Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP4026GJ-Z

Overview

MP4026GJ-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a primary-side-control, offline LED controller with integrated active PFC in TSOT23-6 package. It delivers accurate LED current regulation (±3% typical), ≥0.9 power factor across 90–265VAC input, and valley-switching operation for reduced MOSFET losses in isolated flyback and non-isolated buck-boost LED drivers.

For engineers reviewing the MP4026GJ-Z datasheet, MP4026GJ-Z pinout, MP4026GJ-Z application, or MP4026GJ-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include real-current control without optocoupler, brown-out protection with 42ms detection time, VCC UVLO thresholds (24.9V turn-on / 9.3V turn-off), and primary-side over-current protection at 2.5V CS/ZCD threshold.

Technical Context

The MP4026GJ-Z implements proprietary real-current control using primary-side information only-eliminating secondary feedback, optocouplers, and TL431 references. Its multiplier-based PFC architecture shapes input current to match rectified line voltage, achieving ≥0.9 PF across universal AC input.

Valley-switching mode is triggered by dual zero-crossing detection on the CS/ZCD pin, with programmable blanking times (320ns LEB for current sense, 1.6μs for OVP). Protection logic includes auto-restart thermal shutdown (150°C trip, 25°C hysteresis), cycle-by-cycle current limiting, and open/short LED fault handling via 190μs auto-starter timeout.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSOT23-6 package: 1.7mm × 2.9mm footprint, 0.95mm height, exposed pad for thermal dissipation (θJA = 100°C/W on 4-layer PCB).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar primary-side LED controller applications.

Compared with MP4021AGJ-Z, MP4026GJ-Z adds valley switching and improves PF by 0.05; versus UCC28810DR, it reduces solution size by 45% and eliminates external PFC IC-making it optimal for compact, cost-driven LED drivers up to 40W.

Availability

MP4026GJ-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial lighting, commercial downlights, and residential outdoor fixtures requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for MP4026GJ-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 MP4026 belongs to MPS's offline LED controller product line, engineered specifically for compact, high-efficiency, optocoupler-free LED drivers targeting commercial and industrial lighting markets.

FAQ

What is the minimum off-time limit of the MP4026GJ-Z?

The MP4026GJ-Z enforces a 5.5µs minimum off-time to constrain maximum switching frequency and improve EMI performance. This value is fixed internally and not user-adjustable. It ensures stable operation across universal AC input ranges and prevents excessive gate drive losses at high line voltages.

Can the MP4026GJ-Z be used in non-isolated buck-boost topologies?

Yes-the MP4026GJ-Z supports non-isolated buck-boost configurations using a tapped inductor. Its primary-side sensing and ZCD detection eliminate need for auxiliary winding, enabling cost reduction while maintaining PF >0.9 at high output voltages (e.g., 48V LED strings).

How does the MULT pin enable brown-out protection?

The MULT pin monitors rectified AC line voltage via a resistor divider. Internal peak detection triggers brown-out when MULT voltage remains below 300mV for 42ms, forcing COMP voltage to zero and disabling switching. Recovery occurs when MULT exceeds 400mV, ensuring soft restart without output overshoot.

What is the purpose of the 190µs auto-starter timer?

The auto-starter activates if no ZCD signal is detected within 190µs after MOSFET turn-off-preventing false shutdown during transient conditions like LED open-circuit or weak ZCD coupling. It forces gate turn-on to maintain basic regulation and initiate fault-handling sequences.

Does the MP4026GJ-Z require an external compensation network?

Yes-a Type II compensation network (resistor + capacitor + optional capacitor) must be connected between COMP and GND to stabilize the current regulation loop. Typical values are 10kΩ resistor and 1nF capacitor, tuned per transformer turns ratio and output current to achieve phase margin >45°.

How is output over-voltage protection implemented without secondary sensing?

OVP uses the auxiliary winding voltage reflected through the CS/ZCD pin. After 1.6µs blanking time post-turn-off, if ZCD voltage exceeds 5.1V, OVP latches, halts switching, and initiates auto-restart once VCC drops below UVLO-protecting LEDs and MOSFET without optocoupler or voltage divider.

What is the recommended layout practice for the CS/ZCD pin?

Place a 10pF ceramic capacitor directly from CS/ZCD to GND, minimize trace length, and keep CS/ZCD routing away from noisy nodes (e.g., MOSFET drain, rectifier anodes). Use a low-value (≤1kΩ) bottom resistor in the ZCD divider to reduce RC delay and preserve zero-crossing detection accuracy.