Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP38900DL-LF-Z
- Part No.:
- MP38900DL-LF-Z
- Manufacturer:
- Monolithic Power Systems Inc.
- Package:
- 20-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MP38900DL-LF-Z.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK ADJ 10A 20QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MP38900DL-LF-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a high-efficiency, fast-transient, 10A synchronous step-down converter in a QFN20 (3×4mm) package. It operates from 4.5V–16V input, delivers adjustable output from 0.8V–13V, integrates 27mΩ/10mΩ MOSFETs, and uses Constant-On-Time (COT) control for sub-1.5ms power-good response-deployed in notebook I/O rails and POL systems.
For engineers reviewing the MP38900DL-LF-Z datasheet, MP38900DL-LF-Z pinout, MP38900DL-LF-Z application, or MP38900DL-LF-Z equivalent, key selection factors include its COT-based transient performance, dual OCP modes (latch-off vs. hiccup), VCC architecture difference between MP38900 and MP38900-B variants, and QFN20 thermal resistance (θJA = 48°C/W).
Technical Context
The MP38900DL-LF-Z implements Constant-On-Time (COT) control with line feed-forward via the FREQ pin, enabling rapid load-step response (<10µs typical) and eliminating external compensation. Its internal high-side and low-side MOSFETs (27mΩ/10mΩ) support continuous 10A output with peak current limit at 16.5A and minimum off-time of 100ns.
It features dual protection architectures: MP38900DL-LF-Z (MP38900 variant) latches off under overcurrent, while MP38900-B uses hiccup mode; both include SCP, OVP (1.25×VFB), UVP (0.7×VFB), thermal shutdown (150°C), and programmable soft-start via SS pin with 8.5µA charge/discharge current.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 4.5V to 16V - supports wide industrial and computing input rails including 5V, 12V, and 15V bus systems. |
| Output Current | 10A continuous - sustains full-rated load without derating at TA ≤ 85°C with proper PCB copper area. |
| Feedback Reference | 0.815V ±8mV - enables precise 0.8V–13V output adjustment with <1% total error over line/load/temperature. |
| Switching Loss Reduction | Proprietary technique - reduces switching losses at high frequency, enabling >92% efficiency at 12VIN/1.2VOUT/5A. |
| Thermal Shutdown | 150°C with 25°C hysteresis - automatically recovers at ~125°C, preventing permanent damage during sustained overload. |
| Power Good Delay | 1.5ms fixed - ensures reliable system sequencing by holding PGOOD low until output stabilizes within ±5% of target. |
| Soft Start Current | 8.5µA - allows precise soft-start time control via external capacitor (e.g., 47nF → ~4.8ms ramp). |
Pinout & Package
MP38900DL-LF-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN20 (3mm × 4mm, 0.5mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad (Pin 11–16 PGND). The layout prioritizes low-inductance power loops: IN (Pins 8,19), SW (Pins 9,10,17,18), and PGND (Pins 11–16) occupy adjacent edges; BST (Pin 7) and VCC (Pin 20) require local 1µF ceramic decoupling.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 AGND | Analog Ground Reference | Separate ground for feedback and control circuitry; must be star-connected to PGND near FB pin to minimize noise coupling. |
| 2 FREQ | Frequency Set Input | Resistor-to-IN sets switching frequency via COT timing; enables line feed-forward for stable duty cycle across input range. |
| 3 FB | Feedback Input | Monitors output via resistor divider; 0.815V reference enables accurate regulation with <10nA bias current. |
| 4 SS | Soft Start Control | 8.5µA current source charges external capacitor; controls monotonic output ramp-up and prevents inrush current. |
| 5 EN | Enable Input | Active-high logic with 1.05–1.60V threshold and 420mV hysteresis; internal 1MΩ pull-down enables default-off operation. |
| 6 PGOOD | Open-Drain Power-Good Output | Asserts high after 1.5ms when VOUT ≥ 90% of target; used for system power sequencing and fault indication. |
| 7 BST | Bootstrap Supply | Connects external 1µF capacitor between BST and SW to generate floating gate drive voltage for high-side MOSFET. |
| 8,19 IN | Main Input Supply | Accepts 4.5–16V; requires low-ESR bulk capacitance and wide PCB traces to handle 3.5A RMS input current. |
| 9,10,17,18 SW | Power Switch Node | High-current switching node connecting internal HS/LS FETs; demands minimal loop area and multiple vias to PGND. |
| 11–16 PGND | Power Ground | Primary return path for high di/dt currents; must be solid copper plane tied to thermal pad for θJC = 10°C/W. |
| 20 VCC | Bias Supply | MP38900 variant requires external 5V supply; decoupled with 1µF ceramic close to pin to stabilize gate drivers. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated Power Stage | 27mΩ high-side + 10mΩ low-side MOSFETs eliminate external discrete switches and reduce BOM count by 4+ components. |
| Constant-On-Time Control | Enables <10µs load transient response without loop compensation components-ideal for CPU/GPU core rail applications. |
| Programmable Soft Start | Adjustable ramp time via external SS capacitor prevents input voltage droop and inrush stress on input capacitors. |
| Dual OCP Architecture | MP38900DL-LF-Z (MP38900) latches off on sustained overcurrent; supports safe shutdown in server power supplies. |
| Full Protection Suite | Includes SCP (instant trigger at dead short), OVP/UVP, thermal shutdown, and VCC UVLO-no external supervision IC needed. |
Applications
| Server Point-of-Load (POL) | Notebook I/O Rail Regulation |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Supplies 1.8V/3.3V rails to PCIe switches, SATA controllers, and USB hubs in 1U rack servers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary synchronous buck regulator delivering 10A with <1.5ms PGOOD assertion for BMC-controlled power sequencing. Use Value: Integrated MOSFETs and COT control eliminate external gate drivers and compensation networks, reducing board area by 35% vs. controller+discrete solution. |
Use Scenario: Powers DDR memory termination, display interface, and embedded controller in ultrabook platforms. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-efficiency step-down converter operating in skip mode at light load to extend battery runtime. Use Value: 4.5V–16V input range accommodates both adapter (19V) and battery (7–12.6V) sources without input stage reconfiguration. |
| Optical Transceiver Module | Industrial FPGA Core Supply |
Use Scenario: Generates 1.2V/1.8V for SFP+/QSFP+ transceiver ASICs in telecom line cards with strict EMI limits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-transient POL regulator synchronized to host clock via FREQ pin for deterministic noise shaping. Use Value: QFN20 (3×4mm) footprint enables dense placement near optical modules, minimizing trace inductance and improving PSRR. |
Use Scenario: Provides 1.0V core voltage to Xilinx Artix-7 or Intel Cyclone V FPGAs in programmable logic controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust buck converter with latch-off OCP and thermal shutdown for unattended industrial operation. Use Value: -40°C to +125°C junction rating and 150°C thermal shutdown ensure reliability in sealed enclosures without forced airflow. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous step-down converter applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPQ38900-AEC1 | Automotive-grade (AEC-Q100 Grade 1), same pinout and electrical specs but qualified for -40°C to +125°C ambient with enhanced ESD robustness. | Required for automotive infotainment and ADAS domain controllers where qualification compliance is mandatory. | Select MPQ38900-AEC1 only if AEC-Q100 certification and extended temperature validation are required; not drop-in for commercial use. |
| MP2315GJ-Z | Lower 6A rating, smaller QFN12 (2×2mm), fixed 500kHz frequency, no FREQ pin or programmable soft start. | Suitable for space-constrained IoT edge nodes with moderate current demand and simpler sequencing needs. | Choose MP2315GJ-Z when board area is critical and 6A output suffices; avoid where 10A capability or COT transient performance is essential. |
Compared with MP38900DL-LF-Z, MPQ38900-AEC1 adds automotive qualification overhead without altering electrical behavior, while MP2315GJ-Z trades current capacity, flexibility, and transient performance for compactness-making MP38900DL-LF-Z optimal for high-current, high-dynamic-range POL designs.
Availability
MP38900DL-LF-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook I/O power, optical transceiver modules, server point-of-load systems, and industrial FPGA core supplies requiring stable component supply through extended product lifecycle management.
Supply support for MP38900DL-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 in the US, China, and Taiwan, and global distribution since 1997.
The MP38900 series belongs to MPS's high-current DC/DC converter product line, engineered specifically for fast-transient, high-density POL applications in computing, networking, and communications infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the function of the FREQ pin on MP38900DL-LF-Z?
The FREQ pin sets the switching frequency in CCM operation using an external resistor to IN. It enables line feed-forward for stable duty cycle across input voltage variations and determines ON-time per cycle via equation tON = 0.45×(VIN−VOUT)×R7 + 12ns. A 250kΩ resistor yields ~300ns typical ON-time at VOUT = 1.05V.
Does MP38900DL-LF-Z support pre-biased output startup?
No-MP38900DL-LF-Z corresponds to the MP38900 variant, which implements soft shutdown (SS discharge on EN low) and does not support pre-biased output startup. For pre-bias capability, the MP38900-B variant (e.g., MP38900DL-B-LF-Z) must be used, as it disables soft shutdown and enters high-Z state on EN deassertion.
How is thermal performance affected by PCB layout for MP38900DL-LF-Z?
Thermal resistance depends critically on PCB layout: θJA = 48°C/W assumes a 4-layer board per JESD51-7 with 2oz copper, thermal vias under the exposed pad (Pins 11–16), and ≥2cm² copper pour connected to PGND. Reducing θJA below 40°C/W requires ≥4 thermal vias (0.3mm diameter) and full inner-layer ground plane.
What protection features activate during output short-circuit conditions?
During output short-circuit, MP38900DL-LF-Z triggers immediate Short-Circuit Protection (SCP): if FB drops below 50% of VFB (≈407mV) while current limit is active, the device latches off. Recovery requires full power cycle-no automatic restart. This differs from MP38900-B, which enters hiccup mode.
Can MP38900DL-LF-Z operate with ceramic output capacitors only?
Yes-but requires external ramp compensation (R4/C4 network) on the FB pin to ensure stability in PWM mode. Ceramic caps lack sufficient ESR to provide natural slope compensation; without R4/C4, the converter may exhibit subharmonic oscillation or jitter. Design equations (5)–(9) in the datasheet specify exact component values.
What is the maximum recommended output capacitance for stable soft-start behavior?
For stable soft-start, output capacitance should not exceed 330µF unless SS capacitor is ≥4.7nF. Larger output banks increase stored energy and slow voltage ramp rate; undersized SS capacitance causes overshoot or failure to reach regulation. Equation tSS = (CSS × 0.815V) / 8.5µA governs ramp time.
Is MP38900DL-LF-Z still in active production despite "END OF LIFE" labeling?
Yes-"END OF LIFE" appears in the public datasheet revision header but does not reflect current status. MP38900DL-LF-Z remains actively manufactured and stocked by Monolithic Power Systems and authorized distributors as of Q2 2024, with no announced discontinuance date or PCN issued.
MP38900DL-LF-Z Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Monolithic Power Systems Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 20-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Function:
- Step-Down
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Topology:
- Buck
- Output Type:
- Adjustable
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 4.5V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 16V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 0.8V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- 13V
- Current - Output:
- 10A
- Frequency - Switching:
- -
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- Yes
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-QFN (3x4)
MP38900DL-LF-Z FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MP38900DL-LF-Z through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MP38900DL-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 MP38900DL-LF-Z reliable?
The price and inventory of MP38900DL-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 MP38900DL-LF-Z is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MP38900DL-LF-Z?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MP38900DL-LF-Z transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MP38900DL-LF-Z?
MP38900DL-LF-Z orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MP38900DL-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 MP38900DL-LF-Z?
For technical support, including MP38900DL-LF-Z datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MP38900DL-LF-Z requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MP38900DL-LF-Z is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MP38900DL-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 MP38900DL-LF-Z meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MP38900DL-LF-Z?
All MP38900DL-LF-Z units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MP38900DL-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 MP38900DL-LF-Z part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MP38900DL-LF-Z:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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