Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP3910GK-P

Overview

MP3910GK-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a peak current mode PWM controller for external N-channel MOSFETs in boost, flyback, forward, and SEPIC topologies. It delivers 1A gate drive at 12V, supports programmable switching frequency from 30kHz to 400kHz, features external soft-start via SS pin, and enters pulse-skipping mode below 0.95V COMP voltage to improve light-load efficiency. Used in telecom isolated power supplies and brick modules.

For engineers reviewing the MP3910GK-P datasheet, MP3910GK-P pinout, MP3910GK-P application, or MP3910GK-P equivalent, key selection considerations include its 1A gate driver capability, cycle-by-cycle current limiting with 185mV ISENSE threshold, hiccup-mode OLP/OVP/SCP protection, and dual feedback path (FB or COMP) configurable via ISENSE pin detection.

Technical Context

The MP3910GK-P implements a fixed-frequency, peak current mode control architecture with integrated slope compensation and a 1.237V internal FB reference. Its oscillator uses an external RT resistor to set frequency (30–400kHz), and it supports synchronization to external clocks between 80kHz and 400kHz via the EN/SYNC pin.

It features dual-mode feedback configuration: ISENSE pin detects voltage at startup to auto-select between isolated (COMP-driven) and non-isolated (FB-driven) operation. Protection includes UVLO (4.17V rising, 350mV hysteresis), thermal shutdown (160°C), and multi-level hiccup recovery for OLP, SCP (350mV ISENSE threshold), and OVP (1.438V FB reference).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MP3910GK-P is housed in a thermally enhanced MSOP-10 package (3mm × 3mm, 0.5mm pitch) with exposed pad for improved thermal dissipation in high-power density designs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar peak current mode PWM controller applications.

Compared with UCC28086DR and NCP1252ADR2G, the MP3910GK-P offers superior design flexibility through programmable frequency, 1A gate drive enabling faster switching, and integrated hiccup-mode protection that distinguishes OLP, SCP, and OVP faults - critical for unattended telecom and industrial deployments.

Availability

MP3910GK-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telecom isolated power supplies, brick modules, and off-line controllers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MP3910GK-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, with design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan, and global manufacturing partnerships.

The MP3910GK-P belongs to MPS's high-voltage PWM controller product line, engineered for efficient, reliable, and flexible DC-DC conversion in telecom, industrial, and computing power systems where robust protection and topology adaptability are essential.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for reliable startup of the MP3910GK-P?

The MP3910GK-P requires ≥7V on VIN for guaranteed startup under all conditions. When VIN and VCC are connected externally, it can start from 5V, but maximum input must not exceed 13V due to internal LDO constraints and VCC-to-VIN diode drop. Below 7V, VCC may not reach its 12V regulated output, risking unstable operation.

How does the MP3910GK-P configure isolated versus non-isolated feedback paths?

At power-up, the MP3910GK-P applies a 55µA current pulse to the ISENSE pin for 50µs. If the resulting voltage exceeds 185mV, it disables the internal error amplifier and pulls COMP to 3.6V - enabling direct optocoupler feedback. If voltage remains below 185mV, it enables the FB-to-COMP amplifier and disables the COMP pull-up, routing feedback through the FB pin.

What protection mechanisms trigger hiccup mode versus immediate shutdown?

Hiccup mode is triggered separately for OLP (SS discharged at 17.8µA), SCP (350mV ISENSE threshold, 1.66µA discharge), and OVP (1.438V FB threshold, 1.66µA discharge). Each fault discharges SS to 0.2V before restarting. Immediate shutdown does not occur - all protections use timed hiccup recovery to prevent thermal runaway while allowing safe auto-restart after fault removal.

Can the MP3910GK-P synchronize to an external clock outside the 80–400kHz range?

No. The EN/SYNC pin only accepts external synchronization signals between 80kHz and 400kHz. Clocks below 80kHz will not lock; clocks above 400kHz exceed internal comparator bandwidth and may cause erratic behavior or fail to synchronize. For frequencies outside this band, use the internal RT-set oscillator only.

What is the role of the 500ns TOVPS blanking time in OVP detection?

The 500ns TOVPS (Time-Out for Voltage Protection Sampling) blanking window suppresses false OVP triggers caused by ringing from transformer leakage inductance and parasitic capacitance at switch transitions. It ensures OVP sampling occurs only during stable auxiliary winding voltage plateaus - critical for reliable flyback OVP in noisy high-dV/dt environments.

How does pulse-skipping mode reduce light-load power loss?

When COMP voltage falls below 0.95V, the MP3910GK-P asserts a PAUSE command that blocks the oscillator's turn-on pulse, halting switching and forcing GATE low. This eliminates gate-drive and switching losses while maintaining ultra-low 1µA shutdown current - extending battery life and reducing standby power in always-on systems.

Is the MSOP-10 package of the MP3910GK-P lead-free and RoHS compliant?

Yes. The MP3910GK-P is fully lead-free and complies with the EU RoHS directive. MPS confirms green status on its official website under Products > Quality Assurance, and the device carries appropriate marking per JEDEC J-STD-609A Class 1 standards.