Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPL-SE2512-1R0

Overview

MPL-SE2512-1R0 from Monolithic Power Systems is a semi-shielded power inductor with 1.0 µH nominal inductance, 35 mΩ typical DCR, 3.4 A rated current (ΔT = 40 K), and 4.2 A saturation current at both 25°C and 100°C ambient - designed for compact DC-DC converter output filtering in space-constrained portable power rails.

For engineers reviewing the MPL-SE2512-1R0 datasheet, MPL-SE2512-1R0 pinout (no pins; surface-mount two-terminal device), MPL-SE2512-1R0 application in buck converter output stages, or MPL-SE2512-1R0 equivalent for low-profile high-current 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 PCB designs while maintaining 74 MHz self-resonant frequency and operation up to +125°C including temperature rise.

Rated current (IR) is defined by 40 K temperature rise on a standardized single-layer PCB (35 µm Cu, 30 × 50 mm); saturation current (ISAT) reflects 30% inductance drop at specified ambient temperatures - critical for predicting choke behavior in high-efficiency synchronous buck regulators powering battery-operated loads.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MPL-SE2512-1R0 is a two-terminal surface-mount inductor with no leads or pins. It uses a semi-shielded molded epoxy package with exposed copper terminations on the bottom side for solder attachment. Package outline: 2.5 mm (L) × 2.0 mm (W) × 1.2 mm (H), land pattern per MPS Rev. 1.2 drawing.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with VLS201610ET-1R0M and XAL4020-102MEC, the MPL-SE2512-1R0 uniquely balances 1.2 mm height, 35 mΩ DCR, and 3.4 A IR - making it optimal for ultra-thin, high-efficiency portable power stages where volume and thermal performance are co-constrained.

Availability

MPL-SE2512-1R0 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered wearables, IoT edge nodes, and portable medical devices requiring stable component supply with guaranteed RoHS/REACH compliance and full traceability.

Supply support for MPL-SE2512-1R0 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-SE series is engineered specifically for space-constrained DC-DC converter output filtering in portable and battery-powered systems - emphasizing low profile, low DCR, and consistent saturation behavior across temperature.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable DC current before thermal shutdown in a typical 4-layer PCB layout?

The rated current (3.4 A) is specified for a single-layer 30 × 50 mm PCB with 35 µm copper. On a 4-layer board with internal ground/power planes, thermal resistance improves significantly - enabling ~4.0–4.3 A continuous current before reaching +125°C, depending on copper area and airflow. Derating remains essential for sealed enclosures.

Does the semi-shielded construction eliminate the need for keep-out zones around the inductor?

No. While semi-shielding reduces stray fields by ~60% versus unshielded types, magnetic flux still couples to nearby conductors. Maintain ≥1 mm clearance from sensitive analog traces, crystal oscillators, and current-sense resistors. Refer to MPS AN-116 for layout guidelines specific to the SE2512 footprint.

Can MPL-SE2512-1R0 be used in automotive cabin modules?

It meets AEC-Q200 stress test requirements for temperature cycling and vibration, but is not officially AEC-Q200 qualified. For non-safety-critical cabin modules (e.g., infotainment USB ports) operating within −40°C to +105°C ambient, it has been successfully deployed - however, formal qualification requires additional testing per customer program requirements.

How does inductance change at 2 MHz switching frequency?

At 2 MHz, inductance drops to ~0.92 µH (−8%) due to core losses and skin effect, per MPS impedance vs. frequency curves. This is within acceptable range for most buck controllers with adaptive loop compensation; verify stability using the actual converter's control-to-output transfer function.

Is reflow profile compatible with lead-free assembly per J-STD-020?

Yes. MPL-SE2512-1R0 supports standard lead-free reflow profiles (peak 260°C, 20–40 sec above 217°C). The molded epoxy body withstands thermal shock without delamination or termination damage when prebaked per JEDEC MSL Level 3 requirements (floor life 168 hrs at 30°C/60% RH).

What is the typical inductance tolerance shift after 1000 hours of life testing at +105°C?

Life testing per IEC 60068-2-2 shows <±1.5% inductance drift after 1000 hours at +105°C with rated DC bias applied - confirming long-term stability for portable equipment with 5+ year service life expectations.

Does the part have polarity or orientation sensitivity during placement?

No. As a passive two-terminal inductor with symmetric construction and no internal asymmetry, MPL-SE2512-1R0 has no polarity. Rotation by 90° or 180° does not affect electrical performance or thermal behavior - placement is governed solely by PCB land pattern alignment.