capability eliminates need for paralleled converters; thermal shutdown ensures safe operation during firmware update stalls.

Flat Panel Television

Broadband Communications

Use Scenario: Backlight LED driver bias supply and TCON logic rail in 4K LCD panels.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main 12V→5V/3.3V converter feeding timing controller and level shifters.

Use Value: Exposed-pad QFN package enables direct thermal coupling to metal chassis, sustaining full 6A at +70°C ambient.

Use Scenario: Powering Ethernet PHY, packet processor, and RF front-end in DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Synchronized buck stage aligned to system master clock to minimize spectral spreading.

Use Value: EN/SYNC pin allows deterministic timing alignment across multiple power rails, simplifying EMI compliance testing.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous buck controller applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
MP2315DJ-LF-Z	4A rated, 2.5–16V input, no external gate driver - fully integrated dual-MOSFET solution.	Lacks BG driver; unsuitable where discrete low-side FET optimization is required.	Select when board space is constrained and 4A output suffices; avoid for 6A+ or custom FET designs.
LM5116MH/NOPB	Controller-only (no internal MOSFET), 6–100V input, 100kHz–1MHz adjustable frequency.	Requires external high- and low-side drivers; supports higher input voltages but adds component count.	Select for >21V input or ultra-high-voltage PoL; not drop-in compatible due to topology and pinout differences.

Compared with MP2315DJ-LF-Z and LM5116MH/NOPB, the MP38872DL-LF-P uniquely balances integration (internal 45mΩ FET), drive flexibility (external BG), and 6A capability - making it optimal for 12V/20V-input systems needing both efficiency and thermal headroom without full controller complexity.

Availability

MP38872DL-LF-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for digital set-top boxes, flat-panel television power subsystems, and broadband communications equipment requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant packaging, and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MP38872DL-LF-P 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, headquartered in Kirkland, WA, with global design and support operations.

The MP38872 belongs to MPS's high-current synchronous buck controller product line, designed specifically for compact, thermally demanding point-of-load applications in consumer and communications infrastructure where integration, efficiency, and reliability are critical.

FAQ

What is the minimum recommended output capacitance for stable operation?

The MP38872DL-LF-P is stable with low-ESR ceramic capacitors; a minimum of 100µF total output capacitance (e.g., one 100µF/6.3V X5R MLCC) is required for 6A loads. Using multiple parallel ceramics improves high-frequency ripple suppression and thermal derating margin.

Can the MP38872DL-LF-P operate without an external bootstrap diode?

Yes - the internal bootstrap charging circuit sustains gate drive for duty cycles below ~65%. An external Schottky diode (e.g., IN4148) is optional and only recommended when VIN/VOUT > 1.5 to improve light-load efficiency and BST voltage stability.

How does the hiccup-mode over-current protection behave during a sustained short circuit?

When FB voltage drops below 0.25V (indicating severe overload), the MP38872DL-LF-P enters hiccup mode: it disables switching for ~20ms, then attempts restart. This limits average short-circuit current to ~1.5A and prevents thermal runaway without requiring external circuitry.

What is the maximum allowable PCB trace length between BST and SW pins?

The BST-to-SW trace must be ≤3mm in length and use ≥10-mil width to minimize inductance. Longer traces cause bootstrap voltage droop, leading to high-side switch misfire and reduced efficiency - especially above 85% duty cycle.

Is the EN/SYNC pin 5V-tolerant when used for external synchronization?

No - the EN/SYNC pin absolute maximum voltage is +6V, but its logic high threshold is 1.2V and internal clamp limits input current. For reliable synchronization above 3.3V, use a resistive divider or level shifter to keep the applied sync signal within 0–5V with <100mV overshoot.

Does the MP38872DL-LF-P support forced PWM mode at light loads?

No - the device operates exclusively in peak current-mode control with automatic pulse-skipping at light loads. There is no pin or register to force continuous conduction mode; efficiency below 200mA is maintained via reduced switching frequency (foldback to 150kHz).

What thermal pad soldering guidelines apply to the QFN14 package?

The exposed thermal pad must be connected to a minimum 200mm² internal or bottom-layer copper pour using ≥9 solder paste apertures (0.3mm diameter). Voiding must be <30% per IPC-7095; insufficient thermal connection causes junction temperature to exceed 125°C at 4A load in still air.

MP38872DL-LF-P Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Monolithic Power Systems Inc.

Series:: -

Package/Case:: 14-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):: 4.5V

Voltage - Input (Max):: 21V

Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):: 0.8V

Voltage - Output (Max):: 15V

Current - Output:: 6A

Frequency - Switching:: 600kHz

Synchronous Rectifier:: No

Operating Temperature:: -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Surface Mount

Supplier Device Package:: 14-QFN (3x4)

MP38872DL-LF-P FAQ

1.How can I place an order for MP38872DL-LF-P through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MP38872DL-LF-P 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 MP38872DL-LF-P reliable?

The price and inventory of MP38872DL-LF-P are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MP38872DL-LF-P is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for MP38872DL-LF-P?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MP38872DL-LF-P transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for MP38872DL-LF-P?

MP38872DL-LF-P orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your MP38872DL-LF-P 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 MP38872DL-LF-P?

For technical support, including MP38872DL-LF-P datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MP38872DL-LF-P requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that MP38872DL-LF-P is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All MP38872DL-LF-P 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 MP38872DL-LF-P meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of MP38872DL-LF-P?

All MP38872DL-LF-P units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MP38872DL-LF-P, 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 MP38872DL-LF-P part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for MP38872DL-LF-P:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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