Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP8716EN-LF-Z

Overview

MP8716EN-LF-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a synchronous step-down DC/DC converter IC with integrated high- and low-side MOSFETs, delivering 3A continuous output current across a 4.5V–21V input range. It operates at a fixed 500kHz switching frequency (±15%), features internal compensation, 0.805V feedback reference, and thermal shutdown-designed for compact, high-efficiency point-of-load regulation in space-constrained I/O power rails.

For engineers reviewing the MP8716EN-LF-Z datasheet, MP8716EN-LF-Z pinout, MP8716EN-LF-Z application, or MP8716EN-LF-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include its 120mΩ/20mΩ internal R_DS(on), 1.5ms soft-start, EN/SYNC dual-function pin, hiccup-mode OCP, and SOIC8E exposed-pad thermal performance-critical for notebook, STB, and flat-panel TV power designs.

Technical Context

The MP8716EN-LF-Z employs peak-current-mode control with an internal 500kHz oscillator and supports external synchronization from 300kHz to 2MHz via the EN/SYNC pin. Its error amplifier compares FB voltage against a trimmed 0.805V reference and drives an internal compensation network, eliminating external compensation components.

It integrates a bootstrap circuit for high-side gate drive, with BST pin requiring a capacitor between SW and BST. The device implements cycle-by-cycle overcurrent protection triggering hiccup mode when FB falls below 500mV, and thermal shutdown activates at 150°C with hysteresis down to 140°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP8716EN-LF-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced 8-pin SOIC package (SOIC8E) with an exposed pad on the underside, intended for direct connection to PCB ground plane to maximize heat dissipation (θ_JA = 50°C/W, θ_JC = 10°C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous step-down converter applications.

Compared with MP8716EN-LF-Z, MP2315DJ-LF-Z trades current capacity and sync flexibility for lower BOM cost, while RT7295BGJ8F offers superior density and light-load behavior at the expense of thermal design complexity and fault-handling robustness.

Availability

MP8716EN-LF-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook systems, digital set-top boxes, flat-panel displays, and distributed power architectures requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MP8716EN-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 design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan, and global manufacturing partnerships.

The MP8716 belongs to MPS's high-efficiency DC/DC converter product line, engineered specifically for compact, thermally constrained consumer and computing applications demanding integrated power stages and minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the minimum recommended input capacitance for MP8716EN-LF-Z?

A 22μF X5R/X7R ceramic capacitor placed close to the IN and GND pins is the minimum recommended value. This ensures adequate RMS current handling (≥1.5A) and limits input voltage ripple to <100mV_p-p at full 3A load and 21V input. Additional 0.1μF ceramic should be placed adjacent to the IC for high-frequency decoupling.

Can MP8716EN-LF-Z operate with an input voltage below 4.5V?

No. The absolute minimum operating input voltage is 4.5V per the Recommended Operating Conditions table. Below this, the internal VCC regulator cannot sustain stable 5V bias, causing erratic PWM operation and potential latch-up. The UVLO rising threshold is 4.0V, but functional regulation begins only above 4.5V.

How is output voltage adjusted using the FB pin?

Output voltage is set by a resistor divider from VOUT to GND, with the FB pin connected to the midpoint. Using V_FB = 0.805V, R1 = 4.99kΩ, and R2 = 10.2kΩ yields 1.2V output. For low outputs (<1.2V), a T-network (R1, R2, Rt) is recommended to maintain loop stability and reduce divider current error.

Does MP8716EN-LF-Z require an external bootstrap diode?

An external bootstrap diode (e.g., IN4148) is optional and recommended only when duty cycle exceeds 65% (i.e., V_OUT/V_IN > 0.65). It improves high-duty-cycle efficiency by reducing BST capacitor charging losses, but is unnecessary for typical 12V-to-1.2V or 5V-to-1.8V conversions.

What thermal derating applies above 85°C ambient?

While rated for –20°C to +85°C ambient, the device's maximum junction temperature is 150°C. With θ_JA = 50°C/W, continuous 3A operation is limited to ≤70°C ambient on a standard 4-layer board with exposed-pad grounding. Above 70°C, output current must be linearly reduced to maintain T_J ≤ 150°C.

Is the EN/SYNC pin 5V-tolerant when used for external clock input?

Yes. The EN/SYNC pin accepts external clock signals up to 5V amplitude (peak-to-peak) and 300kHz–2MHz frequency. Its internal 1MΩ pulldown and CMOS/TTL-compatible thresholds (0.4V low, 2V high) ensure reliable synchronization without level-shifting circuitry.

What failure modes trigger hiccup-mode operation?

Hiccup mode activates when FB voltage drops below 500mV for >100μs - indicating sustained overcurrent or output short. The device disables switching, waits ~10ms, then attempts restart. This repeats until fault clears. It does not activate for brief transients or thermal events alone.