Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP5000DQ-LF-P

Overview

MP5000DQ-LF-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a programmable current-limit switch IC designed for input-side protection in 12V power rails, featuring an integrated 44mΩ DMOS FET, adjustable 1–5A current limit via external resistor, and controlled output slew rate using a dv/dt pin capacitor. It provides overvoltage clamping (13.8–16.2V), UVLO (7.7–9.3V), thermal shutdown at 175°C, and tri-state Enable/Fault signaling - deployed in hot-swap and laptop power management.

For engineers reviewing the MP5000DQ-LF-P datasheet, MP5000DQ-LF-P pinout, MP5000DQ-LF-P application, or MP5000DQ-LF-P equivalent, key selection criteria include its QFN10 (3×3mm) package with exposed VCC pad, 10V–18V operating input range, 2.3A continuous current rating at 80°C ambient, and bi-directional Enable/Fault interface supporting fault chaining across multiple units.

Technical Context

The MP5000DQ-LF-P implements a sense-FET-based current-limit architecture where trip and hold thresholds are set by an external resistor between I-Limit and Source pins; typical trip current is 5.0A (RLIMIT = 22Ω), hold current is 3.7A. Its internal charge pump enables full gate drive for low RDS(on) operation without requiring external boost components.

UVLO and overvoltage protection operate independently of enable state: under-voltage disables output and pulls Enable/Fault low to reset fault flag; overvoltage clamps source voltage while maintaining regulation. Thermal shutdown latches off the device until Enable/Fault is pulled low or VCC drops below UVLO threshold.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP5000DQ-LF-P uses a thermally enhanced QFN10 (3×3mm) package with exposed VCC pad (Pin 11) for low-impedance power and thermal path. The 10-pin layout includes five Source terminals (Pins 6–10) paralleled internally to handle high current, minimizing trace resistance and improving thermal spreading.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar programmable current-limit switch applications.

Compared with TUSB544RGET and TPS25940ARVCR, MP5000DQ-LF-P delivers optimal balance of 12V compatibility, precise analog programmability, and minimal external components - making it ideal for space-constrained hot-swap modules where digital interfaces add unnecessary overhead.

Availability

MP5000DQ-LF-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for hot-swap card insertion, laptop ExpressCard slot protection, industrial 12V hot-swap modules, and embedded computing backplane power distribution requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for MP5000DQ-LF-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 core expertise in DC/DC conversion, LED drivers, and power protection solutions.

The MP5000 product line targets robust, low-component-count power-switching applications in computing, industrial, and communications equipment - emphasizing simplicity, thermal resilience, and analog configurability over digital telemetry.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous current rating for MP5000DQ-LF-P at 80°C ambient?

The MP5000DQ-LF-P supports 2.3A continuous current at TA = 80°C with standard PCB layout (0.5 in² copper, 4.2 oz). This rating derives from thermal limits: at 44mΩ RDS(on), 2.3A yields ~232mW loss; with θJA = 50°C/W, junction rise is ~11.6°C, keeping TJ well below 150°C max.

Can the Enable/Fault pin be left floating during normal operation?

Yes - the Enable/Fault pin has an internal 25µA weak pull-up that drives it to logic high when floating, enabling the device if no fault is latched. However, in multi-device systems, it must be externally pulled up (e.g., 10kΩ to 3.3V) to ensure reliable wired-OR fault signaling and avoid noise-induced false faults.

How does the dv/dt pin affect startup behavior with no external capacitor?

With dv/dt pin unconnected, the internal circuit provides a fixed 1.1ms (typical) output voltage rise time from 10% to 90%. This soft-start prevents inrush into downstream capacitance without requiring external components - verified in datasheet Figure 6 and Table 2.

Is the N/C pin electrically isolated or internally tied?

Pin 5 (N/C) is internally unconnected and must remain floating - no internal tie to GND, VCC, or other nodes. Datasheet explicitly states "DO NOT CONNECT" and recommends leaving it unpopulated or covered with solder mask to prevent accidental shorts in high-density layouts.

What happens during thermal shutdown, and how is it reset?

At 175°C junction temperature, the MP5000 latches off output and drives Enable/Fault to mid-level (0.82–1.95V) to signal thermal fault. The latch persists until Enable/Fault is pulled low externally or VCC drops below UVLO threshold (≤7.7V), ensuring fault condition is acknowledged before recovery.

Does MP5000DQ-LF-P support reverse current blocking?

No - the MP5000DQ-LF-P is a unidirectional high-side switch with source-connected output. It does not block reverse current from load to input; external diode or back-to-back FET configuration is required for reverse polarity or backfeed protection.

What is the minimum copper area required for the exposed VCC pad to achieve full 5A rating?

Full 5A operation requires ≥0.5 in² (323 mm²) of 2oz copper connected to the exposed pad via ≥4 thermal vias (0.3mm diameter, 0.8mm depth). Without this, thermal derating applies: at 80°C ambient, continuous current drops to 2.3A per datasheet Absolute Maximum Ratings table.