Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP5000DQ-LF-Z

Overview

MP5000DQ-LF-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a programmable current-limit switch IC designed for hot-swap and load protection in 12V systems. It integrates a 44mΩ DMOS power FET, supports adjustable current limit from 1A to 5A via external resistor, provides slew-rate control via dv/dt pin, and features under-voltage lockout (7.7–9.3V), overvoltage clamping (13.8–16.2V), and thermal shutdown at 175°C. Used in laptop PC card slots to prevent inrush damage during insertion.

For engineers reviewing the MP5000DQ-LF-Z datasheet, MP5000DQ-LF-Z pinout, MP5000DQ-LF-Z application, or MP5000DQ-LF-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include programmable trip/hold current matching, QFN10 thermal performance with exposed VCC pad, enable/fault tri-state signaling for system-level fault coordination, and UVLO/OVLO thresholds aligned with 12V rail stability requirements.

Technical Context

The MP5000 operates as a smart high-side load switch with integrated current sensing and protection logic. Its sense-FET topology enables precise current limiting without external shunts, while the internal charge pump ensures full gate drive for low R_DS(on) across input voltage range (10–18V). The dv/dt pin controls output voltage ramp time (0.64–2.1ms typical) using an internal capacitor or optional external C_dv/dt.

Enable/Fault pin functions as a bidirectional interface: pulled low to disable, floated to enable, and driven to mid-level (0.82–1.95V) during thermal fault. UVLO (8.5V typ.) and output clamping (15V typ.) are internally trimmed and temperature-compensated, eliminating need for external supervision circuitry in standard 12V applications.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP5000DQ-LF-Z uses a thermally enhanced QFN10 (3×3mm) package with exposed VCC pad for low θ_JA (50°C/W) and efficient heat dissipation. Pin 11 is the exposed pad connected to VCC, not GND - critical for thermal and electrical integrity.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS25940LARVCR and AP22653AW5-7, MP5000DQ-LF-Z uniquely combines programmable slew rate, tri-state fault signaling, and thermal latch in a QFN10 package - making it optimal for coordinated hot-swap systems where controlled ramp, fault visibility, and persistent shutdown are mandatory.

Availability

MP5000DQ-LF-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for hot-swap insertion, PC card slot protection, and laptop battery charging path applications requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant packaging, and guaranteed long-term lifecycle support.

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

The MP5000 product line delivers integrated high-side current-limit switches optimized for hot-swap, load protection, and inrush control in computing, industrial, and portable electronics - emphasizing autonomous protection and minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the minimum external resistor value for 5A current limit?

Per Table 1 in the datasheet, a 22Ω resistor from I-Limit to SOURCE sets the trip current to 5A and hold current to 3.7A at V_CC=12V. Using <22Ω risks exceeding absolute maximum ratings on the I-Limit pin and invalidates current limit accuracy - 22Ω is the lowest validated value for 5A operation.

Can the dv/dt pin be left unconnected for default startup behavior?

Yes - the dv/dt pin has an internal capacitor that provides a nominal 1.1ms output voltage rise time (10% to 90%) when left floating. No pull-up, pull-down, or tie-off is required; adding external capacitance increases ramp time linearly per K_RT=22E6, as specified in the datasheet.

How does the Enable/Fault pin indicate thermal shutdown?

During thermal shutdown, the Enable/Fault pin is actively driven to a mid-level voltage (0.82–1.95V) - distinct from low (disable/clear) or high (enable) states. This level is detectable by an external comparator or microcontroller ADC, and the internal fault flag remains latched until the pin is pulled low or V_CC drops below UVLO.

Is the exposed VCC pad electrically isolated from other pins?

No - Pin 11 (exposed pad) is internally connected to the VCC supply rail and must be soldered to the same net as the top-side VCC connection. It serves as both primary power input and main thermal conduction path; connecting it to ground or another voltage violates absolute maximum ratings and causes immediate failure.

What happens during an overvoltage event at VCC?

When V_CC exceeds 17V, the internal voltage clamp activates and limits the SOURCE output to 13.8–16.2V (typ. 15V), protecting downstream loads. This clamping is independent of enable state and occurs even if the device is disabled - ensuring continuous overvoltage protection regardless of control logic.

Does the MP5000 support automatic retry after thermal shutdown?

No - thermal shutdown is a latched condition. The device remains off until the Enable/Fault pin is pulled low to clear the fault flag, or V_CC drops below UVLO threshold and recovers. This prevents uncontrolled cycling during sustained overload and requires explicit system-level intervention to restore operation.