Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPL-SE5040-100

Overview

MPL-SE5040-100 from Monolithic Power Systems is a semi-shielded power inductor with 10 µH nominal inductance (±20%), 56 mΩ typical DCR, 3.2 A rated current (ΔT = 40 K), 3.6 A saturation current at 25°C, and 3 A at 100°C - designed for high-efficiency DC-DC converters in space-constrained embedded computing and battery-powered systems.

For engineers reviewing the MPL-SE5040-100 datasheet, MPL-SE5040-100 pinout (SMD two-terminal device), MPL-SE5040-100 application in buck converter output filters, or MPL-SE5040-100 equivalent for 10 µH power inductors with ≤64 mΩ DCR and ≥3 A saturation current, this page delivers verified electrical specs, thermal behavior context, and layout-critical package dimensions.

Technical Context

This inductor operates across -40°C to +125°C ambient (including self-heating), with inductance measured at 100 kHz/100 mA. Its semi-shielded construction suppresses stray magnetic fields while enabling higher saturation than fully shielded equivalents of similar footprint.

Rated current is defined by 40 K temperature rise on a standardized single-layer PCB (35 µm Cu, 30×50 mm); actual thermal performance depends on board copper area, adjacent heat sources, and airflow - not intrinsic device limits alone.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: Semi-shielded molded SMD inductor, 4.9 mm × 4.9 mm × 4.0 mm (L×W×H), two-terminal surface-mount design with bottom-side solder pads. Land pattern per datasheet Rev. 1.1: 2.10 mm pad width, 5.10 mm center-to-center spacing.

Key Features

Applications

Availability

MPL-SE5040-100 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered devices, high-efficiency SMPS, and embedded computing applications requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for MPL-SE5040-100 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 targets space-constrained, thermally demanding DC-DC applications where low-profile semi-shielded inductors must deliver high saturation current and minimal EMI - particularly in portable and industrial power systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable DC current before thermal derating begins?

The rated current of 3.2 A is defined as the DC current causing a 40 K temperature rise on a standardized single-layer PCB (35 µm Cu, 30×50 mm). Derating starts immediately above this level; actual safe current depends on board copper area, airflow, and proximity to other heat sources - not a fixed threshold.

Does MPL-SE5040-100 have polarity marking or orientation sensitivity?

No polarity marking is present, and the device has no inherent electrical polarity. However, orientation affects stray magnetic field direction: mounting with Terminal 1 toward the switch node minimizes coupling into nearby analog circuits, as confirmed by MPS layout guidelines in Rev. 1.1.

How does the 30% inductance drop definition for ISAT impact design margin?

ISAT is the DC current at which inductance falls 30% from its 100 mA small-signal value. At that point, core saturation begins limiting energy storage - so designs should keep peak inductor current below ISAT (3.6 A @ 25°C) with ≥20% margin for thermal and process variation.

Can MPL-SE5040-100 replace fully shielded inductors in noise-critical applications?

Yes - its semi-shielded construction contains >70% of magnetic flux, achieving stray field reduction comparable to many fully shielded parts. Layout validation is required: keep ≥3 mm clearance from sensitive traces, and avoid placing directly over ground planes with cutouts.

Is the 22 MHz self-resonant frequency sufficient for 2 MHz switching converters?

Yes - at 2 MHz, the inductor operates well below its 22 MHz SRF, behaving as a near-ideal inductor with minimal parasitic capacitance impact. Impedance remains dominantly inductive (X_L ≫ X_C), ensuring predictable ripple current filtering.

What PCB layout practices maximize thermal performance?

Use ≥2 oz (70 µm) copper on both top and bottom layers, connect both terminals to internal ground/power planes via multiple vias, and maintain ≥1.5 mm clearance to adjacent components. Avoid thermal isolation islands - thermal relief spokes degrade heat dissipation more than solid copper connections.