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

Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP38900DL-Z

Name: MP38900DL-Z
Brand: Monolithic Power Systems Inc.
SKU: MP38900DL-Z
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: MP38900DL-Z

Manufacturer:: Monolithic Power Systems Inc.

Category:: Voltage Regulators - DC DC Switching Regulators

Package:: 20-VFQFN Exposed Pad

Datasheet:: MP38900DL-Z.pdf

Description:: IC REG BUCK ADJ 10A 20QFN

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Product details

Overview

MP38900DL-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 0.8V–13V output, integrates 27mΩ/10mΩ MOSFETs, and uses Constant-On-Time (COT) control for rapid load-step response in notebook I/O and POL systems.

For engineers reviewing the MP38900DL-Z datasheet, MP38900DL-Z pinout, MP38900DL-Z application, or MP38900DL-Z equivalent, key selection considerations include its end-of-life status, VCC architecture difference between MP38900 (external) and MP38900-B (internal), hiccup vs. latch-off OCP behavior, and soft-start/soft-shutdown implementation.

Technical Context

The MP38900DL-Z implements Constant-On-Time (COT) control with line feed-forward via the FREQ pin, enabling stable loop dynamics without external compensation. Its internal power stage integrates asymmetric MOSFETs (27mΩ HS / 10mΩ LS) and supports programmable switching frequency through an external resistor.

It features dual protection architectures: MP38900DL-Z (based on MP38900) uses latch-off over-current protection and soft shutdown, while thermal shutdown (150°C trip, 25°C hysteresis), OVP (1.25×V_FB), UVP (0.7×V_FB), SCP, and UVLO (VIN/VCC thresholds) are fully integrated.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Input Voltage Range	4.5V to 16V - supports wide industrial and computing rail inputs including 5V, 12V, and 15V bus systems.
Output Current	10A continuous - enables single-chip power delivery for high-performance SoCs and FPGAs without external current sharing.
Feedback Reference	0.815V ±8mV - enables precise 0.8V–13V output regulation with <1% error across line/load/temperature.
Power MOSFETs	27mΩ HS / 10mΩ LS - reduces conduction loss and improves full-load efficiency without external drivers.
Switching Control	Constant-On-Time (COT) - delivers sub-10μs transient response and eliminates need for type-II/III compensation networks.
Protection Features	SCP, OCP (latch-off), OVP, UVP, thermal shutdown - provides autonomous fault recovery only after power cycle due to EOL MP38900 variant.
Package	QFN20 (3×4mm, 0.5mm pitch) - ultra-compact footprint with exposed thermal pad for PCB-level thermal management.

Pinout & Package

MP38900DL-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN20 (3×4mm) package with wettable flanks and an exposed thermal pad (Pin 13). The package supports reflow soldering per JEDEC J-STD-020 and requires controlled thermal relief for ground pads.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1, 11–16	AGND / PGND	Analog and power ground pins - require separate low-impedance copper pours tied at single-point star ground near IC to minimize noise coupling into FB path.
2	FREQ	Frequency set input - connects to IN via resistor for line feed-forward; sets CCM switching frequency and determines ON-time per COT equation.
3	FB	Feedback input - senses output voltage via resistive divider; internal 1% reference enables accurate regulation down to 0.8V.
4	SS	Soft-start capacitor node - internal 8.5μA current source charges/discharges external capacitor to control ramp-up/ramp-down of output voltage.
5	EN	Enable input - active-high with 1.05–1.60V threshold and 420mV hysteresis; internal 1MΩ pull-down enables automatic start via 100kΩ to IN.
6	PGOOD	Open-drain power-good flag - asserts high after 1.5ms delay when V_FB ≥ 90% V_REF; used for system sequencing and fault monitoring.
7	BST	Bootstrap supply - requires 1μF ceramic capacitor between BST and SW to bias high-side gate driver above input rail.
8, 19	IN	Main input supply - accepts 4.5–16V; requires local 10μF+ ceramic decoupling and low-inductance layout to minimize switching noise.
9, 10, 17, 18	SW	Switch node - connects to external inductor; demands wide copper traces, multiple vias, and tight loop area to reduce EMI and voltage ringing.
20	VCC	External 5V bias supply - must be provided externally (not generated internally); decoupled with 1μF ceramic close to pin for stable gate drive.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Proprietary switching loss reduction	Optimizes dead-time control and gate drive timing to minimize shoot-through and body-diode conduction losses in CCM and skip modes.
Programmable soft start time	Set via external SS capacitor (C_SS = t_SS(ms) × 8.5μA / 0.815V); prevents inrush current and ensures monotonic V_OUT ramp during power-up.
Fast transient response	Sub-10μs output voltage recovery from 50% load step due to COT architecture and minimal output capacitance dependency.
Light-load efficiency optimization	Automatic transition to skip mode below critical current (~1.2A typical), reducing switching losses while maintaining regulation.
Integrated protection suite	Hardware-based SCP triggers immediate OCP under short-circuit; thermal shutdown (150°C) includes 25°C hysteresis for self-recovery after cooling.

Applications

Notebook I/O Power

Networking System POL

Use Scenario: Providing clean, tightly regulated 1.05V/3A power to PCIe Gen4 controller I/O banks in ultrabook platforms.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary synchronous buck regulator delivering point-of-load voltage with <±1% accuracy and <10μs transient response to burst traffic.

Use Value: Eliminates need for external MOSFET drivers and compensation components, reducing BOM count by 4 parts and saving >12mm² PCB area.

Use Scenario: Generating 3.3V/5A supply for SFP+ transceiver modules in enterprise switches with strict ripple (<20mV_pp) requirements.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-frequency (1MHz+) step-down converter operating in CCM to maintain low output impedance across 10Hz–1MHz bandwidth.

Use Value: Integrated 27mΩ/10mΩ MOSFETs achieve >92% peak efficiency at 3.3V/5A, reducing thermal load versus discrete solutions.

Optical Communication Bias

Distributed POL Architecture

Use Scenario: Supplying 5V/2A bias to laser diode drivers in coherent optical modules where EMI-sensitive analog circuits share the same PCB.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise buck converter using COT control and optimized layout guidance to suppress switching noise coupling into analog signal paths.

Use Value: Programmable frequency and external ramp support enable stable operation with low-ESR ceramic capacitors, minimizing conducted EMI.

Use Scenario: Delivering 1.2V/10A core voltage to multi-core ARM processors in edge AI gateways with dynamic DVFS voltage scaling.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current POL regulator supporting rapid voltage transitions (0.8V ↔ 1.3V) via digital EN control and soft-start synchronization.

Use Value: Soft-start/soft-shutdown capability ensures glitch-free voltage transitions during DVFS events, preventing processor reset or data corruption.

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
MP38900DL-B-Z	Internal 5V VCC regulator; hiccup-mode OCP; fixed 1.5ms PGOOD delay; no soft shutdown.	Supports pre-biased output startup; suitable for hot-swap and always-on subsystems requiring autonomous fault recovery.	Select MP38900DL-B-Z if VCC sourcing complexity must be eliminated and hiccup-mode OCP is acceptable for system-level fault handling.
MP2315GJ-Z	6A rated; smaller QFN12 (2×2mm); no external VCC requirement; lower IQ (350μA); fixed 500kHz fSW.	Targeted at space-constrained, lower-current applications (e.g., MCU cores, sensors); lacks programmable frequency and COT flexibility.	Choose MP2315GJ-Z only for cost- and size-sensitive designs where 6A output and fixed-frequency operation suffice.

Compared with MP38900DL-Z, MP38900DL-B-Z removes external VCC dependency and enables autonomous restart after faults, while MP2315GJ-Z trades current capability and control flexibility for compactness and lower quiescent current-making it unsuitable as a drop-in replacement.

Availability

MP38900DL-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook I/O power, networking POL systems, and optical communication bias supplies requiring stable component supply amid end-of-life transitions.

Supply support for MP38900DL-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.

The MP38900 product line targets high-density, high-efficiency DC/DC conversion in computing and communications infrastructure, emphasizing fast transient response, minimal external components, and robust protection for mission-critical POL applications.

FAQ

Is MP38900DL-Z still in active production?

No. MP38900DL-Z is marked END OF LIFE per the official MPS datasheet Rev. 1.1 (2012). It remains available through authorized distributors and Aetrix Electronics' legacy inventory, but no new wafer starts are planned. Customers should evaluate MP38900DL-B-Z or newer alternatives for new designs.

What is the function of the FREQ pin on MP38900DL-Z?

The FREQ pin sets the switching frequency in CCM mode by connecting an external resistor between FREQ and IN. It also enables line feed-forward to stabilize duty cycle across input voltage variations. A 1nF capacitor to AGND is required for noise immunity, and the resistor value directly determines ON-time per the COT equation.

Can MP38900DL-Z operate with a pre-biased output?

No. MP38900DL-Z employs soft shutdown and latch-off OCP, which prevent safe startup into a pre-biased output. Attempting pre-bias may cause uncontrolled inrush or failure to regulate. For pre-bias support, use MP38900DL-B-Z, which disables soft shutdown and enters hiccup mode instead.

Why does MP38900DL-Z require an external VCC supply?

MP38900DL-Z uses an external 5V VCC supply to bias its high-side gate driver and internal circuitry. This allows efficiency optimization at light loads by disconnecting VCC from the input rail. The VCC pin must be supplied with a clean, well-decoupled 5V source - unlike MP38900DL-B-Z, which integrates this regulator.

How is thermal performance affected by the QFN20 (3×4mm) package?

The QFN20 package has θ_JA = 48°C/W and θ_JC = 10°C/W on a 4-layer PCB. To maintain T_J ≤ 125°C at 10A, the PCB must provide ≥2.6W power dissipation capability via the exposed thermal pad, multiple thermal vias, and inner-layer copper planes - undersized layout will trigger thermal shutdown.

Does MP38900DL-Z support ceramic output capacitors?

Yes, but external ramp compensation (R4/C4) is required for stability with low-ESR ceramics. Without it, the VFB ripple slope is insufficient for COT control, risking subharmonic oscillation. The datasheet provides design equations (Eq. 5–9) to size R4 and C4 based on VIN, VOUT, and L value.

What happens during over-current events on MP38900DL-Z?

MP38900DL-Z uses cycle-by-cycle current limiting and latches off permanently upon sustained over-current or short-circuit detection. Recovery requires a full power cycle - there is no automatic retry. This differs from MP38900DL-B-Z, which enters hiccup mode and self-restarts after fault removal.

MP38900DL-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-Z FAQ

1.How can I place an order for MP38900DL-Z through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MP38900DL-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-Z reliable?

The price and inventory of MP38900DL-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-Z is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for MP38900DL-Z?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MP38900DL-Z transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for MP38900DL-Z?

MP38900DL-Z orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your MP38900DL-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-Z?

For technical support, including MP38900DL-Z datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MP38900DL-Z requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that MP38900DL-Z is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All MP38900DL-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-Z meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of MP38900DL-Z?

All MP38900DL-Z units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MP38900DL-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-Z part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for MP38900DL-Z:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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