Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP5010ADQ-LF-P

Overview

MP5010ADQ-LF-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a programmable current-limit load switch with integrated 40mΩ DMOS FET, 3V–18V input range, 5.7V over-voltage clamp, adjustable slew rate (e.g., 3ms ramp-up with 1nF dv/dt capacitor), and thermal latch shutdown at 175°C. It protects hot-swap interfaces in PC cards and wireless modems by limiting inrush and fault currents while monitoring VCC, output voltage, load current, and die temperature.

For engineers reviewing the MP5010ADQ-LF-P datasheet, MP5010ADQ-LF-P pinout, MP5010ADQ-LF-P application, or MP5010ADQ-LF-P equivalent, key selection criteria include its adjustable current limit (1.5–2.8A hold, 2.98A trip with 22Ω resistor), bi-directional Enable/Fault pin with three-level signaling (LOW/MID/HIGH), QFN10 (3mm×3mm) package thermal performance (θJA = 50°C/W), and integrated UVLO (2.8V threshold) and OVP clamping.

Technical Context

The MP5010ADQ-LF-P implements a sense-FET-based current-limit architecture with external resistor programming of trip/hold thresholds for both direct and Kelvin sensing configurations. Its internal charge pump enables full enhancement of the low-RDS(on) power FET across the full 3V–18V input range.

It integrates dual protection logic: under-voltage lockout disables output below 2.8V (with 0.15V hysteresis), while over-voltage clamp actively limits source voltage to 5.7V (typ) when VCC exceeds the OVP threshold. The dv/dt pin controls soft-start via an external capacitor, decoupling inrush control from current-limit settings.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP5010ADQ-LF-P uses a thermally enhanced QFN10 (3mm × 3mm) package with exposed thermal pad. The 10-pin layout supports high-current routing and efficient heat dissipation via PCB copper area and vias under the pad.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TCK107AG and TPS25940A, MP5010ADQ-LF-P uniquely combines QFN10 compactness, fixed 5.7V OVP clamping ideal for 5V logic protection, and tri-state Enable/Fault for multi-device fault coordination - making it optimal for space-constrained hot-swap cards requiring deterministic, self-contained protection.

Availability

MP5010ADQ-LF-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for hot-swappable PC cards, wireless modem data cards, laptop ExpressCard slots, and industrial hot-plug I/O modules requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant packaging, and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for MP5010ADQ-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, and global manufacturing partnerships.

The MP5010 series belongs to MPS's load switch and electronic fuse product line, engineered specifically for hot-plug and inrush-current-sensitive applications in computing, communications, and industrial equipment where compact size, integrated protection, and predictable fault behavior are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous current rating for MP5010ADQ-LF-P at 80°C ambient?

The MP5010ADQ-LF-P supports 2.3A continuous current at TA = 80°C with minimum 0.5 in² copper pad. This derating accounts for thermal resistance (θJA = 50°C/W) and junction temperature limit (125°C max operating TJ). At 25°C ambient, it delivers 4.2A continuously.

How does the Enable/Fault pin indicate thermal shutdown?

During thermal shutdown, the Enable/Fault pin is driven to an intermediate voltage level (0.82–1.95V) - distinct from LOW (≤0.5V) and HIGH (≥2.5V). This MID state latches until the pin is pulled LOW externally or VCC drops below UVLO (2.8V), ensuring fault persistence across brief input dips.

Can MP5010ADQ-LF-P be used with 24V input rails?

No - absolute maximum VCC is 22V, and recommended operating range is strictly 3V–18V. Applying 24V exceeds both absolute maximum and functional specifications, risking permanent damage. For 24V systems, consider TPS25940A or discrete FET + controller solutions.

What is the purpose of the N/C pin (Pin 6)?

Pin 6 is a no-connect terminal with no internal bond wire or circuit connection. It must remain electrically floating - neither tied to GND nor routed on PCB. Including a trace or pad for this pin may introduce parasitic coupling or assembly risk; best practice is to omit it entirely from layout.

How does dv/dt capacitor value affect startup behavior?

The dv/dt capacitor (e.g., 1nF) sets output voltage ramp time from 10% to 90% - 1nF yields ~3ms, 3.3nF yields ~9.4ms. Larger values reduce inrush dI/dt but increase startup delay; smaller values accelerate turn-on but raise risk of rail collapse or contact arcing during hot-insertion.

Is Kelvin current sensing required for accurate current limiting?

No - MP5010ADQ-LF-P supports both Kelvin and direct current sensing. Kelvin sensing (separate sense path) improves accuracy under high-current PCB trace resistance; direct sensing (shared path) simplifies layout but introduces ~15% error from trace IR drop. Use Kelvin for >3A designs or precision fault thresholds.

Does MP5010ADQ-LF-P require an external pull-up on the Enable/Fault pin?

No - the IC includes an internal 25µA pull-up current source. An external pull-up is unnecessary and may interfere with MID-level fault signaling. Only external pull-down (e.g., open-drain driver) is needed for active disable or fault-clearing functions.