Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP5016GQH-Z

Overview

MP5016GQH-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a programmable current-limit switch with integrated 43mΩ power MOSFET, reverse-blocking gate driver, adjustable over-voltage clamp (5.75V–16.7V), and soft-start control via DV/DT pin. It operates from 2.7V to 15V input, delivers up to 5A load current, and provides hiccup-mode over-current protection, thermal shutdown at 175°C, and fast 1µs short-circuit response - deployed in USB3.1 PD power distribution and hot-swap interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the MP5016GQH-Z datasheet, MP5016GQH-Z pinout, MP5016GQH-Z application, or MP5016GQH-Z equivalent, key selection considerations include programmable current limit (0.7–5A via ILIMIT resistor), MODE-selectable OVP threshold, GATE-driven external N-MOSFET for reverse-current blocking, and QFN-10 (1.5mm×2mm) thermal performance with θJA = 56°C/W.

Technical Context

The MP5016GQH-Z integrates a high-side N-channel power MOSFET with 43mΩ R_DS(on) and a dedicated GATE output that actively sinks current to turn off an external reverse-blocking N-MOSFET during EN disable, UVLO, or thermal shutdown. Its OVP comparator responds within <1µs to clamp output voltage at thresholds set by MODE pin logic or resistor divider (e.g., 5.75V when MODE = GND, 15.2V when MODE = VCC).

Current limiting uses internal sensing with 3870:1 ratio; ILIMIT resistor sets limit from 0.7A to 5A (e.g., 604Ω → 3.5A typ), while floating ILIMIT defaults to 2.5A. Soft-start dV/dt slew rate (0.4–4.8 V/ms) is controlled jointly by DV/DT capacitor value and MODE state, enabling precise inrush control without external timing components.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP5016GQH-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-10 package (1.5mm × 2mm, 0.5mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. The package supports θ_JA = 56°C/W on 2-layer PCB and enables compact placement in space-constrained USB and SSD modules.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TCKE801G, MP5016GQH-Z offers full programmability and integrated reverse-blocking drive; versus TPS25982L, it trades digital control for analog simplicity and smaller footprint - ideal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained hot-swap nodes without MCU overhead.

Availability

MP5016GQH-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB3.1 Power Delivery implementations, hot-swappable server storage modules, and wireless modem data card power management requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.

Supply support for MP5016GQH-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 manufacturing partnerships.

The MP5016 belongs to MPS's eFuse and smart power switch product line, engineered specifically for robust hot-swap, USB PD, and industrial backplane protection where precision current limiting, fast fault response, and reverse-current blocking are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the minimum current limit achievable with MP5016GQH-Z?

The MP5016GQH-Z achieves a minimum current limit of 0.7A using a 3kΩ resistor from ILIMIT to GND, per Equation (2) in the datasheet. Below 0.38A, the device enters sleep mode and disables current limit logic - so 0.7A is the lowest functional, production-tested limit.

Can MP5016GQH-Z operate with a 3.3V input supply?

Yes - the MP5016GQH-Z supports input voltages down to 2.7V. At 3.3V, ensure the external reverse-blocking N-MOSFET has V_GS(th) < 1.6V (per Figure 6 note), and confirm OVP threshold (e.g., MODE = GND → 5.75V clamp) remains above expected output ripple to avoid false triggering.

How does the GATE pin behave during thermal shutdown?

During thermal shutdown, the GATE pin actively sinks current to discharge the external N-MOSFET's gate, turning it off within microseconds. This action isolates the output from the input, preventing reverse current flow and protecting upstream circuitry even while the die cools.

Is a capacitor required on the DV/DT pin for basic operation?

No - the DV/DT pin may be left floating for default slew rates (e.g., 3.8 V/ms when MODE is floating). However, adding a capacitor (e.g., 47nF) is required to achieve precise, repeatable soft-start timing, especially with large output capacitors (>100µF) to avoid hiccup-mode entry.

What happens if the MODE pin is left unconnected?

When MODE is floating, the MP5016GQH-Z disables its output over-voltage protection function - no OVP clamp is active. This configuration is acceptable only in systems with external OVP supervision or where output voltage cannot exceed safe levels under any fault condition.

Does MP5016GQH-Z provide output discharge when reverse-blocking MOSFET is used?

No - when an external N-MOSFET is connected to the GATE pin for reverse-current blocking, the internal 540Ω discharge path from SOURCE to GND is blocked. Output discharge is disabled in this configuration, requiring external bleed circuitry if rapid discharge is needed.

What is the maximum transient voltage the MP5016GQH-Z can withstand on VCC?

The MP5016GQH-Z withstands up to 26V transient voltage on VCC (per Absolute Maximum Ratings), exceeding standard 15V continuous operation. This rating covers hot-swap surges and inductive kickback without external TVS diodes in most 12V backplane applications.