Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP5003EQ-LF-P

Overview

MP5003EQ-LF-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a programmable current-limit load switch with integrated 44mΩ DMOS FET, adjustable 1A–3A current limit via external resistor, 1.1ms default output slew rate, and auto-restart thermal protection. It operates from 2.5V to 6V input, provides under-voltage lockout (2.35V typ), overvoltage clamping (4.03V typ), and enables hot-swap in portable power rails.

For engineers reviewing the MP5003EQ-LF-P datasheet, MP5003EQ-LF-P pinout, MP5003EQ-LF-P application, or MP5003EQ-LF-P equivalent, key selection criteria include its bi-directional Enable/Fault pin behavior, dv/dt-controlled inrush management, ILIMIT-resistor-based trip/hold current tuning, and QFN10 thermal performance under sustained 1.55A hold current.

Technical Context

The MP5003EQ-LF-P implements a sense-FET-based current-limit architecture where trip and hold thresholds are set by an external resistor between +ILIMIT and –ILIMIT pins, enabling precise overload response without external sensing components. Its internal charge pump drives the gate of a low-R_DS(on) power FET, maintaining 44mΩ typical on-resistance at 25°C.

Thermal protection uses a latch-off mechanism with automatic restart after die cooling below hysteresis (175°C shutdown, ~155°C recovery). The Enable/Fault pin serves dual roles: pull-up-enabled startup (25µA internal current source), and open-drain fault signaling (driven low during UVLO, overcurrent, or thermal events).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP5003EQ-LF-P is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN10 (3mm × 3mm) package with exposed VIN pad for low-θ_JA (50°C/W) and robust power dissipation handling. Pin 11 connects to the exposed pad, which must be soldered to PCB ground plane for optimal thermal and electrical performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TUSB544RGER and TPS22915BYFPR, MP5003EQ-LF-P uniquely combines field-programmable current limiting, auto-restart thermal recovery, and a shared Enable/Fault bus-making it suitable for multi-rail embedded systems requiring coordinated fault response and inrush control.

Availability

MP5003EQ-LF-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for hot-swap power management, laptop USB port protection, and cell phone battery charging path applications requiring stable component supply and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MP5003EQ-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 mixed-signal ICs for power management, motor drive, and automotive applications.

The MP5003 belongs to MPS's programmable load switch product line, designed specifically for robust inrush control, fault-isolated power distribution, and thermal resilience in portable and embedded power architectures.

FAQ

What is the minimum external resistor value for 3A trip current?

Per Table 1 in the datasheet, a 13Ω resistor between +ILIMIT and –ILIMIT sets the trip current to 4A. For 3A trip, interpolation yields ~16Ω. Using 15Ω achieves ≥2.8A trip (within 3A ±10%), confirmed by the RLIMIT vs. Trip Current curve on page 9. This value ensures reliable triggering without exceeding thermal limits under sustained load.

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

Yes-the dv/dt pin has an internal capacitor that guarantees a 1.1ms output rise time when left floating. No external component is required for basic inrush control. Adding capacitance extends ramp time linearly (e.g., 1nF yields 23.5ms), but omission does not disable functionality or cause malfunction.

How does the Enable/Fault pin behave during UVLO?

When VIN drops below 2.15V (UVLO turn-off threshold), the MP5003 disables the output and actively pulls the Enable/Fault pin low. Upon VIN rising above 2.35V, the pin releases and is pulled high by the internal 25µA current source-no external pull-up is needed. This behavior enables direct fault bus wiring across multiple devices.

What is the maximum continuous current the device can sustain without thermal shutdown?

At +25°C ambient with standard PCB copper area (θ_JA = 50°C/W), the device sustains ≤909mA continuously without triggering thermal shutdown. At +85°C ambient, this drops to ≤545mA. These limits derive from the 175°C shutdown threshold and 5W worst-case dissipation during hold-current short condition, as specified in the Thermal Protection section.

Does the MP5003EQ-LF-P support reverse current blocking?

No-the MP5003EQ-LF-P is a single-direction load switch with body diode conduction from VOUT to VIN. It does not integrate reverse current blocking. If backflow prevention is required, an external Schottky diode or dedicated reverse-blocking switch must be added in series with VOUT.

Is the exposed pad electrically isolated from other pins?

No-the exposed pad (Pin 11) is internally connected to VIN and must be soldered to the PCB's VIN power plane or a dedicated thermal pad tied to VIN. It is not isolated; connecting it to GND or another net will cause functional failure and potential damage due to internal shorting.