Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP5515GU-Z

Overview

MP5515GU-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a wide-input (2.7–18V), 5A bidirectional power backup manager IC with integrated hot-swap FET, I²C interface, 10-bit ADC, and capacitor health test functionality. It implements a patented single-inductor boost-buck topology for energy storage and release in enterprise SSDs and NVDIMMs, delivering up to 32V programmable storage voltage and 5A buck-load capability.

For engineers reviewing the MP5515GU-Z datasheet, MP5515GU-Z pinout, MP5515GU-Z application, or MP5515GU-Z equivalent, this device supports precise input current limiting (6A max), adjustable VB slew rate, reverse-current protection, thermal shutdown at 150°C, and real-time monitoring of VIN, VB, VSTRG, temperature, and current via integrated ADC.

Technical Context

The MP5515GU-Z integrates a bidirectional boost-buck converter using one inductor and an internal charge-pump-driven high-side/low-side switch pair (R_HS = 80 mΩ, R_LS = 40 mΩ) to manage energy flow between VIN and STRG. Its control architecture enables seamless transition from boost-mode charging (up to 32V) to buck-mode release (5A continuous) during input failure, with programmable hold-up time determined by external STRG capacitance.

It embeds a 10-bit ADC with 0–1.28V input range and 45 µs conversion time per channel, supporting simultaneous sensing of input voltage (DET), bus voltage (FBB), storage voltage (FBS), and thermistor (TEMP). The I²C interface (up to 3.4 MHz) provides register-level access to configuration bits for OVP threshold, PGS/PGB thresholds, DVDT timing, and cap health test sequencing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP5515GU-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced 30-pin QFN package (5mm × 5mm, 0.5mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad (PGND-connected) for efficient heat dissipation in high-power backup operation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar power backup management applications.

Compared with TPS650236 and LTC4041, MP5515GU-Z uniquely combines 5A bidirectional current, 32V programmable storage, I²C-configurable protection thresholds, and integrated capacitor diagnostics - making it the only solution qualified for high-reliability, high-density enterprise SSD and NVDIMM backup architectures.

Availability

MP5515GU-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for enterprise solid-state drives, NVDIMM modules, and industrial hard-disk drive backup systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MP5515GU-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 core expertise in DC/DC conversion, motor drivers, and power management solutions.

The MP5515GU-Z belongs to MPS's Energy Backup and Management Unit product line, designed specifically for mission-critical data persistence in enterprise storage systems where reliability, density, and intelligent telemetry are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum storage voltage supported by MP5515GU-Z?

The MP5515GU-Z supports programmable storage voltage up to 32V via the FBS feedback divider. This allows use of high-energy-density electrolytic or hybrid capacitors while maintaining tight regulation (±0.8% at 25°C) and enabling longer hold-up times within constrained board area.

How does the capacitor health test function work?

The health test applies a controlled discharge current from STRG through RTEST (internally grounded) and measures voltage decay slope. Using the known RTEST value and ADC sampling, the IC calculates ESR and effective capacitance - providing early warning of aging or failure without external test equipment.

Can MP5515GU-Z operate with input voltages below 2.7V?

No - the absolute minimum operating VIN is 2.7V per datasheet specifications. At temperatures below 25°C, a Schottky diode from VIN to VCC is recommended to ensure reliable start-up from 2.7V, as the internal UVLO threshold has temperature-dependent hysteresis.

What is the role of the DVDT pin and how is it configured?

DVDT controls the slew rate of VB during power-on. A capacitor (≥1nF) from DVDT to AGND sets the rise time; alternatively, floating DVDT enables I²C-programmable slew rate control. This prevents bus overshoot that could damage downstream NAND or DRAM components.

Does MP5515GU-Z require external MOSFETs for hot-swap or backup functions?

No - it integrates a 14mΩ input current-limit MOSFET and bidirectional switching elements (HS/LS) for boost/buck operation. No external power switches are needed, reducing bill-of-materials and simplifying layout for compact SSD and NVDIMM form factors.

How is thermal protection implemented?

MP5515GU-Z includes junction temperature sensing with thermal shutdown at 150°C and 25°C hysteresis. It also provides a thermal warning flag at 120°C via the INT pin, allowing firmware to proactively throttle load current before shutdown occurs.

Is the I²C interface compatible with standard controllers?

Yes - it complies with standard I²C timing (up to 3.4 MHz fast-mode plus), supports 7-bit addressing, and features open-drain SDA/SCL pins with 10nA leakage. Pull-up resistors (typically 2.2kΩ) are required externally per I²C bus specification.