Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP8867GLE-P

Overview

MP8867GLE-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a high-efficiency, 8A, 17V synchronous step-down DC/DC converter with I²C programmability, integrated high- and low-side MOSFETs, 0.6–1.87V output voltage range in 10mV steps, 400–570kHz switching frequency, and open-drain power-good indicator. It delivers precise regulation for FPGA core supplies in compact industrial computing systems.

For engineers reviewing the MP8867GLE-P datasheet, MP8867GLE-P pinout, MP8867GLE-P application, or MP8867GLE-P equivalent, key selection criteria include I²C-configurable soft-start time, hiccup-mode over-current protection, thermal shutdown at 160°C, 1% reference accuracy, and QFN-14 (3×4mm) package compatibility with high-density PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The MP8867GLE-P implements current-mode control with internal error amplifier, DAC-based reference scaling, and three operating modes-CCM, AAM (light-load power-save), and DCM-selected via I²C register MODE bit. Its bootstrap-driven high-side gate driver supports up to 17V input while maintaining 30mΩ HS R_DS(on) and 15mΩ LS R_DS(on).

I²C interface enables real-time configuration of output voltage, slew rate, switching frequency (200kHz–2MHz sync-capable), PSM/FS mode, and fault status reporting-including OTP and OCP hiccup indication. The PG pin provides UV detection only (70% V_REF trip) with 100μs deglitching, independent of OVP events.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP8867GLE-P is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-14 package (3mm × 4mm, 0.5mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. Pin 1 is marked by a dot; pin numbering follows standard counter-clockwise convention from top-left corner.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MP8867GLE-P, MP8859GQ-P trades programmability for lower cost and simpler design, while RTQ2132BGQW adds telemetry and broader protocol support at the expense of higher complexity and footprint - making MP8867GLE-P optimal for I²C-based DVS where compactness and thermal robustness are critical.

Availability

MP8867GLE-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA-based systems, ASIC supplies, and distributed power systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MP8867GLE-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-performance analog and power ICs, with over two decades of expertise in DC/DC conversion, motor drivers, and LED lighting solutions.

The MP8867 belongs to MPS's high-current, I²C-programmable buck converter product line, designed specifically for dynamic voltage scaling in FPGA, ASIC, and SoC applications where precision, density, and digital configurability are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum supported I²C clock frequency for MP8867GLE-P?

The MP8867GLE-P supports standard-mode (100kHz) and fast-mode (400kHz) I²C communication, with SCLH signal characteristics validated up to 3.4MHz. However, functional operation is guaranteed only up to 400kHz per the device's register access timing specifications and internal state machine constraints.

Can MP8867GLE-P operate with a pre-biased output voltage?

Yes - MP8867GLE-P supports monotonic pre-bias start-up. When the output is pre-charged, the internal soft-start capacitor charges until its voltage exceeds the sensed FB or VOUT level, after which the high- and low-side FETs sequence to ramp the output smoothly without reverse current flow.

How does the power-good (PG) pin respond during over-voltage events?

The PG pin does not respond to over-voltage conditions. It only indicates under-voltage (when VFB drops below 70% VREF), thermal shutdown, or over-current faults. OVP triggers internal linear discharge via a 35Ω resistor but leaves PG asserted high unless a concurrent UV event occurs.

What is the minimum recommended soft-start capacitor value?

No absolute minimum is specified, but C_SS must be large enough to prevent current-limit triggering during ramp-up. For a 10ms soft-start time with VREF = 0.6V, C_SS = (10 × 10) / 0.6 ≈ 167nF. A 220nF X7R ceramic capacitor is commonly used and provides margin against tolerance and temperature drift.

Is external compensation required for the MP8867GLE-P control loop?

No - the MP8867GLE-P features an optimized internal compensation network that eliminates the need for external Type-II or Type-III compensators. This simplifies design and reduces bill-of-materials, especially when using the recommended 1.5µH shielded inductor and low-ESR output capacitors.

Does the EN/SYNC pin require a pull-up resistor for automatic start-up?

No - EN/SYNC has an internal 5.4µA pull-up current referenced to 5V, allowing automatic start-up when left floating. A pull-up resistor is only needed if driving EN/SYNC from a low-voltage logic source (<4.2V) or when external synchronization is required.

What thermal derating applies above 25°C ambient?

With θ_JA = 48°C/W on a 4-layer PCB, power dissipation must be reduced by 20.8mW/°C above 25°C. At 85°C ambient, maximum continuous power drops to (150 − 85) / 48 ≈ 1.35W - requiring careful layout, thermal vias under the exposed pad, and airflow for full 8A operation.