Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPL-AL5050-5R6

Overview

MPL-AL5050-5R6 from Monolithic Power Systems is a low-resistance molded power inductor with 5.6 µH nominal inductance, 20 mΩ typical DCR, 6.8 A rated current (ΔT = 40 K), and 8 A saturation current at both 25°C and 100°C. It operates from –40°C to +155°C and is optimized for high-current, high-frequency DC-DC converters in FPGA and POL applications.

For engineers reviewing the MPL-AL5050-5R6 datasheet, MPL-AL5050-5R6 pinout, MPL-AL5050-5R6 application, or MPL-AL5050-5R6 equivalent, key selection criteria include its soft saturation behavior, low audible noise, stable thermal performance up to 155°C, and molded construction enabling high reliability in space-constrained, high-power-density designs.

Technical Context

This molded inductor uses a composite ferrite core with copper winding encapsulated in thermally conductive epoxy, delivering controlled inductance roll-off under DC bias and minimal AC losses at switching frequencies up to 19 MHz. Its soft saturation characteristic supports predictable current limiting in overcurrent events without abrupt inductance collapse.

Designed for buck, boost, and multiphase VRM topologies, it maintains stable L-value across temperature (–40°C to +155°C) and exhibits low parasitic capacitance, supporting clean transient response in point-of-load regulators powering FPGAs and ASICs.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

As a two-terminal passive inductor, MPL-AL5050-5R6 has no active pins or signal assignments. It features a surface-mount molded package measuring 5.5 mm × 5.3 mm × 4.8 mm (L × W × H), with top marking "5R6" indicating 5.6 µH and a dot denoting start of winding. Land pattern follows MPS-recommended footprint on page 5 of Rev. 1.1 datasheet.

Key Features

Applications

Availability

MPL-AL5050-5R6 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA core regulation, POL converters for AI accelerators, and industrial PLC power supplies requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS/REACH-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for MPL-AL5050-5R6 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, headquartered in Kirkland, WA, with global design and support operations.

The MPL-AL series is engineered specifically for high-current, high-frequency DC-DC conversion in space-constrained applications-emphasizing low DCR, thermal resilience, and soft saturation for next-generation computing and industrial power systems.

FAQ

What is the recommended PCB land pattern for MPL-AL5050-5R6?

The official land pattern is specified on page 5 of Rev. 1.1 datasheet: 4.7 mm × 4.5 mm pad length/width with 2.0 mm center-to-center spacing and thermal relief vias under the body. Use 35 µm copper thickness and maintain ≥0.3 mm clearance to adjacent traces to avoid solder wicking and thermal imbalance.

How does the 8 A saturation current at 100°C compare to typical competitors?

Unlike many 5.6 µH inductors that degrade to ≤6 A ISAT at 100°C, MPL-AL5050-5R6 maintains 8 A at both 25°C and 100°C due to its thermally stable composite core formulation-enabling consistent current handling in sealed or high-ambient environments without derating.

Can MPL-AL5050-5R6 be used in a 2 MHz switching application?

Yes-the 19 MHz typical self-resonant frequency ensures inductive dominance through 2 MHz, and its low AC losses (verified in Fig. 4 of datasheet) maintain >92% efficiency in 2 MHz buck converters with 10–20 A load currents when paired with low-Qg MOSFETs.

Is the "5R6" marking polarity-sensitive?

No-the "5R6" code indicates inductance only. Polarity is defined by the dot marking, which denotes the start of winding. For optimal EMI performance in multiphase layouts, align dot orientation consistently across phases to minimize magnetic coupling asymmetry.

Does this inductor require underfill or conformal coating in harsh environments?

No-its molded epoxy encapsulation provides intrinsic protection against moisture, dust, and mechanical shock. Conformal coating is unnecessary and may impair thermal dissipation; however, if applied, use acrylic-based coatings compatible with epoxy substrates and avoid silicone near the winding terminations.

What is the thermal resistance from winding to case?

MPS does not publish θ_W-C directly, but thermal imaging data (Fig. 1) shows ≤40 K rise at 6.8 A on a single-layer 30×50 mm PCB-indicating effective heat transfer from copper winding through the molded body to the PCB pads, with estimated θ_W-C ≈ 3.5–4.2 K/W under standard mounting conditions.