Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP5493GJ-P

Overview

MP5493GJ-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a dual-channel, bidirectional energy management IC for PLC power meter backup systems, integrating a 36V-input synchronous buck converter (0.6A, 550kHz) and a supercapacitor charger/boost converter in a single TSOT23-8 package. It delivers regulated 3.3V buck output and programmable 1.2–2.65V supercapacitor charging voltage, with real-time input shutdown detection and PFAIL indicator for seamless failover during mains loss.

For engineers reviewing the MP5493GJ-P datasheet, MP5493GJ-P pinout, MP5493GJ-P application, or MP5493GJ-P equivalent, this device supports critical design tasks including PLC module energy buffering, power-fail backup sequencing, supercapacitor charge control with adjustable valley current limit, and thermal-safe operation up to +125°C junction temperature.

Technical Context

The MP5493GJ-P implements two independent PWM-controlled DC/DC channels: Channel 1 uses peak-current-mode control with 550kHz fixed-frequency operation (±130kHz over temperature), 95% max duty cycle, and pulse-skip mode for light-load efficiency; Channel 2 operates bidirectionally-buck-charging supercapacitors with 12μs fixed off-time and valley-current regulation, then boosting from supercapacitor to VIN when VVBS falls below 1.0V.

Its functional block integrates dual error amplifiers (VFB1 = 0.8V ±12mV, VFB2 = 1.2V ±12mV), internal 600mΩ/320mΩ MOSFET pairs per channel, real-time VBS monitoring for automatic mode transition, and hiccup-mode short-circuit protection triggered at 0.7–1.1A peak current on Channel 1 and 200–600mA on Channel 2.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP5493GJ-P is housed in a thermally enhanced TSOT23-8 package (2.9mm × 1.6mm × 0.85mm), optimized for high-power density in space-constrained PLC modules. The exposed pad improves thermal dissipation and must be soldered to a thermal pad on PCB.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bidirectional supercapacitor management applications.

Compared with MAX17523ATP+T and TPS61088RHLR, MP5493GJ-P uniquely integrates both buck regulation and bidirectional supercapacitor management in one TSOT23-8 package, reducing component count by 3+, eliminating external sequencing logic, and delivering deterministic sub-10μs failover-critical for PLC and smart meter certifications.

Availability

MP5493GJ-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for PLC modules, smart electricity meters, and industrial backup capacitor systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MP5493GJ-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-efficiency power management ICs, with over 20 years of expertise in DC/DC conversion, motor drivers, and battery solutions.

The MP5493 belongs to MPS's Energy Management Unit (EMU) product line, designed specifically for intelligent power metering and PLC communication systems requiring compact, self-contained backup power architecture with zero-firmware intervention.

FAQ

What is the minimum supercapacitor value supported for reliable boost operation?

The MP5493GJ-P is characterized for use with ≥10F/2.7V supercapacitors. With a 10F unit charged to 2.65V, it delivers ≥500ms of 3.3V/0.6A backup power at room temperature. Smaller values (e.g., 5F) reduce hold-up time proportionally and may trigger early UVLO shutdown due to faster voltage sag under load.

Can MP5493GJ-P operate with input voltages below 5V?

No. The absolute minimum operating VIN is 5V per datasheet specifications. Below this, the internal regulators cannot sustain bias, and VIN UVLO (rising threshold = 4.65V typical) prevents startup. For sub-5V systems, an upstream boost pre-regulator is required.

How does the MP5493GJ-P handle simultaneous buck load and supercapacitor charging?

It prioritizes buck regulation: Channel 1 maintains VOUT1 regulation first. Only after VOUT1 reaches target and VVBS exceeds 1.05V does Channel 2 begin supercapacitor charging. No dynamic current sharing occurs-the buck converter draws full load current independently while charging proceeds at controlled average current (e.g., ~250mA with 4.7μH inductor).

Is the TSOT23-8 package thermally adequate for 0.6A continuous operation?

Yes-when mounted on a 2-layer PCB with 250mm² copper pour connected to the exposed pad, θJA is 42.1°C/W. At 0.6A/3.3V (2W dissipation), junction rise is ~84°C above ambient, keeping TJ well below 125°C derating limit. Thermal shutdown activates only under sustained overload or inadequate layout.

Does MP5493GJ-P support I²C or digital configuration?

No. All configuration is analog: output voltages set by external resistor dividers on FB1/FB2; boost thresholds set by VBS divider; no digital interface or programmable registers exist. This simplifies certification but requires careful resistor selection for precision.

What is the recommended inductor for supercapacitor charging?

MPS specifies the MPL-SE5040-4R7 (4.7μH, 1.8A saturation) for standard 2.65V charging. Increasing inductance to 10μH (e.g., MPL-SE6040-100) raises average charge current and reduces full-charge time from 18 to 13 minutes for a 10F/2.7V unit at VIN = 12V.

How does the PFAIL signal behave during thermal shutdown?

PFAIL remains asserted (low) only during VIN/VBS undervoltage events. Thermal shutdown halts switching but does not affect PFAIL state-it stays high if VVBS > 1.05V, or low if VVBS < 1.0V. Thermal faults are indicated solely by cessation of regulation, not by PFAIL.