Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP8201DT-LF-Z

Overview

MP8201DT-LF-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a precision adjustable shunt voltage regulator in SOT-23-3 package, operating from 1.2V to 12V input with ±0.5% initial accuracy, 160mV reference voltage, <1Ω dynamic output resistance, and 60µA minimum operating current. It serves as a programmable voltage reference in feedback loops of linear regulators and data converters.

For engineers reviewing the MP8201DT-LF-Z datasheet, MP8201DT-LF-Z pinout, MP8201DT-LF-Z application, or MP8201DT-LF-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include low-voltage operation down to 1.2V, ultra-low quiescent current for battery-powered systems, sharp turn-on behavior, stability without external capacitor, and compatibility with 3V/5V 8–12-bit ADC references.

Technical Context

The MP8201 functions as a two-terminal shunt regulator with three-pin SOT-23 configuration (V+, V−, VREF), where VREF enables precise external resistor-based voltage setting. Its core architecture uses a bandgap-derived 160mV reference amplified internally to support 1.2V–10V output range.

It delivers stable regulation under load currents from 100µA to 10mA, exhibits 4µV_p-p noise (0.1Hz–10Hz), and achieves 10µs turn-on settling within 0.1% - critical for fast-switching power supply feedback and precision instrumentation biasing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP8201DT-LF-Z is housed in a RoHS-compliant 3-pin SOT-23-3 package with gull-wing leads, optimized for space-constrained PCB layouts and reflow soldering.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar shunt voltage reference applications.

Compared with TL431ACDBVR and MAX6008AEUR+T, MP8201DT-LF-Z uniquely combines 1.2V–10V adjustability, ±0.5% accuracy, sub-1Ω impedance, and 60µA operation - making it optimal for battery-sensitive, multi-rail, and precision-programmable reference designs.

Availability

MP8201DT-LF-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for linear regulator feedback, portable medical sensors, 3V/5V data converter reference, and battery-powered instrumentation requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MP8201DT-LF-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, headquartered in California and serving global industrial, computing, and consumer markets since 1997.

The MP8201 belongs to MPS's precision voltage reference product line, engineered specifically for low-voltage, low-quiescent-current, and adjustable-shunt applications in portable and instrumentation-grade electronics.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for MP8201DT-LF-Z to regulate?

The MP8201DT-LF-Z can regulate down to 1.2V input - its internal 160mV reference allows external resistor networks to establish stable output voltages starting at 1.2V. Operation below this voltage results in unregulated forward conduction only.

Can MP8201DT-LF-Z replace TL431 in existing designs?

Yes, with circuit modification: TL431 uses a 2.495V reference and requires ≥1mA cathode current, while MP8201DT-LF-Z uses 160mV and operates down to 60µA. Resistor values must be recalculated, and layout should accommodate SOT-23-3 pinout differences (V+, V−, VREF vs. KA, R, A).

Does MP8201DT-LF-Z require an output capacitor for stability?

No - the MP8201DT-LF-Z is internally compensated and remains stable without any external capacitor, unlike many shunt references that demand 1nF–10nF bypass caps. This simplifies layout and reduces component count in space-constrained applications.

What is the maximum power dissipation for MP8201DT-LF-Z at 85°C ambient?

At T_A = +85°C, maximum continuous power dissipation is 271 mW, calculated using θ_JA = 240°C/W and T_J(MAX) = 150°C: P_D(MAX) = (150 − 85)/240 = 0.271 W. Exceeding this triggers thermal shutdown.

How does temperature affect output voltage accuracy?

Over –40°C to +85°C, output voltage drift is bounded by 85 ppm/°C - meaning a 1.2V output shifts ≤10.2 mV across the full range. This is confirmed by measured V_REF vs. temperature curves in the datasheet (Rev. 0.9, p.4).

Is MP8201DT-LF-Z suitable for negative voltage reference applications?

Yes - configured with V− tied to a negative rail and V+ grounded, the MP8201DT-LF-Z generates precise negative references (e.g., –1.0V) using external biasing resistors, as shown in Figure 3 of the datasheet. The 160mV reference remains valid regardless of polarity orientation.

What is the typical turn-on settling time for MP8201DT-LF-Z?

The typical turn-on settling time is 10 µs to within 0.1% of final output voltage, measured under I_IN = 1mA, I_OUT = 10mA, V_OUT = 1.8V, and C_OUT = 4.7µF - verified in the "Turn On with Load Capacitor" waveform (p.4, Rev. 0.9).