Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP9184GL-P

Overview

MP9184GL-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a 600kHz fixed-frequency, current-mode synchronous boost converter with 3V–20V input range, integrated 10mΩ low-side MOSFET, and >17A switch-current limit. It supports USB Type-C power delivery, Thunderbolt interface, and high-power portable applications such as power banks and POS systems requiring up to 12V/2.1A output.

For engineers reviewing the MP9184GL-P datasheet, MP9184GL-P pinout, MP9184GL-P application, or MP9184GL-P equivalent, key selection criteria include external current-sensing configuration (MODE pin), BST/SDR synchronous rectifier drive capability, programmable UVLO hysteresis via EN resistor divider, and thermal shutdown at 150°C with 25°C hysteresis.

Technical Context

The MP9184GL-P implements peak-current-mode control with a 600kHz fixed switching frequency and supports both internal and external current sensing via MODE pin logic: grounded for internal sensing, floating for external 4mΩ resistor-based average-current limiting. Its error amplifier features 300 V/V gain and 160 μA/V transconductance, with COMP pin enabling full loop compensation via external R-C network.

It integrates a 5V bootstrap driver (BST) and synchronous gate driver (SDR) for external N-channel rectifier control, while VDD is auto-switched between VIN and VOUT to maintain efficiency at low input voltages. Protection includes under-voltage lockout (2.68V rising threshold), <1μA shutdown current, and hiccup-mode overcurrent response triggered after 1.1ms at 54mV sensed voltage.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP9184GL-P is housed in a thermally enhanced 22-pin QFN package measuring 3mm × 4mm with exposed thermal pad (PGND-connected). The package supports high-current routing via five SW pins and five PGND pins, plus dedicated AGND for analog stability.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous boost converter applications.

Compared with MP9184GL-P, MP9184A delivers identical functionality with validated hiccup timing and improved thermal performance, while RT4801B trades current capability and low-VIN support for higher input voltage range-making it unsuitable for portable power applications.

Availability

MP9184GL-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB Type-C power delivery, Thunderbolt interface, and portable power bank designs requiring stable component supply through legacy design support cycles.

Supply support for MP9184GL-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 core expertise in DC-DC conversion, motor drivers, and LED lighting controllers.

The MP9184 product line targets high-current, wide-input portable and interface power applications-designed specifically for USB-C, Thunderbolt, and power bank architectures needing >10A boost capability in minimal PCB area.

FAQ

What is the recommended external current-sense resistor value for 15A average current limit?

Using the formula I_CL = V_CL/R_SENSE, where V_CL = 54mV (typical), a 15A limit requires R_SENSE = 54mV / 15A = 3.6mΩ. A standard 4mΩ, 1% tolerance, 1W chip resistor (e.g., Vishay WSLP1206) meets this requirement and provides margin against temperature drift.

Can MP9184GL-P operate with only internal current sensing and no external resistor?

Yes-connect MODE directly to PGND and tie SENSE to IN. This configures the IC for internal current sensing, using the integrated 10mΩ MOSFET's R_DS(on) for cycle-by-cycle peak-current limiting up to 17A. No external sense resistor or associated PCB traces are needed.

Why does the BST pin require an external capacitor, and what value is recommended?

BST supplies the 5V gate drive for the SDR output. An external 0.1μF X7R ceramic capacitor between BST and PGND maintains stable bootstrap voltage during high-duty-cycle operation. Larger values (>0.22μF) may cause startup delay; smaller values risk SDR dropout under heavy load.

How is soft-start time determined, and what capacitor value yields ~5ms startup?

SS is charged by a 7μA internal current source. For 5ms to reach 0.65V (transition point), use C_SS = Q/I = (0.65V × C) / 7μA → C = (0.65 × 10⁻⁶) / 7 ≈ 93nF. A standard 100nF ceramic capacitor achieves this timing with <5% variation.

What failure modes trigger hiccup mode versus immediate shutdown?

Hiccup mode activates after 1.1ms of sustained average current exceeding 54mV at SENSE (e.g., short-circuit or overload), causing 60ms off-time followed by restart attempt. Immediate shutdown occurs only for thermal events (>150°C) or BST undervoltage-both disabling switching until fault clears.

Is MP9184GL-P RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes-MP9184GL-P is fully RoHS-compliant, lead-free, and halogen-free per MPS quality assurance standards. The QFN-22 package uses matte tin plating and meets JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level 3 (MSL3) requirements.

Does the MP9184GL-P support automatic frequency foldback in light-load conditions?

Yes-it employs pulse-skipping mode (PSM) below ~10% load and foldback frequency reduction as load decreases, lowering switching frequency from 600kHz to ~50kHz. This reduces quiescent current to 600–750μA and maintains >85% efficiency at 100mA output.