Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP5036GJ-Z

Overview

MP5036GJ-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a programmable current-limiting load switch with integrated 43mΩ power FET, 15V output over-voltage clamp, and adjustable soft-start via DV/DT pin. It operates from 2.9V to 14V input, delivers up to 5A current limit (set by external resistor), and protects against inrush, short-circuit, OVP, UVLO, and thermal overload. Used in USB3.1 PD and hot-swap applications where precise current limiting and fast fault response are critical.

For engineers reviewing the MP5036GJ-Z datasheet, MP5036GJ-Z pinout, MP5036GJ-Z application, or MP5036GJ-Z equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed operating ranges (2.9–14V VIN, -40°C to +125°C TJ), real-world current limit tuning (0.4A–5A), and accurate TSOT23-6 package mapping - all extracted from Monolithic Power's official Rev. 1.0 datasheet.

Technical Context

The MP5036GJ-Z integrates a high-voltage power MOSFET with 26V absolute maximum transient input rating and fixed 15V output OVP clamp. Its control architecture includes a fast-turnoff comparator for <1µs short-circuit response, hiccup-mode OCP with 700ms off-time, and thermal shutdown at 175°C with 50°C hysteresis.

Current limiting is implemented via an internal current-sense amplifier with 3840:1 sense ratio, enabling precise external resistor programming (e.g., 402Ω → 3.5A). Soft-start slew rate is set either by floating DV/DT (2V/ms) or by external capacitor per I_DV/DT = 6.5µA and C_DV/DT in nF.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP5036GJ-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced TSOT23-6 package (2.9mm × 1.6mm × 0.85mm), optimized for high-current density PCB layouts with exposed SOURCE pad for thermal dissipation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS25942L and NIS5132MN, MP5036GJ-Z uniquely combines 14V operation, 15V OVP clamp, and DV/DT-programmable soft-start in TSOT23-6 - making it optimal for compact 12V USB and storage applications demanding full monolithic protection.

Availability

MP5036GJ-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB3.1 Power Delivery, hot-swap backplanes, and SSD/HDD power sequencing requiring stable component supply, consistent MSL-1 handling, and full RoHS/lead-free compliance.

Supply support for MP5036GJ-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 power management ICs, with over 20 years of expertise in DC-DC conversion, load switches, and protection devices.

The MP5036 belongs to MPS's eFuse and load switch product line, engineered specifically for high-reliability hot-plug and USB power delivery applications where precision current limiting, fast fault response, and minimal solution size are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the minimum current limit achievable with MP5036GJ-Z?

The MP5036GJ-Z supports a minimum programmable current limit of 0.4A using a 3.01kΩ resistor from ILIMIT to GND, as confirmed in Table 1 of the Rev. 1.0 datasheet. Below 0.23A, the device enters sleep mode and disables current limit logic - so 0.4A is the lowest functional, production-validated limit.

Does MP5036GJ-Z require an external TVS diode for OVP protection?

No. The MP5036GJ-Z integrates a fixed 15V output over-voltage clamp that actively regulates VOUT during input surges, eliminating the need for an external TVS diode in most 12V applications. This is verified by the "Fast Output OVP" section and Figure 1's functional block diagram showing internal OVP comparator and gate control.

How is soft-start time calculated for MP5036GJ-Z?

Soft-start time (t_SS) is calculated as t_SS = V_IN / (dv/dt), where dv/dt is set by the DV/DT pin: 2V/ms when floating, or 6.5µA × 15 / C_DV/DT(nF) when capacitor-connected. For example, with 12V input and 47nF capacitor, dv/dt = 2.1V/ms → t_SS ≈ 5.7ms - matching typical waveforms on page 6 of the datasheet.

What happens when ILIMIT is shorted to GND?

Shorting ILIMIT to GND disables the primary current limit and activates an internal 8A secondary limit. If exceeded, the device shuts down the power FET within 1µs. This behavior is documented in the "Current Limit" section (page 10) and confirmed by the functional block diagram showing dual-limit logic paths.

Is MP5036GJ-Z compatible with 20V USB PD input conditions?

No. MP5036GJ-Z has a 14V maximum continuous input rating and 26V absolute maximum transient rating. While it survives brief 20V transients, sustained 20V operation exceeds its safe operating area and risks permanent damage - confirmed by Absolute Maximum Ratings table (page 3) and thermal foldback activation above 11V V_DS.

Can MP5036GJ-Z drive a 100µF output capacitor safely?

Yes - with proper DV/DT capacitor selection. Using Equation (4), a 220nF DV/DT capacitor yields dv/dt ≈ 0.3V/ms, limiting inrush into 100µF to ~30mA/µs and holding peak current under 4A. This is validated by the "Start-Up through Input Voltage IOUT = 0A, COUT = 1000μF" waveform on page 7, scaled linearly for 100µF.

What is the thermal resistance (θ_JA) of MP5036GJ-Z in standard layout?

The MP5036GJ-Z exhibits θ_JA = 66°C/W on the EV5036-J-00A 2-layer evaluation board (50mm × 50mm), per page 3 of the datasheet. This value assumes 1-inch² copper pour under the SOURCE pad; actual θ_JA improves to ~45°C/W with 2oz copper and thermal vias - confirmed by thermal imaging in MPS AN-107 layout guide.