Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP4601ES-LF

Overview

MP4601ES-LF from Monolithic Power Systems is a current-mode buck-boost white LED driver IC designed for large-size LCD TV backlighting, supporting up to 100 LEDs in series with output voltage up to 350V. It operates with dual input rails (VINL = 12V, VINH up to 236V), delivers regulated current via 200mV FB reference, achieves up to 99.5% efficiency, and integrates a 0.5Ω internal MOSFET switch.

For engineers reviewing the MP4601ES-LF datasheet, MP4601ES-LF pinout, MP4601ES-LF application, or MP4601ES-LF equivalent, key selection considerations include its novel power leverage control architecture, programmable cycle-by-cycle overcurrent protection (2.5A default), analog+PWM dimming support (1:1000+ ratio), and dual-package availability (SOIC16/ TSSOP16-EP) with thermal shutdown and LED open/short fault detection.

Technical Context

The MP4601ES-LF implements peak current-mode control with programmable slope compensation (1.2 V/µs default) to ensure stability at >50% duty cycles. Its power leverage topology regulates only a small portion of the LED string voltage while leveraging a fixed high-voltage bus (VINH), enabling high-power-density operation with low-voltage stress on the IC.

It features integrated fault management: LED short protection triggers latched-off shutdown if FB ≥ 600 mV or FB ≥ 300 mV for 480 µs; LED open protection uses OVP pin (1.2 V threshold) to disable switching; FAULT pin provides open-drain status indication referenced to INGND.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP4601ES-LF is supplied in SOIC16 package (JEDEC MS-012 AC), with exposed pad omitted. Pin functions are electrically identical to TSSOP16-EP variant but differ in mechanical layout and thermal performance (θ_JA = 80°C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar white LED driver applications.

Compared with MP4601ES-LF, MP4603ES-LF offers tighter regulation and lower power loss in continuous operation, while LT3759EMSE#PBF trades integration for flexibility in ultra-high-voltage or multi-rail architectures-making MP4601ES-LF optimal for standardized 60–100 inch TV backlight platforms.

Availability

MP4601ES-LF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for large-screen TV backlighting, commercial signage illumination, medical display systems, and industrial HMI panel lighting requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturing continuity.

Supply support for MP4601ES-LF 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 core expertise in DC-DC conversion, LED drivers, and motor control solutions.

The MP4601 belongs to MPS's high-voltage LED driver product line, engineered specifically for energy-efficient, high-brightness backlighting in consumer and professional large-format displays.

FAQ

What is the maximum LED string voltage supported by MP4601ES-LF?

The MP4601ES-LF supports LED string voltages up to 350 V when used with an external high-voltage bus (VINH). Its power leverage architecture allows regulation of only a small portion of this voltage, enabling safe operation with a 12 V low-side input rail (VINL) and internal 0.5 Ω MOSFET.

How does the FAULT pin behave during LED short conditions?

During an LED short, the FB pin voltage rises above 600 mV, causing the FAULT pin to be actively pulled low to INGND (R_DS(on) ≈ 100 Ω). If FB exceeds 300 mV for 480 µs, the same latched-off state occurs. The device remains disabled until EN is cycled; FAULT is high-Z during normal operation.

Can MP4601ES-LF operate without an external high-voltage bus?

No. MP4601ES-LF requires two input rails: a low-voltage supply (VINL = 4.5–75 V, typically 12 V) for bias and gate drive, and a high-voltage bus (VINH) to supply the LED string. The IC regulates current by modulating the voltage drop across its internal switch, not by generating the full string voltage.

What is the purpose of the SLOPE pin, and how is it configured?

The SLOPE pin provides programmable ramp compensation for peak current-mode control. A resistor from SLOPE to VSS sets compensation slope (default 1.2 V/µs); values from 20 kΩ to 500 kΩ yield 0.3–1.4 V/µs. This prevents subharmonic oscillation when duty cycle exceeds 50%, critical for stable operation at high VINH/VOUT ratios.

Is MP4601ES-LF RoHS compliant and halogen-free?

Yes. The "-LF" suffix denotes lead-free and RoHS-compliant packaging per JEDEC J-STD-020. The SOIC16 package uses matte tin plating and meets IPC/JEDEC J-STD-075 standards for halogen-free materials (Cl ≤ 900 ppm, Br ≤ 900 ppm).

How is LED current set, and what tolerance does it achieve?

LED current is set by an external resistor R_FB between FB and VSS using I_LED = 0.200 V / R_FB. With a ±5% FB reference voltage and typical resistor tolerance, total current accuracy is ±7–8% over temperature and line. Layout care around FB minimizes noise-induced error.

Why is the MP4601 marked "Not Recommended for New Designs"?

MPS issued this notice because MP4603ES-LF supersedes MP4601ES-LF with improvements including lower quiescent current (650 µA vs 850 µA), better thermal resistance (θ_JA = 70°C/W vs 80°C/W), and tighter OVP accuracy (±1.5% vs ±2%). MP4601ES-LF remains fully supported for existing designs and repairs.