Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP5001DQ-LF-P

Overview

MP5001DQ-LF-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a programmable current-limit switch IC designed for hot-swap and load protection in 5V systems. It integrates a 44mΩ DMOS power FET, supports adjustable current limit (1A–5A via external resistor), provides slew-rate control via dv/dt pin, and features under-voltage lockout (3.6V typ), overvoltage clamping (6.65V typ), and thermal shutdown at 175°C. Used in laptop power rails and PC card slots to prevent inrush damage and short-circuit faults.

For engineers reviewing the MP5001DQ-LF-P datasheet, MP5001DQ-LF-P pinout, MP5001DQ-LF-P application, or MP5001DQ-LF-P equivalent, key selection criteria include its 44mΩ R_DS(on), tri-state Enable/Fault pin behavior, I-Limit resistor-based trip/hold current tuning, and QFN10 (3×3 mm) thermal pad layout requirements.

Technical Context

The MP5001DQ-LF-P implements a sense-FET-based current-limit architecture with internal charge-pump gate drive enabling low on-resistance operation. Its UVLO (3.2–4.0V turn-on, 0.1V hysteresis) and output clamping (5.95–7.35V) provide dual-input-side protection against brownout and overvoltage events.

The bi-directional Enable/Fault pin operates across three voltage levels: low (≤0.5V) disables and clears fault flag; mid (0.82–2.0V) signals thermal shutdown; high (≥2.5V) enables normal operation. The dv/dt pin controls output rise time (1.1ms typical with pin floating) using an internal capacitor and optional external C_dv/dt.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP5001DQ-LF-P uses a thermally enhanced QFN10 package (3 mm × 3 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad (VCC connected). Pin 11 is the exposed pad (VCC), and Pin 6 is no-connect (must float).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS2557DRCT and AP22653WM6-7, MP5001DQ-LF-P uniquely combines programmable current limit, dv/dt-controlled soft-start, dual input protection (UVLO + clamp), and QFN10 thermal efficiency-making it optimal for space-constrained, high-reliability 5V hot-swap systems.

Availability

MP5001DQ-LF-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for hot-swap card slots, laptop USB power delivery, and industrial I/O module protection requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant packaging, and guaranteed long-term availability.

Supply support for MP5001DQ-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 design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan, serving computing, telecom, automotive, and industrial markets.

The MP5001 belongs to MPS's programmable load switch product line, engineered specifically for robust 5V hot-swap and inrush-limited power distribution in portable and embedded systems where precision current limiting and integrated protection are critical.

FAQ

What is the minimum copper area required for thermal management of MP5001DQ-LF-P?

The datasheet specifies a 0.5 in² (323 mm²) minimum copper pad connected to the exposed VCC pad via ≥4 thermal vias for continuous 4.2A operation at 25°C ambient. With less copper, derating applies: hold current must stay below 600mA at 25°C and 360mA at 85°C to avoid thermal shutdown.

How does the Enable/Fault pin behave during thermal shutdown?

During thermal shutdown, the Enable/Fault pin is actively driven to a mid-level voltage (0.82–2.0V) to signal fault condition. This state latches until the pin is pulled low externally or VCC drops below UVLO threshold, resetting the internal fault flag and allowing re-enable.

Can the dv/dt pin be left unconnected without affecting functionality?

Yes-the dv/dt pin has an internal capacitor that provides a default 1.1ms (typ) output rise time when left floating. No external capacitor is required unless longer ramp times (e.g., 12.3ms with 500pF) are needed for specific inrush specifications.

What is the relationship between RLIMIT resistor value and trip/hold currents?

RLIMIT sets both trip and hold thresholds: for RLIMIT = 22Ω, trip current is 3.3A and hold current is 2.1A; for RLIMIT = 100Ω, trip drops to 1.75A and hold to 0.6A. Values follow inverse proportionality per Table 1 in the datasheet, enabling precise current scaling.

Does MP5001DQ-LF-P require an external pull-up on the Enable/Fault pin?

No-the Enable/Fault pin includes an internal 25μA pull-up current source. When enabled, this pulls the pin to ~3.3V (limited to 4.8V max), eliminating need for external resistors in most configurations unless wired-OR fault bus loading exceeds 3 devices.

What happens if the load current exceeds the hold current during normal operation?

If load current exceeds the programmed hold current (e.g., 2.1A with RLIMIT = 22Ω), the device enters constant-current mode-not immediate shutdown. Thermal shutdown occurs only if power dissipation (I² × R_DS(on)) causes junction temperature to reach 175°C, which depends on PCB thermal design and ambient conditions.

Is the N/C pin (Pin 6) electrically isolated or internally tied?

Pin 6 is truly no-connect: not bonded, not tied to any internal node, and must remain unconnected and floating. Solder mask should fully cover it to prevent accidental solder bridging, as any connection may compromise device reliability or cause undefined behavior.