Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPM3610AGQV-P

Overview

MPM3610AGQV-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a synchronous step-down DC/DC module integrating power MOSFETs, inductor, VCC and bootstrap capacitors in a single QFN20 package. It delivers 1.2A continuous output current from 4.5V–21V input, regulates output down to 0.8V with ±1.5% feedback voltage accuracy (798mV typ), and features power-good indication, thermal shutdown, and hiccup-mode over-current protection. It is used in space-constrained industrial control and telecom point-of-load regulation.

For engineers reviewing the MPM3610AGQV-P datasheet, MPM3610AGQV-P pinout, MPM3610AGQV-P application, or MPM3610AGQV-P equivalent, key selection considerations include its integrated inductor (eliminating external coil layout), 2MHz switching frequency with AAM/DCM/CCM mode transition, 90mΩ/40mΩ internal HS/LS R_DS(ON), 1.6ms soft-start, and PG open-drain timing thresholds referenced to 0.798V FB.

Technical Context

The MPM3610AGQV-P implements a high-frequency synchronous buck architecture with three operating modes: Advanced Asynchronous Modulation (AAM) at light load for efficiency, Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DCM) at medium load, and Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM) above ~0.6A. Its error amplifier compares FB voltage to a trimmed 0.798V reference and drives an internal compensation network that eliminates external loop components.

Control logic includes cycle-by-cycle over-current protection with valley-current sensing, thermal shutdown at 150°C (20°C hysteresis), and UVLO with 3.9V rising threshold on the internal VCC rail. The integrated bootstrap capacitor and internal 4.9V VCC LDO eliminate external biasing components, while the open-drain PG pin asserts high after 35µs when V_FB exceeds 90% of V_REF.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPM3610AGQV-P uses a thermally enhanced QFN20 package (3mm × 5mm × 1.6mm) with exposed thermal pad (PGND-connected) and 0.5mm pitch. Pin 1 is marked by dot; pins 10, 15, 19, 20 are NC and must remain unconnected.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous step-down module applications.

Compared with MPM3610AGQV-P, the MPM3620AGQV-P offers higher current headroom at the cost of reduced efficiency below 1A and tighter thermal design requirements, while the TSM1052-12 sacrifices adjustability and system visibility for lowest BOM count in fixed-rail applications.

Availability

MPM3610AGQV-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control PLCs, medical imaging sensor subsystems, and telecom baseband units requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MPM3610AGQV-P 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 analog and power ICs, with design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan, and global manufacturing partnerships.

The MPM3610A product line targets space-constrained, high-reliability DC/DC conversion in industrial, medical, and communications equipment-emphasizing integration, thermal robustness, and ease of qualification.

FAQ

What is the minimum output voltage achievable with MPM3610AGQV-P?

The MPM3610AGQV-P supports output voltages down to 0.8V, set by the external resistor divider on the FB pin referencing the internal 0.798V bandgap. Below 0.8V, minimum on-time limitation (30ns) and duty-cycle constraints prevent stable regulation; confirmed minimum functional V_OUT is 0.8V per datasheet Section 4 and Table 1.

Does MPM3610AGQV-P require an external bootstrap capacitor?

No. The MPM3610AGQV-P integrates the bootstrap capacitor internally (Pin 11 BST). External connection is neither required nor recommended-the device uses internal charge-pump circuitry to maintain sufficient gate drive voltage for the high-side MOSFET across the full input range.

How does the power-good (PG) pin behave during thermal shutdown?

During thermal shutdown, the PG pin is pulled low immediately-no delay-as stated in the "Power Good Indicator" section (page 14). This differs from normal undervoltage response (80µs delay) and provides fast fault signaling to upstream controllers or supervisors.

Can MPM3610AGQV-P start up into a pre-biased output?

Yes. The MPM3610AGQV-P supports monotonic pre-bias startup: when the output is already biased, the internal soft-start capacitor charges until it exceeds the sensed FB voltage, then sequentially enables HS and LS switches to ramp V_OUT without reverse current or overshoot.

What is the maximum recommended output voltage, and why?

The datasheet recommends limiting V_OUT to ≤5.5V for optimal performance. Higher outputs increase inductor ripple current and thermal stress; output ripple rises significantly above 5.5V, requiring additional C_OUT, and thermal management becomes critical due to reduced efficiency and higher power dissipation.

Is the EN pin 5V-tolerant, and what is its absolute maximum rating?

The EN pin is clamped internally by a 6.5V Zener diode (Figure 4, page 14). Its absolute maximum voltage is 6.5V-exceeding this risks damage. When driven from VIN (e.g., 12V), a series pull-up resistor ≥55kΩ is required to limit current to <100µA; direct connection to >6V sources is prohibited.

What layout practices are critical for thermal performance?

Thermal performance depends on soldering the exposed thermal pad (pins 12–14 PGND) to a solid inner ground plane using ≥6 thermal vias (0.3mm diameter), minimizing trace resistance between IN/SW/OUT and their respective capacitors, and avoiding thermal isolation of the QFN20 body-verified in the "PC Board Layout Guidelines" (page 18).