Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPL-AL6060-100

Overview

MPL-AL6060-100 from Monolithic Power Systems is a low-resistance molded power inductor with 10 µH nominal inductance, 24 mΩ typical DCR, 6.9 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-AL6060-100 datasheet, MPL-AL6060-100 pinout (though non-pin device), MPL-AL6060-100 application in high-frequency SMPS, or MPL-AL6060-100 equivalent for low-DCR molded inductors, this page delivers verified electrical specs, thermal performance context, package dimensions, and design-critical alternatives.

Technical Context

This molded inductor uses composite magnetic material with distributed air gap to achieve soft saturation-L drops gradually rather than abruptly at ISAT-enabling stable regulation under transient load steps. Its low AC losses stem from optimized core geometry and fine-stranded copper winding, supporting operation up to 10 MHz self-resonant frequency.

Thermal performance is validated on a standardized single-layer PCB (30 × 50 mm, 35 µm Cu); actual ΔT depends on layout, adjacent heat sources, and copper pour area. The +155°C max operating temperature includes both ambient and self-heating contributions, making it suitable for compact, thermally constrained industrial and automotive-adjacent power stages.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: Molded SMD inductor, 6.6 mm × 6.4 mm × 5.8 mm footprint with bottom-surface terminations. No leads or pins; terminals are rectangular solder pads on underside (A = 5.60 mm ref, B = 2.50 mm ref, C = 5.60 mm ref). Marking includes dot indicating start of winding and "100" inductance code.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar molded power inductor applications.

Compared with IHLP-6767GZER100M8A and XAL6060-103MEC, MPL-AL6060-100 offers the best balance of compact size (6.6 × 6.4 mm), lowest DCR among equivalents, and highest SRF-critical for >1 MHz designs where EMI filtering and transient fidelity are prioritized.

Availability

MPL-AL6060-100 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA core regulation, POL converters in embedded computing, and high-current SMPS in battery-powered devices requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.

Supply support for MPL-AL6060-100 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 product lines.

MPL-AL6060-100 belongs to MPS's molded power inductor family, engineered specifically for high-efficiency, high-density DC-DC converters in computing, industrial, and telecom infrastructure where thermal robustness and low acoustic noise are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable PCB temperature rise when using MPL-AL6060-100 at its rated current?

The rated current of 6.9 A is defined to produce a 40 K temperature rise above ambient on a standardized single-layer PCB (30 × 50 mm, 35 µm Cu). Actual rise depends on copper area, airflow, and nearby heat sources-designers should validate with thermal imaging under worst-case load and ambient conditions.

Does MPL-AL6060-100 have polarity marking, and why does it matter?

Yes: a dot on the top surface marks the start of winding (Terminal 1). Polarity matters for phase alignment in multiphase buck converters and for minimizing EMI when paired with specific gate-drive timing sequences-reversing terminals may increase radiated emissions or reduce loop stability margin.

How does soft saturation improve system reliability compared to hard-saturation inductors?

Soft saturation causes inductance to decline gradually beyond ISAT, maintaining predictable current slew rates and avoiding abrupt control-loop errors. Hard-saturation inductors collapse L sharply, risking overcurrent events, MOSFET failure, or output voltage overshoot during fast load transients-especially critical in FPGA and ASIC power rails.

Can MPL-AL6060-100 be used in automotive applications?

While not AEC-Q200 qualified, MPL-AL6060-100 operates reliably from –40°C to +155°C and is RoHS/REACH-compliant. It has been deployed in automotive-adjacent applications (e.g., infotainment power supplies, ADAS camera modules) where qualification is handled at the system level-not component level-and thermal derating is applied per ISO 16750-4.

What is the significance of the 10 MHz self-resonant frequency in practical design?

A 10 MHz SRF means the inductor behaves predictably as an inductive element up to that frequency-well above typical 500 kHz–2 MHz switching frequencies. This avoids unintended capacitive impedance inversion, preserves loop phase margin, and simplifies EMI filter design by ensuring the inductor remains effective across the entire noise spectrum of the converter.

Is reflow soldering supported, and what profile is recommended?

Yes: MPL-AL6060-100 is qualified for lead-free reflow per JEDEC J-STD-020 Rev. E. Peak temperature must not exceed 260°C for ≤30 seconds. Preheat ramp rate ≤3°C/s, soak zone 150–200°C for 60–120 s, and cooling rate ≤6°C/s are recommended to prevent delamination or core cracking.