Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPL-AT2512-4R7

Overview

MPL-AT2512-4R7 from Monolithic Power Systems is a low-profile molded power inductor with 4.7 µH nominal inductance (±20%), 170 mΩ typical DCR, 1.8 A rated current (ΔT = 40 K on 1-layer PCB), and 2.4 A saturation current at both 25°C and 100°C ambient - designed for high-frequency DC-DC converters in space-constrained portable electronics.

For engineers reviewing the MPL-AT2512-4R7 datasheet, MPL-AT2512-4R7 pinout (2-terminal SMT device), MPL-AT2512-4R7 application in buck converter output filters or battery-powered SMPS, or MPL-AT2512-4R7 equivalent for compact 2.5×2.0×1.2 mm molded inductors, this page delivers verified electrical behavior, thermal limits, and layout-critical performance curves.

Technical Context

This molded inductor uses soft-saturation ferrite core material enabling gradual inductance roll-off under DC bias, critical for stable regulation in high-switching-frequency (up to 2 MHz) buck converters. Its 28 MHz self-resonant frequency supports operation well beyond typical switching frequencies while maintaining predictable impedance profile.

Thermal design is constrained by its 1.2 mm max height and 35 µm copper PCB layout reference condition: temperature rise is characterized on a 30 mm × 50 mm single-layer board, and derating is required for multi-layer or thermally dense layouts. Max operating temperature is +125°C inclusive of self-heating.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Two-terminal surface-mount device with no polarity marking; terminals are symmetric and non-directional. Package is molded epoxy over wound copper coil and ferrite core, with exposed solderable terminations on bottom face.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with VLS201610ET-4R7M and XAL4020-472MEC, MPL-AT2512-4R7 uniquely balances 1.2 mm height, 2.4 A saturation at 100°C, and 170 mΩ DCR - making it optimal for thermally dense, ultra-thin wearable and IoT designs where both size and high-temperature robustness are simultaneously constrained.

Availability

MPL-AT2512-4R7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered wearables, high-frequency IoT sensors, and portable medical devices requiring stable component supply with full traceability and lifecycle management.

Supply support for MPL-AT2512-4R7 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.

MPL-AT2512 series belongs to MPS's molded power inductor product line, engineered specifically for miniaturized DC-DC solutions in portable, battery-operated, and thermally constrained applications - emphasizing low profile, soft saturation, and high-temperature stability.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable DC current before thermal shutdown in a typical wearable PCB layout?

The rated current of 1.8 A is defined for a specific test board (30 mm × 50 mm, 1-layer, 35 µm Cu). In real wearable layouts with smaller area or multi-layer stacks, thermal rise increases - actual safe DC current must be determined via IR imaging or thermal simulation. Derating to 1.4–1.6 A is typical for 2-layer 12 mm × 12 mm boards.

Does MPL-AT2512-4R7 have polarity or orientation sensitivity during placement?

No. It is a two-terminal, non-polarized passive component with symmetric terminations and no internal polarity. The dot marking indicates start of winding but has no functional impact on circuit operation or EMI performance - placement orientation does not affect inductance or saturation behavior.

How does the 2.4 A saturation current at 100°C compare to performance at room temperature?

Unlike many inductors that degrade significantly at elevated temperature, MPL-AT2512-4R7 maintains identical 2.4 A ISAT (30% L drop) at both 25°C and 100°C ambient. This reflects stable core material permeability and minimal thermal coefficient of saturation - confirmed by test data on page 2 of the Rev. 1.0 datasheet.

Can this inductor be used in a 3 MHz switching converter?

Yes - its 28 MHz self-resonant frequency provides >9× margin over 3 MHz operation. However, AC resistance rises significantly above 10 MHz (see Fig. 5), so core losses increase. Efficiency remains acceptable up to 3 MHz, but thermal validation is recommended due to higher core loss contribution at that frequency.

Is the 170 mΩ DCR value measured at DC or at operating frequency?

The 170 mΩ value is DC resistance measured at 25°C with a micro-ohmmeter per MIL-STD-202G Method 304. AC resistance at switching frequencies (e.g., 1–3 MHz) is higher - up to 220 mΩ at 2 MHz - as shown in the "AC Resistance vs. Frequency" curve on page 3 of the datasheet.

What PCB land pattern is recommended for optimal thermal and mechanical reliability?

MPS specifies a land pattern with 0.90 mm pad width, 2.30 mm pad length, and 0.50 mm solder mask opening (page 4). Use 100% copper fill under the part and thermal vias (≥4×0.3 mm) to inner ground planes if board has ≥2 layers - this reduces thermal resistance by ~12 K/W versus bare pad layout.

Does this inductor meet AEC-Q200 stress testing requirements for automotive use?

No - MPL-AT2512-4R7 is qualified per industrial-grade reliability standards (JESD22-A104, A108, A110), not AEC-Q200. For automotive cabin applications, consider MPS's automotive-qualified MPLA series, which undergoes extended temperature cycling, humidity bias, and mechanical shock testing per AEC-Q200 Rev D.