Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP5048AGU-Z

Overview

MP5048AGU-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a monolithic hot-swap Intelli-Fuse IC integrating a 60V, 4A, 14mΩ R_DS(ON) power MOSFET, current sensing, thermal monitoring, and fault management logic in a single QFN-30 package. It operates as a standalone e-fuse or under control of an external hot-swap controller (e.g., MP5920), delivering controlled inrush limiting, over-current protection with configurable delay, and auto-retry or latch-mode fault response for live-insertion applications in server backplanes.

For engineers reviewing the MP5048AGU-Z datasheet, MP5048AGU-Z pinout, MP5048AGU-Z application, or MP5048AGU-Z equivalent, key selection considerations include its integrated current-sense output (IMON), programmable OCP threshold via CLREF, soft-start slew rate control via SS capacitor, and parallel operation capability for >4A load currents - all without external sense resistors or discrete thermal sensors.

Technical Context

The MP5048AGU-Z implements a gate-controlled, current-regulated hot-swap switch using internal current-sense amplification (G_CS = 144 µA/A) and dynamic gate-drive compensation to enforce precise ILIMIT during both start-up and steady-state operation. Its TIMER pin multiplexes four timing functions - insertion delay, SCP startup delay, OCP response delay, and auto-retry cycle - each driven by dedicated current sources (2µA, 40µA, or ~500nA) and voltage thresholds.

It features dual LDOs (3V/2.2µF and 4.5V/2.2µF), integrated junction temperature sensing (VTEMP output), MOSFET short-detection circuitry (drain-to-source and gate-to-source), and mode-selectable fault handling (latch via MODE high or auto-retry via MODE low). The device supports coordinated parallel operation via shared SS and TIMER pins across multiple units.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP5048AGU-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-30 (5mm × 5mm, 0.5mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad. Pin 1 is located at top-left per top marking orientation; GND pins (25) and VIN/VOUT power pads are distributed for low-inductance layout and optimal thermal dissipation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar hot-swap e-fuse applications.

Compared with MP5048AGU-Z, MP5049AGU-Z delivers higher current capacity at lower R_DS(ON) but increases thermal density, while TPS23521RGER trades integration for vendor-specific feature sets and added BOM complexity.

Availability

MP5048AGU-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for server backplane protection, industrial PLC power distribution, telecom line card e-fuse, and network switch power sequencing requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MP5048AGU-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, including DC/DC converters, LED drivers, motor drivers, and hot-swap solutions for computing, industrial, and automotive markets.

The MP5048A product line delivers integrated hot-swap Intelli-Fuse functionality - combining MOSFET, sensing, protection, and diagnostics - to simplify robust, high-density power distribution in mission-critical infrastructure equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current supported by MP5048AGU-Z?

The MP5048AGU-Z supports 4A continuous output current at ambient temperature (T_A = 25°C) with proper PCB thermal design (θ_JA = 22.4°C/W). At elevated temperatures or with reduced airflow, derating applies - e.g., 3.2A at T_A = 70°C - based on thermal limits and junction temperature cap of 125°C.

Can MP5048AGU-Z operate without an external hot-swap controller?

Yes. The MP5048AGU-Z functions as a standalone e-fuse when the ON pin is externally pulled high to VCC. In this mode, it performs autonomous inrush limiting, OCP, SCP, OTP, and fault signaling - eliminating dependency on external controllers for basic hot-swap protection.

How is over-current protection threshold configured?

OCP threshold is set by the voltage applied to the CLREF pin. Using an external resistor divider from VCC to GND generates V_CLREF; with RCS = 2.2kΩ, a 27kΩ resistor yields ~3.1A trip point. The CS pin voltage (V_CS = I_OUT × 144µV/A) is compared to V_CLREF to trigger protection.

Does MP5048AGU-Z support parallel operation, and how is current sharing ensured?

Yes. Multiple MP5048AGU-Z devices can be paralleled by connecting their SS and TIMER pins together. During soft-start, internal current sources synchronize gate charging, ensuring balanced V_GS ramp and equal current division before steady-state operation begins.

What fault conditions does MP5048AGU-Z detect and report?

The device detects and reports over-current (OCP), short-circuit (SCP), over-temperature (OTP), VIN under-voltage/over-voltage, and MOSFET drain-to-source or gate-to-source shorts. All faults assert the open-drain FAULT pin low and may latch or auto-retry depending on MODE pin state.

Is the IMON output calibrated, and what is its accuracy range?

IMON provides a calibrated 144µA/A current-proportional output with ±1.5% gain accuracy over 1A–4A output current range and -40°C to +125°C junction temperature. It requires an external R_IMON (e.g., 2.2kΩ) to generate a 0–0.88V voltage for ADC interfacing.

What is the minimum soft-start time, and how is it achieved?

The minimum soft-start time is 1.5ms, achieved by floating the SS pin. This disables the external capacitor timing path and enables internal 26µA current source to charge the gate directly - useful for low-capacitance loads where fast turn-on is acceptable.