Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP4030AGS-Z

Overview

MP4030AGS-Z 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 constant LED current in isolated flyback topologies without optocoupler or secondary-side feedback, operates in boundary-conduction mode for high efficiency, and supports flicker-free dimming from 1% to 100% using real-current-control architecture. Used in residential and commercial LED drivers with 108–132VAC input and 350mA output.

For engineers reviewing the MP4030AGS-Z datasheet, MP4030AGS-Z pinout, MP4030AGS-Z application, or MP4030AGS-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include its primary-side regulation accuracy (±3% LED current), integrated VCC charging circuit for <115µs startup, 75% dimming-phase detection threshold, 2.73V OCP threshold, and SOIC8 thermal performance (θJA = 96°C/W).

Technical Context

The MP4030AGS-Z implements proprietary real-current-control by reconstructing LED current from primary-side signals-using MULT pin voltage (0.13–0.38V thresholds) and ZCD zero-cross detection (0.35V falling-edge trigger with 1.85µs blanking)-enabling precise regulation without secondary sensing. Its multiplier-based PFC shapes input current to match line voltage phase, achieving >0.9 PF and low THD.

Built-in protections operate autonomously: cycle-by-cycle OCP triggers at 2.73V on S pin after 685ns LEB; OVP latches at 5.4V on ZCD pin with 1.85µs sampling blanking; thermal shutdown activates at 150°C with 30°C hysteresis; all faults auto-restart when VCC drops to 7V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MP4030AGS-Z is housed in an 8-pin SOIC package (SOIC8), with exposed pad not electrically connected. Thermal resistance θJA = 96°C/W on JEDEC JESD51-7 4-layer board.

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-Z, MP4027AGS-Z trades integrated MOSFET capability for higher input voltage tolerance, while UCC28810DR offers greater configurability at the cost of increased BOM count and layout complexity-making MP4030AGS-Z optimal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained 120VAC residential LED drivers.

Availability

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

Supply support for MP4030AGS-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 focus on energy-efficient power management solutions for computing, automotive, and lighting markets.

The MP4030A product line targets cost-optimized, TRIAC-dimmable LED drivers for mains-powered lighting-designed to replace magnetic transformers and simplify compliance with ENERGY STAR, IEC 61000-3-2, and UL 8750 requirements.

FAQ

What is the minimum recommended sense resistor value for the S pin?

The S pin current-sense comparator has a 2.73V OCP threshold and 2.3V clamp. With typical LED currents up to 350mA and peak primary current scaling, RS ≥ 0.68Ω is recommended to avoid exceeding the clamp during normal operation while maintaining noise immunity and resolution.

How does the MP4030AGS-Z achieve flicker-free dimming at 1% level?

It uses dual VMULT thresholds (0.15V OFF / 0.35V ON), 25% line-cycle blanking, and COMP voltage clamping at 1.9V to maintain TRIAC holding current. This prevents random re-strike and ensures stable conduction even at minimal dimming angles-verified in 120VAC/60Hz testing with 7-LED strings.

Can the internal MOSFET drive high-power LED loads directly?

No-the internal MOSFET has 30V BVDSS and 260mΩ RDS(ON), limiting practical use to ≤15W output (e.g., 350mA × 42V). For higher power, external MOSFETs must be used with the MP4030AGS-Z in controller-only mode, leveraging its ZCD/MULT interface and protection features.

What is the purpose of the DP pin and how is it connected?

The DP pin is the drain of an internal pull-down MOSFET used during TRIAC OFF intervals. A resistor (typically 10–47kΩ) connects DP to the D pin to discharge the rectified input voltage, ensuring clean MULT pin signal recovery and preventing false dimming-phase detection in trailing-edge or noisy environments.

Does the MP4030AGS-Z support 277VAC operation?

Not natively-the internal MOSFET is rated for 30V, and VCC UVLO upper limit is 27V. For 277VAC, use MP4027AGS-Z (external 600V MOSFET) or add a front-end buck pre-regulator. The MP4030AGS-Z is validated for 108–132VAC and 220–240VAC with appropriate transformer turns ratio and snubber design.

How is output overvoltage protection implemented without direct output sensing?

OVP is derived from the auxiliary winding voltage fed into the ZCD pin. Since VAUX ∝ VOUT, the IC monitors ZCD for >5.4V after 1.85µs blanking. The OVP threshold is set by NAUX/NSEC ratio and external resistors-enabling accurate, isolated output protection without optocoupler or secondary-side components.

Is the COMP pin voltage externally clamped, or is clamping internal?

Clamping is fully internal: COMP voltage is hard-clamped between 1.85V (lower) and 4.9V (upper) by on-chip circuitry. External compensation networks must be designed within this range-exceeding it causes regulation loss and potential instability, as confirmed in typical application circuits on page 19 of Rev. 1.01 datasheet.