Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP5011DQ-LF-Z

Overview

MP5011DQ-LF-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a 12V, 5A programmable current-limit load switch with integrated 44mΩ DMOS power MOSFET, adjustable slew rate (1.4–22.5ms), and tri-state Enable/Fault pin for hot-swap protection in laptop and PC Card power rails. It provides over-voltage clamping (13.8–16.2V), thermal latch shutdown (150–200°C), and under-voltage lockout (7.7–9.3V).

For engineers reviewing the MP5011DQ-LF-Z datasheet, MP5011DQ-LF-Z pinout, MP5011DQ-LF-Z application, or MP5011DQ-LF-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include adjustable current limit (1–5A via external resistor), dv/dt-controlled inrush suppression, fault signaling capability, and QFN10 (3×3mm) thermal performance with exposed VCC pad.

Technical Context

The MP5011DQ-LF-Z implements a sense-FET-based current-limit architecture where an external resistor between I-LIMIT and SOURCE sets trip (e.g., 5.3A at 15.4Ω) and hold (e.g., 4.5A) thresholds. Its internal charge pump enables full enhancement of the low-R_DS(on) MOSFET without external gate drive.

It integrates three-level Enable/Fault logic: low disables and clears faults, mid signals thermal shutdown, high enables operation. The dv/dt pin uses an internal 50pF reference plus optional external capacitor to set output voltage rise time from 1.4ms (pin floating) to 22.5ms (1nF).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP5011DQ-LF-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN10 package (3×3mm, 0.5mm pitch) with exposed VCC pad for low-θ_JA (50°C/W) and θ_JC (12°C/W) performance on standard 4-layer PCBs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TCK127BG and TPS25982, MP5011DQ-LF-Z delivers optimal balance of analog configurability (R-set current, C-set slew), compact QFN10 size, and self-contained fault signaling - ideal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained hot-swap nodes without microcontroller supervision.

Availability

MP5011DQ-LF-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for hot-swap power insertion, PC Card slot protection, and modular peripheral interface applications requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant packaging, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MP5011DQ-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 design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan, and global distribution.

The MP5011 belongs to MPS's programmable load switch product line, engineered specifically for robust, low-footprint hot-swap and inrush control in portable computing and modular electronics - emphasizing analog configurability over digital complexity.

FAQ

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

The MP5011DQ-LF-Z achieves 5A trip current with a 15.4Ω resistor between I-LIMIT and SOURCE. Lower resistance increases current limit but reduces accuracy and may exceed thermal limits under sustained load. Resistor tolerance should be ≤1% for tight OCP matching.

Can the dv/dt pin be left unconnected?

Yes - leaving the dv/dt pin floating yields a nominal 1.4ms output voltage rise time (10% to 90%). This is sufficient for many 100μF-load applications. External capacitance is only needed when slower ramp rates (e.g., >5ms) are required to meet system inrush specifications.

How does the Enable/Fault pin indicate thermal shutdown?

During thermal shutdown, the Enable/Fault pin drives to an intermediate voltage level (0.82–1.95V), distinct from low (≤0.5V) and high (≥2.5V). This mid-level state sets an internal fault flag and latches the output off until the pin is pulled low or VCC drops below UVLO threshold to reset.

Is the NC pin electrically isolated?

Pin 5 (NC) has no internal connection and must remain unconnected. It is not tied to GND, VCC, or any internal node. PCB layout must ensure no solder bridge or trace connects to this pad, as it is physically unbonded and electrically floating.

What is the maximum continuous output current at 85°C ambient?

At 85°C ambient and using a 0.5 in² copper pad, the MP5011DQ-LF-Z supports 2.3A continuous output before thermal shutdown activates. This assumes 44mΩ R_DS(on), 50°C/W θ_JA, and no additional heatsinking - exceeding this requires derating or enhanced thermal design.

Does the device support reverse current blocking?

No - the MP5011DQ-LF-Z is a high-side N-channel MOSFET switch with body diode conduction from SOURCE to VCC. It does not block reverse current. For backflow prevention, an external Schottky diode or dedicated reverse-blocking load switch is required.

What happens during under-voltage lockout?

When VCC falls below 7.7–9.3V, the MP5011DQ-LF-Z disables the output and drives the Enable/Fault pin low to clear the fault flag. Output re-enables automatically once VCC rises above the UVLO threshold and hysteresis window, with no external reset needed.