Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP9486GN

Overview

MP9486GN from Monolithic Power Systems is a 100V-input, 1A synchronous step-down DC/DC converter with integrated 500mΩ high-side MOSFET, hysteretic voltage-mode control, and PWM dimming input-designed for automotive, industrial, and high-power LED driver applications requiring stable regulation across 4.5–95V input and delivering 5V/1A output with 170µA quiescent current.

For engineers reviewing the MP9486GN datasheet, MP9486GN pinout, MP9486GN application, or MP9486GN equivalent, this device supports fast transient response in battery-powered scooters, solar charge controllers, and 12–48V industrial power rails-where UVLO (4.0V typ), thermal shutdown (150°C), and short-circuit protection are critical selection criteria.

Technical Context

The MP9486GN employs adaptive hysteretic voltage-mode control with dual FB thresholds (185mV low / 215mV high) to maintain 200mV average feedback voltage, eliminating external compensation components. Its internal floating gate driver powers the high-side MOSFET via a bootstrap capacitor connected between BST and SW pins.

Enable logic uses positive-threshold EN pin (1.55V rising, 1.23V falling) with internal 2µA pull-up; DIM pin provides 0.8–1.5V PWM dimming threshold for LED current control. Short-circuit protection triggers within 10µs and recovers after ~300µs, while thermal shutdown activates at 150°C with 20°C hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP9486GN is housed in an SOIC-8 package with exposed pad for enhanced thermal dissipation (θJA = 34°C/W on 2-layer board). The exposed pad must be soldered to a GND plane using thermal vias for reliable 1A operation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-voltage buck converter applications.

Compared with LM5164QDRCRQ1 and TPS54160DGQR, MP9486GN uniquely combines 95V operation, integrated 500mΩ MOSFET, and hardware PWM dimming in SOIC-8-making it optimal for LED drivers and 48V+ battery systems where simplicity and input range outweigh need for AEC-Q100 or clock sync.

Availability

MP9486GN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, solar charge controllers, e-bike power systems, and high-power LED drivers requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and input voltage ranges.

Supply support for MP9486GN 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 MP9486GN belongs to MPS's high-voltage buck converter product line, engineered specifically for ruggedized power conversion in automotive, industrial, and renewable energy applications where wide input range and integration reduce system complexity.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended input voltage for continuous operation of MP9486GN?

The MP9486GN is rated for continuous operation up to 95V input, as specified in Recommended Operating Conditions. While its Absolute Maximum Rating is 100V, sustained use above 95V risks exceeding thermal limits and reducing long-term reliability-especially at full 1A load and elevated ambient temperatures.

Can MP9486GN be used without the DIM pin in standard buck applications?

Yes-the DIM pin can be tied directly to the EN pin to disable dimming functionality. This configuration enables standard voltage-regulated buck operation while retaining all protection features, including UVLO, thermal shutdown, and short-circuit recovery.

How does the MP9486GN achieve stable regulation without external compensation components?

It uses adaptive hysteretic voltage-mode control with dynamically adjusted FB thresholds (185mV/215mV) that compensate for propagation delays in the internal comparator and gate driver-ensuring consistent 200mV average feedback voltage without requiring loop compensation networks.

What thermal performance can be expected from the SOIC-8 EP package at 1A load?

On a standard 2-layer 63mm×63mm PCB with the exposed pad soldered to a GND plane and thermal vias, θJA is 34°C/W. At 1A output into 5V, power dissipation is ~0.5W, resulting in ~17°C junction-to-ambient rise-well within the 125°C max operating junction temperature.

Is an external bootstrap diode required for reliable operation?

No-an external bootstrap diode is optional and only recommended for high-duty-cycle conditions (VOUT/VIN > 65%), very high switching frequencies (~1MHz), or when VIN ≤ 5V. The internal bootstrap regulator adequately charges the BST capacitor in most standard applications.

What output capacitor ESR range is recommended for stable operation at 5V/1A?

For 5V output, MPS recommends 100–250mΩ ESR for the output capacitor. Tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitors paired with a parallel 0.1µF ceramic are preferred-this combination ensures sufficient ESR for hysteretic loop stability while minimizing output ripple.

Does MP9486GN support synchronization to an external clock signal?

No-the MP9486GN operates exclusively in autonomous hysteretic mode and does not include a SYNC pin or frequency programming capability. Its switching frequency varies with input/output voltage and load, typically ranging from ~300kHz to 1MHz depending on operating conditions.