Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPL-AL5050-100

Overview

MPL-AL5050-100 from Monolithic Power Systems is a low-resistance molded power inductor with 10 µH nominal inductance (±20%), 37 mΩ typical DCR, 4.8 A rated current (ΔT = 40 K), and soft saturation behavior optimized for high-current DC-DC converters. It operates from –40°C to +155°C and is used in POL converters supplying FPGAs and embedded computing systems.

For engineers reviewing the MPL-AL5050-100 datasheet, MPL-AL5050-100 pinout (two-terminal SMT device), MPL-AL5050-100 application in high-frequency SMPS, or MPL-AL5050-100 equivalent for low-DCR molded inductors, this page provides verified electrical specs, thermal performance context, package dimensions, and real-world selection guidance.

Technical Context

This molded inductor uses composite magnetic material with distributed air gap to achieve soft saturation-inductance drops gradually (30% at ISAT) rather than collapsing abruptly, improving transient response stability in buck regulators. Its low AC losses stem from optimized core geometry and fine-stranded copper winding, enabling efficient operation up to 12 MHz self-resonant frequency.

Thermal design relies on direct PCB conduction: rated current assumes ΔT = 40 K rise on a 30 × 50 mm single-layer board with 35 µm Cu; actual temperature rise varies with layout, adjacent heat sources, and copper area. Maximum operating temperature includes self-heating, capped at +155°C absolute.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Two-terminal surface-mount device in molded rectangular package measuring 5.5 mm × 5.3 mm × 4.8 mm (L × W × H). Top marking includes dot indicating start of winding and "100" inductance code. Land pattern per MPS datasheet Rev. 1.1.

Key Features

Applications

Availability

MPL-AL5050-100 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered devices, FPGA power delivery, and high-current SMPS requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.

Supply support for MPL-AL5050-100 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 power management ICs and passive components for power conversion, with global design centers and AEC-Q200-qualified manufacturing partners.

The MPL-AL series is engineered specifically for high-efficiency, high-density DC-DC applications where low DCR, thermal resilience, and soft saturation are mandatory-targeting next-generation POL, server VRMs, and automotive ADAS power systems.

FAQ

What is the recommended PCB land pattern for MPL-AL5050-100?

The official land pattern per Rev. 1.1 datasheet specifies 4.7 mm × 2.0 mm pads with 2.0 mm center-to-center spacing and 0.3 mm solder mask opening. Thermal relief vias under each pad (minimum 4 × 0.3 mm) are strongly advised to enhance heat dissipation in high-current layouts.

How does the 30% inductance drop at ISAT affect control loop stability?

Unlike hard-saturating inductors, the MPL-AL5050-100's gradual L-drop preserves phase margin during large load transients. In tested 1 MHz buck converters, output voltage deviation remains within ±3% with no control loop re-tuning required up to 5.5 A peak current.

Can MPL-AL5050-100 replace wirewound inductors in existing 500 kHz designs?

Yes-its 10 µH value, 37 mΩ DCR, and 12 MHz SRF match or exceed typical 500 kHz wirewound parts. Layout must ensure adequate copper pour under terminals; no ferrite shielding is needed due to molded magnetic containment.

Is the 4.8 A rated current valid for multilayer PCBs?

No-the 4.8 A rating assumes a single-layer 30 × 50 mm PCB with 35 µm Cu. On 4-layer boards with internal ground/power planes, derating is unnecessary; measured ΔT drops to ~25 K at 4.8 A, allowing up to 5.6 A continuous with same thermal margin.

Does the "100" marking indicate 10 µH or 100 µH?

The "100" top marking follows the EIA-481 standard: first two digits are significant figures (10), third digit is multiplier (10⁰ = 1), yielding 10 × 1 = 10 µH. This is confirmed in Table 1 of the Rev. 1.1 datasheet.

What is the impact of operating near +155°C on long-term reliability?

Accelerated life testing shows <0.5% inductance shift and <3% DCR increase after 1000 hours at +155°C ambient + self-heating. The molded epoxy and composite core retain mechanical integrity without delamination or cracking under thermal cycling from –40°C to +155°C.