Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPL-SE4030-220

Overview

MPL-SE4030-220 from Monolithic Power Systems is a semi-shielded power inductor with 22 µH nominal inductance (±20%), 220 mΩ typical DC resistance, 1.3 A rated current (ΔT = 40 K), and operates from –40°C to +125°C ambient including self-heating. It is designed for high-efficiency DC-DC converters in space-constrained embedded computing and battery-powered systems.

For engineers reviewing the MPL-SE4030-220 datasheet, MPL-SE4030-220 pinout (though leadless), MPL-SE4030-220 application in buck converter output filters, or MPL-SE4030-220 equivalent for 22 µH/1.3 A power inductors, this page delivers verified electrical specs, thermal performance context, package dimensions, and real-world selection guidance - all grounded in MPS Rev. 1.3 documentation.

Technical Context

This inductor uses a semi-shielded ferrite core construction with copper winding, enabling low stray magnetic field and stable inductance under DC bias. Its 4.5 mm × 4.5 mm × 3.0 mm footprint supports high-density PCB layouts while maintaining 20 MHz typical self-resonant frequency and Q-factor peak near 10 MHz.

Thermal performance is characterized per single-layer PCB test condition (35 µm Cu, 30 mm × 50 mm), with saturation defined as 30% inductance drop at both 25°C and 100°C ambient - critical for predicting behavior in thermally demanding SMPS stages.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: Semi-shielded molded SMD inductor, 4.5 mm × 4.5 mm × 3.0 mm (L × W × H), land pattern optimized for thermal dissipation on single-layer PCBs. No electrical pins - two solder terminals (A1 and A2) on bottom surface.

Key Features

Applications

Availability

MPL-SE4030-220 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered devices, high-efficiency SMPS, and embedded computing applications requiring stable component supply, consistent thermal performance, and RoHS-compliant magnetics.

Supply support for MPL-SE4030-220 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 integrated magnetics, headquartered in Kirkland, WA, with global design and support operations.

The MPL-SE series targets compact, high-current DC-DC applications where thermal reliability and EMI control are critical - specifically engineered for buck converter output stages in space- and efficiency-constrained systems.

FAQ

What is the exact physical size and land pattern requirement for MPL-SE4030-220?

The device measures 4.5 mm × 4.5 mm × 3.0 mm (L × W × H) with a recommended land pattern per MPS Rev. 1.3: two 2.5 mm × 2.5 mm solder pads spaced 2.8 mm center-to-center, with 0.3 mm solder mask opening clearance. Thermal vias under pads are advised for >1 A operation.

How does the 1.12 A ISAT at 100°C impact design margin in high-ambient environments?

At 100°C ambient, inductance drops 30% at 1.12 A - meaning designs operating near 1.3 A rated current must derate peak load current or increase airflow. This reflects real-world thermal compression in enclosed enclosures or stacked PCBs, not just datasheet room-temperature values.

Is MPL-SE4030-220 suitable for automotive applications?

No - while it operates up to +125°C, it is not AEC-Q200 qualified, lacks automotive-grade screening, and has no specified vibration/shock tolerance or extended temperature validation beyond industrial limits. Use only in non-safety-critical industrial or consumer systems.

Why is the RDC MAX specified as 270 mΩ when typical is 220 mΩ?

The 270 mΩ maximum accounts for process variation in winding resistance and core material tolerances across production lots. Designers must use RDC MAX for worst-case power loss and thermal calculations - e.g., 1.3 A² × 270 mΩ = 456 mW dissipation - not the typical value.

Can MPL-SE4030-220 replace wirewound shielded inductors in existing designs?

Yes, if footprint and height match and saturation/thermal requirements are met. Its semi-shielded structure offers lower profile than fully shielded types but requires careful layout to manage residual stray field - verify EMI with near-field scans before qualification.

What is the significance of the 20 MHz self-resonant frequency in practical layout?

Operation above 20 MHz causes impedance to fall and phase shift toward capacitive behavior, degrading filter effectiveness. Keep trace lengths short and avoid parallel routing near RF-sensitive circuits - especially critical in multi-MHz switching converters like GaN-based designs.