Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP4030AGS

Overview

MP4030AGS from Monolithic Power Systems is a TRIAC-dimmable, primary-side-control offline LED controller with integrated active PFC and an internal low-side MOSFET (30V BVDSS, 260mΩ RDS(ON)). It delivers accurate LED current regulation in isolated flyback topologies without optocouplers or secondary-side feedback, supports 1%–100% flicker-free dimming, operates in boundary-conduction mode, and targets residential/commercial LED drivers delivering up to 350mA at 21V output.

For engineers reviewing the MP4030AGS datasheet, MP4030AGS pinout, MP4030AGS application, or MP4030AGS equivalent, key selection criteria include its real-current-control architecture, VCC fast-start charging circuit, 8-pin SOIC package with integrated ZCD/MULT/DP functions, and compatibility with TRIAC-dimming infrastructure in legacy AC lighting systems.

Technical Context

The MP4030AGS implements proprietary real-current control using primary-side signals-MULT pin voltage (0.13–0.38V thresholds) and ZCD zero-crossing detection-to reconstruct LED current without secondary sensing. Its multiplier gain (0.82–1.24 1/V) shapes input-line current for >0.9 PF and low THD.

It integrates boundary-conduction-mode control with 5.1µs minimum OFF time, cycle-by-cycle OCP (2.73V threshold), auto-restart fault protection (OVP at 5.4V, OTP at 150°C), and a dedicated DP pin driving an internal 28Ω pull-down MOSFET for precise TRIAC phase detection during dimmer OFF intervals.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MP4030AGS is housed in an 8-pin SOIC package (SOIC8), surface-mount, with standard JEDEC outline and thermal pad not exposed. Pin 1 is marked with dot or notch orientation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MP4030AGS, MP4020AGS trades integration for flexibility in high-power layouts, while UCC28810DR lacks the proprietary dimming architecture and real-current control-making MP4030AGS superior for flicker-critical residential retrofits and compact commercial fixtures.

Availability

MP4030AGS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for residential LED downlights, commercial office troffers, and industrial high-bay lighting requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant manufacturing.

Supply support for MP4030AGS 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 through authorized partners.

The MP4030AGS belongs to MPS's LED lighting controller product line, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, TRIAC-compatible, isolated AC/DC LED drivers that demand high PF, low THD, and flicker-free dimming without secondary feedback.

FAQ

What is the function of the DP pin on MP4030AGS?

The DP (Dimming Pull-Down) pin drives an internal 28Ω MOSFET to actively discharge the rectified AC line voltage during the TRIAC dimmer's OFF interval. This ensures clean, repeatable detection of the dimmer's phase angle at the MULT pin-enabling stable 1%–100% dimming without false triggering or flicker caused by residual voltage.

Does MP4030AGS require an external MOSFET?

Yes. While MP4030AGS integrates a low-side 30V/260mΩ MOSFET, it is intended for use with an external high-side MOSFET in flyback topology. The internal MOSFET serves as the synchronous rectifier or current-sense switch-not the main power switch-so a discrete high-voltage MOSFET (e.g., 600V) must be used on the primary side.

How does MP4030AGS achieve power factor correction without a secondary feedback loop?

It uses the MULT pin to sample the instantaneous rectified line voltage and multiplies it with the error amplifier output (COMP) to generate a sinusoidal current reference. This reference shapes the primary inductor current waveform in-phase with the AC line, achieving >0.9 PF-fully implemented on the primary side without optocouplers or secondary sensing.

What is the purpose of the 25% line-cycle blanking time in TRIAC dimming?

This blanking period disables phase detection for the first 25% of each AC half-cycle to avoid misinterpreting noise or transients near the zero-crossing. It ensures reliable dimmer recognition only during the stable portion of the conduction window, preventing erratic dimming behavior when using legacy leading-edge dimmers.

Can MP4030AGS operate from 277VAC input?

Yes. Though optimized for 120VAC/230VAC, MP4030AGS supports universal input (85–305VAC) when paired with appropriate transformer turns ratio and snubber design. Key constraints include maintaining ZCD voltage within –8V to +7V and ensuring VCC remains within 11–27V via auxiliary winding design or external regulation.

What happens during over-temperature fault condition?

At junction temperature ≥150°C, the internal thermal shutdown circuit latches off switching and gate drive. VCC continues to be supplied until it drops below 7V, at which point the internal charging circuit re-engages for auto-restart. Recovery occurs only after die temperature falls by ≥30°C hysteresis, preventing thermal cycling damage.

Is the COMP pin voltage clamped, and why?

Yes-COMP is clamped between 1.85V and 4.9V. The lower clamp (1.85V) prevents excessive current reduction at deep dim levels, maintaining TRIAC holding current and eliminating flicker; the upper clamp limits maximum LED current and stabilizes loop response under load transients.