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Home > Products > Integrated Circuits (ICs) > Power Management (PMIC) > Full Half-Bridge (H Bridge) Drivers

Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP86961DU-LF-Z

Name: MP86961DU-LF-Z
Brand: Monolithic Power Systems Inc.
SKU: MP86961DU-LF-Z
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: MP86961DU-LF-Z

Manufacturer:: Monolithic Power Systems Inc.

Category:: Full Half-Bridge (H Bridge) Drivers

Package:: 18-PowerWFDFN

Datasheet:: MP86961DU-LF-Z.pdf

Description:: IC HALF BRIDGE DRIVER 20A 18QFN

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Product details

Overview

MP86961DU-LF-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a monolithic half-bridge Intelli-Phase™ solution integrating high-side and low-side MOSFETs with gate driver in a single 5×5 mm QFN-18 package. It delivers 20 A continuous output current, operates from 4.5 V to 21 V input, supports 100 kHz–1 MHz switching, and accepts 5 V tri-state PWM control - ideal for notebook core voltage regulation.

For engineers reviewing the MP86961DU-LF-Z datasheet, MP86961DU-LF-Z pinout, MP86961DU-LF-Z application, or MP86961DU-LF-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include its integrated HS/LS FETs with 55 ns minimum on-time, 5/10 ns rising/falling dead time, 3.7 V VCC UVLO threshold, and thermal performance validated up to 20 A with 36 °C/W θJA on 4-layer PCB.

Technical Context

The MP86961DU-LF-Z implements a synchronous buck half-bridge topology with internal bootstrap gate drive for the high-side MOSFET and direct low-side drive. Its tri-state PWM interface enables seamless integration with 5 V-output controllers, while SYNC pin control allows dynamic selection between synchronous rectification and diode emulation mode.

It features dedicated AGND and PGND separation, exposed-pad thermal path (IN/SW/GND), and built-in protection including BST UVLO (2.0 V/2.2 V), thermal shutdown, and power-good monitoring. The device requires external 100 nF BST capacitor and supports multi-phase interleaving via SYNC synchronization.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Continuous Output Current	20 A - rated for sustained load in notebook CPU/GPU VRMs without derating at TA = 85°C with proper layout
Input Voltage Range	4.5 V to 21 V - compatible with 5 V, 12 V, and 19 V intermediate bus architectures
Switching Frequency Range	100 kHz to 1 MHz - enables optimization of size vs. efficiency in space-constrained designs
Minimum On-Time	55 ns - supports high VIN/VOUT ratios (e.g., 12 V → 1.2 V) at 1 MHz without pulse skipping
Dead Time (Rising/Falling)	5 ns / 10 ns - minimizes shoot-through risk while preserving high-efficiency operation
VCC UVLO Threshold	3.7 V (rising), 470 mV hysteresis - ensures stable driver bias before enabling gate drive
Thermal Resistance θJA	36 °C/W - measured on 4-layer PCB; enables 20 A operation with ≤30°C case rise under no airflow

Pinout & Package

Housed in a thermally enhanced 5 mm × 5 mm QFN-18 package with exposed IN/SW/GND paddle (JEDEC MO-229 VJJD), the MP86961DU-LF-Z uses a 18-pin layout where pins 10–18 and Pin 9 are internally fused to GND and IN respectively, optimizing current handling and thermal conduction.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1	NC	No connection - must remain unconnected per design; no internal bond wire
2	VCC	Low-side driver bias supply - requires local 1 µF ceramic decoupling to AGND
3	AGND	Signal ground reference - separate from power ground to minimize noise coupling into control circuitry
4	EN	Active-high enable - pulls SW to high-impedance when low; used for sequencing and fault shutdown
5	SYNC	Synchronous mode control - open = sync rectification; driven low = diode emulation for light-load efficiency
6	PWM	Tri-state PWM input - mid-state or open forces SW into high-Z; thresholds at 1.0 V / 1.7 V / 3.4 V / 3.7 V define states
7	PG	Open-drain power-good - sinks current until internal supplies stabilize; requires external pull-up
8	BST	Bootstrap capacitor node - forms floating supply for HS gate drive; requires 100 nF capacitor to SW
9	IN	Main power input - connects to exposed paddle; carries full 20 A input current; must be routed with low-inductance path
10–18	GND	Power ground - all tied to exposed paddle; provides primary thermal and current return path
SW	Switch node	Half-bridge output - connects to inductor; fused across pins 10–18 for low RDS(on) and thermal spreading

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Integrated HS/LS MOSFETs + Driver	Eliminates discrete gate driver layout complexity and reduces BOM count by 4+ components per phase
Tri-State PWM Interface	Enables seamless compatibility with standard 5 V-output PWM controllers without level-shifting or external logic
Diode Emulation Mode	Extends light-load efficiency by disabling LS FET and allowing body-diode conduction when SYNC = LOW
Optimized Dead Time Control	Factory-trimmed 5 ns / 10 ns dead times prevent shoot-through while minimizing conduction loss
Exposed Thermal Pad (IN/SW/GND)	Supports >3 W continuous dissipation with standard PCB copper area and vias - verified at 20 A, 12 V_IN, 1.2 V_OUT

Applications

Notebook Core Voltage Regulation

Graphics Card Core Regulator

Use Scenario: High-density laptop motherboard delivering 1.0–1.3 V @ 15–20 A to Intel/AMD CPUs.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Half-bridge power stage in multiphase buck converter; handles high di/dt switching at 600 kHz–1 MHz.

Use Value: 5×5 mm footprint saves >40% board area vs. discrete HS/LS + driver solutions; 90%+ efficiency at 15 A reduces thermal load on chassis.

Use Scenario: Compact GPU VRM on discrete graphics card requiring fast transient response to dynamic GPU loads.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single-phase or interleaved phase in GPU core rail; synchronized via SYNC pin for multi-phase coordination.

Use Value: Diode emulation mode improves light-load efficiency by 5–8 percentage points; 55 ns min-on-time supports 19 V → 1.1 V conversion at 1 MHz.

Multi-Phase Power Module

Server Memory Channel Regulator

Use Scenario: Embedded power module for AI accelerator cards with tight thermal envelope and strict EMI limits.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Identical phase building block in 3–6 phase interleaved architecture; SYNC pins daisy-chained for phase offset.

Use Value: Matched propagation delays (tPDUH = 20 ns, tPDLH = 45 ns) ensure precise phase alignment; reduced parasitic inductance improves EMI signature.

Use Scenario: DDR5 memory channel point-of-load regulator requiring stable 1.1 V ±15 mV at up to 20 A with fast load-step response.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Final-stage buck converter directly powering memory ICs; PG signal feeds system PMIC for rail validation.

Use Value: Power-good assertion with <100 µs delay confirms VOUT stability before memory initialization; 3.7 V VCC UVLO prevents erratic startup during brownout.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar half-bridge Intelli-Phase applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
MP86957DQ-LF-Z	15 A rating, 4×4 mm QFN-16, lower R_DS(on), no SYNC pin	Lacks diode emulation mode; limited to fixed-frequency synchronous operation	Select when 15 A suffices and board space is more constrained than feature set
ISL99227BIRZ	25 A rating, 5×6 mm QFN-32, dual-channel, integrated current sense	Higher pin count, requires external current-sense resistor calibration, no tri-state PWM	Choose for higher-current, dual-phase, or current-monitoring requirements - not drop-in compatible

Compared with MP86957DQ-LF-Z and ISL99227BIRZ, the MP86961DU-LF-Z uniquely balances 20 A capability, 5×5 mm size, tri-state PWM compatibility, and configurable diode emulation - making it optimal for space-limited, controller-flexible notebook and GPU VRMs where light-load efficiency and layout simplicity are critical.

Availability

MP86961DU-LF-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook core voltage regulation, graphics card core regulators, multi-phase power modules, and server memory channel regulators requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant packaging, and production-ready thermal performance.

Supply support for MP86961DU-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, with over two decades of expertise in DC/DC conversion, motor drivers, and power modules.

The MP86961 belongs to MPS's Intelli-Phase™ family - engineered specifically for high-current, high-frequency, space-constrained VRMs in portable computing and graphics applications, emphasizing integration, thermal efficiency, and controller interoperability.

FAQ

What is the recommended BST capacitor value and placement for MP86961DU-LF-Z?

The datasheet specifies a 100 nF ceramic capacitor between BST and SW pins, placed as close as possible to the IC. A 1.0 Ω resistor in series with the BST capacitor is recommended to damp ringing and improve reliability. Capacitance below 100 nF risks insufficient gate drive voltage and premature HS FET turn-off.

Can MP86961DU-LF-Z operate without an external PWM controller?

No - the MP86961DU-LF-Z is a driver+FET half-bridge only and requires an external PWM controller to generate the timing signals. It accepts standard 5 V tri-state PWM inputs but contains no internal PWM generator, error amplifier, or feedback loop.

How does the SYNC pin affect efficiency in light-load conditions?

When SYNC is pulled LOW, the MP86961DU-LF-Z disables the low-side MOSFET and enables diode emulation mode, allowing the HS FET body diode to conduct during freewheeling. This avoids reverse recovery losses and improves light-load efficiency by 5–8 percentage points compared to forced synchronous operation.

What is the maximum allowable junction temperature and how is thermal performance validated?

The absolute maximum junction temperature is 150°C. Thermal performance is validated per JEDEC JESD51-7 on a 4-layer PCB with 2 oz copper, achieving 36 °C/W θJA. At 20 A, 12 V_IN, 1.2 V_OUT, and 600 kHz, case temperature rise is ≤30°C with no airflow - confirming safe operation within the -40°C to +125°C T_J range.

Is the EN pin necessary for normal operation, or can the device be controlled solely via PWM?

The EN pin is required for reliable sequencing and fault safety. While the device may begin switching when PWM is active and VCC/VIN are present, the EN pin provides deterministic control: pulling EN low forces SW into high-impedance state regardless of PWM state, preventing unintended switching during power-up/down or fault conditions.

Does MP86961DU-LF-Z support multi-phase interleaving, and if so, how is synchronization achieved?

Yes - multi-phase interleaving is supported via the SYNC pin. When multiple MP86961DU-LF-Z units are used, their SYNC pins can be daisy-chained or driven by a master clock to stagger switching edges. The device enters synchronous mode by default (SYNC open), and phase offset is controlled externally through timing of the SYNC signal relative to PWM.

What is the purpose of separating AGND and PGND, and how should they be connected on the PCB?

AGND serves as the quiet reference for control circuitry (PWM, PG, EN), while PGND carries high di/dt switching currents. They must be joined at a single point - ideally at the VCC decoupling capacitor's ground pad - to prevent noise coupling. Routing AGND traces away from power loops and avoiding shared vias preserves signal integrity and PG accuracy.

MP86961DU-LF-Z Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Monolithic Power Systems Inc.

Series:: Intelli-Phase™

Package/Case:: 18-PowerWFDFN

Packaging:: Tape & Reel (TR)

Product Status:: Not For New Designs

Output Configuration:: Half Bridge

Applications:: General Purpose

Interface:: PWM

Load Type:: Inductive

Technology:: Power MOSFET

Rds On (Typ):: -

Current - Output / Channel:: 20A

Current - Peak Output:: -

Voltage - Supply:: 4.5V ~ 5.5V

Voltage - Load:: 4.5V ~ 21V

Operating Temperature:: -40°C ~ 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Features:: Bootstrap Circuit

Fault Protection:: -

Mounting Type:: Surface Mount

Supplier Device Package:: 18-FCTQFN-EP (5x5)

MP86961DU-LF-Z FAQ

1.How can I place an order for MP86961DU-LF-Z through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MP86961DU-LF-Z on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.

2.Are the price and stock information for MP86961DU-LF-Z reliable?

The price and inventory of MP86961DU-LF-Z are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MP86961DU-LF-Z is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for MP86961DU-LF-Z?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MP86961DU-LF-Z transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for MP86961DU-LF-Z?

MP86961DU-LF-Z orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your MP86961DU-LF-Z order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.

Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.

5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MP86961DU-LF-Z?

For technical support, including MP86961DU-LF-Z datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MP86961DU-LF-Z requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that MP86961DU-LF-Z is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All MP86961DU-LF-Z products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MP86961DU-LF-Z meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of MP86961DU-LF-Z?

All MP86961DU-LF-Z units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MP86961DU-LF-Z, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:

1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.

2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.

3.The MP86961DU-LF-Z part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for MP86961DU-LF-Z:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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