Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPL-SE2512-150

Overview

MPL-SE2512-150 from Monolithic Power Systems is a semi-shielded power inductor with 15 µH nominal inductance (±20%), 620 mΩ typical DCR, 0.85 A rated current (ΔT = 40 K on single-layer PCB), and operates from –40°C to +125°C ambient including self-heating; used in DC-DC converter output filters for portable battery-powered devices.

For engineers reviewing the MPL-SE2512-150 datasheet, MPL-SE2512-150 pinout (no pins-surface-mount passive), MPL-SE2512-150 application in buck converter output stages, or MPL-SE2512-150 equivalent for compact high-temp inductors, this page delivers verified electrical specs, thermal behavior context, package dimensions, and real-world selection guidance.

Technical Context

This inductor employs a semi-shielded ferrite core construction with copper winding, delivering low stray magnetic field and stable inductance under DC bias. Its 2.5 mm × 2.0 mm × 1.2 mm footprint supports ultra-thin portable designs while maintaining 15 MHz typical self-resonant frequency and 0.90 A saturation current at both 25°C and 100°C ambient.

Thermal performance is characterized per JEDEC JESD51-2: IR rating assumes 35 µm copper on a 30 mm × 50 mm single-layer PCB; actual ΔT varies with layout, trace width, adjacent components, and airflow. The device meets RoHS/REACH and is halogen-free.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Surface-mount passive component with no electrical pins; terminals are two solder pads (anode/cathode not applicable). Package: 2.5 mm × 2.0 mm × 1.2 mm molded semi-shielded SMD inductor with exposed thermal pad (land pattern per Rev. 1.2 datasheet, Page 4).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with VLS201610ET-150M, MPL-SE2512-150 trades 0.15 mm height for 0.1 A higher IR and 130 mΩ lower DCR; versus XAL4020-153MEB, it saves >75% board area at cost of 0.1 A IR margin - ideal for space-constrained portable designs.

Availability

MPL-SE2512-150 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered wearables, IoT edge nodes, and portable medical monitors requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability.

Supply support for MPL-SE2512-150 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.

The MPL-SE series is designed specifically for space-constrained, thermally demanding DC-DC converter applications in portable electronics, emphasizing low profile, low DCR, and robust thermal performance.

FAQ

What is the thermal test condition for the rated current (IR) specification?

The 0.85 A rated current is measured with the inductor mounted on a single-layer PCB (35 µm Cu, 30 mm × 50 mm), where self-heating causes a 40 K temperature rise above ambient. Actual ΔT depends on PCB copper weight, layer count, trace width, and proximity to heat sources.

Does MPL-SE2512-150 have polarity or orientation requirements during placement?

No - this is a non-polarized passive inductor. Both terminals are electrically symmetric; orientation does not affect electrical performance. However, consistent placement improves automated optical inspection (AOI) yield and thermal uniformity in reflow profiling.

How does the semi-shielded construction impact EMI compared to unshielded inductors?

Semi-shielding reduces magnetic flux leakage by ~60% versus unshielded equivalents of same value, lowering near-field coupling to adjacent traces, crystals, or RF sections. It does not provide full magnetic containment like fully shielded types but offers optimal balance of size, cost, and EMI suppression.

Can MPL-SE2512-150 be used in automotive applications?

While rated for –40°C to +125°C, MPL-SE2512-150 is not AEC-Q200 qualified. It may be used in non-safety-critical automotive infotainment or body electronics if validated per system-level thermal and vibration requirements - but not for ADAS or powertrain systems.

What is the significance of identical ISAT values at 25°C and 100°C?

Identical 0.90 A saturation current at both temperatures indicates minimal thermal derating - the core material retains magnetic properties across the full operating range, enabling predictable inductance stability in thermally dynamic environments like battery packs under charge/discharge cycles.

Is the land pattern in the datasheet compatible with standard reflow profiles?

Yes - the recommended land pattern (Page 4, Rev. 1.2) uses solder mask defined pads with 0.3 mm solder paste stencil aperture, optimized for Type 3 solder paste and standard lead-free reflow (peak 245°C). Thermal pad exposure is minimized to prevent tombstoning.

How does the 15 MHz self-resonant frequency affect its use in 2 MHz switching converters?

At 2 MHz, the inductor operates well below its 15 MHz SRF, maintaining >95% of nominal inductance and behaving dominantly inductively. Impedance rises linearly with frequency, ensuring effective filtering without capacitive roll-off or resonance-related instability.