Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPL-AL6060-150

Overview

MPL-AL6060-150 from Monolithic Power Systems is a low-resistance molded power inductor with 15 µH nominal inductance, 35 mΩ typical DCR, 5.8 A rated current (ΔT = 40 K), and +155°C maximum operating temperature, designed for high-current DC-DC converter output filtering in POL and FPGA power rails.

For engineers reviewing the MPL-AL6060-150 datasheet, MPL-AL6060-150 pinout (though non-pin device), MPL-AL6060-150 application in high-frequency SMPS, or MPL-AL6060-150 equivalent, key selection factors include soft saturation behavior, low AC losses at 100 kHz–10 MHz, thermal stability up to 155°C, and RoHS/REACH-compliant halogen-free construction.

Technical Context

This molded inductor uses composite magnetic material with distributed air gap to achieve soft saturation-inductance drops gradually to 70% of nominal at ISAT-enabling predictable current limiting in buck converter output stages. Its 6.6 mm × 6.4 mm × 4.8 mm footprint supports high-density PCB layouts while maintaining thermal derating integrity across -40°C to +155°C ambient.

Designed for switching frequencies up to 10 MHz (typical self-resonant frequency), it delivers stable inductance under DC bias and exhibits low audible noise due to fully potted construction and minimized magnetostrictive vibration. The 35 µm copper PCB test condition (30 × 50 mm single-layer) defines its rated current specification.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: Molded SMD inductor, 6.6 mm × 6.4 mm × 4.8 mm (L × W × H), bottom-surface mounting with two solder terminals. No leads or pins; terminals are exposed copper pads on underside per land pattern (A = 5.6 mm ref, B = 2.5 mm ref, C = 5.6 mm ref).

Key Features

Applications

Availability

MPL-AL6060-150 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered devices, high-current SMPS, and FPGA power delivery systems requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for MPL-AL6060-150 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 centers.

The MPL-AL series is MPS's molded power inductor product line, engineered specifically for high-efficiency, high-density DC-DC conversion in space-constrained and thermally demanding applications such as computing, industrial automation, and telecom infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the thermal test condition used to specify rated current?

The rated current (IR = 5.8 A) is defined by a 40 K temperature rise measured on a single-layer PCB (30 × 50 mm, 35 µm Cu). Real-world thermal performance depends on PCB copper area, layer count, airflow, and proximity to heat sources-designers should validate with thermal imaging under actual layout conditions.

Does MPL-AL6060-150 have polarity or winding direction marking?

Yes-the top marking includes a dot indicating the start of winding. This polarity matters in multi-phase interleaved designs where phase alignment affects ripple cancellation; incorrect orientation may increase output ripple and reduce EMI performance.

How does saturation current change with ambient temperature?

ISAT is specified at both 25°C (5.5 A) and 100°C (5.5 A), indicating minimal thermal drift in saturation threshold. This stability arises from the composite core's low temperature coefficient and uniform thermal distribution within the molded package.

Can this inductor be used in automotive applications?

Yes-its -40°C to +155°C operating range, AEC-Q200-aligned construction (halogen-free, RoHS/REACH compliant), and robust molded body meet requirements for under-dash infotainment and ADAS domain controllers, provided board-level thermal design stays within spec.

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

A 10 MHz SRF means the inductor behaves predictably as an inductive element up to that frequency. In practice, it remains effective in buck converters switching up to ~2 MHz; above that, parasitic capacitance begins dominating impedance, reducing filtering efficacy and increasing EMI risk.

Is reflow soldering supported, and what profile is recommended?

Yes-MPL-AL6060-150 is qualified for lead-free reflow per JEDEC J-STD-020. Peak temperature must not exceed 260°C for ≤30 seconds. Thermal shock resistance is ensured by molded epoxy encapsulation; no special pre-bake is required for standard humidity levels.