Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPM3612GLQ-33-P

Overview

MPM3612GLQ-33 from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully integrated, synchronous step-down power module delivering 1A continuous output at fixed 3.3V from a 3V–22V input, featuring ultra-low 5µA quiescent current, 1.25MHz fixed switching frequency in CCM, and LGA-10 (3mm×3mm×2mm) package. It serves as a compact, high-efficiency DC/DC converter for battery-powered edge nodes requiring low standby power and fast transient response.

For engineers reviewing the MPM3612GLQ-33 datasheet, MPM3612GLQ-33 pinout, MPM3612GLQ-33 application, or MPM3612GLQ-33 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 5µA IQ under light load, integrated 2.2µH inductor, EN-controlled output discharge, PG open-drain status flag, and thermal shutdown with 20°C hysteresis - all validated for IoT sensor hubs and multi-cell Li-ion systems.

Technical Context

The MPM3612GLQ-33 implements constant-on-time (COT) control with valley-current limiting and automatic transition between PWM and power-save mode (PSM), enabling seamless load-step response and >90% efficiency at 100µA–1A across 4.5V–22V input. Its internal 2.2µH inductor and dual N-channel MOSFETs (HS R_DS(ON) = 260mΩ typ, LS R_DS(ON) = 120mΩ typ) are co-packaged to minimize parasitic loop area and EMI.

It integrates a 3.3V VCC LDO powered from VIN, a soft-start timer (1.3ms), over-voltage protection with 8µs deglitch, hiccup-mode OCP/OVP, and thermal shutdown at 150°C with 20°C hysteresis. The PG pin provides open-drain status signaling with UV/OV thresholds referenced to 92%/87% and 113%/108% of V_REF, respectively.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LGA-10 (3mm × 3mm × 2mm) package with exposed thermal pad on underside, requiring solder connection to GND (Pin 3) for optimal thermal performance and EMI reduction.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS826718SIPR and RT6220GSP, the MPM3612GLQ-33 uniquely balances ultra-low IQ, 22V input tolerance, integrated magnetics, and PG/VOUT_S features in a 3mm×3mm footprint - making it optimal for space-constrained, long-life, multi-rail IoT endpoints where reliability and minimal BOM count are critical.

Availability

MPM3612GLQ-33 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, home automation systems, and multi-cell Li-ion battery applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MPM3612GLQ-33 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 modules, with design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan, and global manufacturing partnerships.

The MPM3612 product line delivers ultra-compact, high-efficiency DC/DC power modules targeting battery-powered edge intelligence - emphasizing low IQ, integrated magnetics, and robust protection for next-generation IoT and portable electronics.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable output capacitance for stable soft-start?

The MPM3612GLQ-33 requires output capacitance ≤470µF to avoid triggering current limit during soft-start. Exceeding this value delays VOUT ramp-up beyond the 1.3ms internal timer, causing regulation failure. For best transient response, use 22µF–100µF X5R/X7R ceramics with ≤5mΩ ESR.

How does the PG pin behave during thermal shutdown?

During thermal shutdown, the PG pin pulls low immediately upon junction temperature exceeding 150°C - no delay or threshold hysteresis applies. It remains low until TJ drops below 130°C (20°C hysteresis), soft-start completes, and VOUT stabilizes above 92% of 3.3V (3.04V).

Can the EN pin be tied directly to VIN for automatic startup?

Yes - the EN pin tolerates up to 22V and has <0.1µA leakage, so direct connection to VIN enables automatic turn-on without external pull-up. This configuration is validated in MPS EVM3612-LQ-00A and maintains full OVP/UVLO protection.

What is the minimum off-time and how does it affect dropout operation?

The minimum off-time is 140ns. When input voltage approaches VOUT, the controller extends on-time to maintain regulation, reducing switching frequency down to ~240kHz. At this point, duty cycle reaches 96–98%, and further VIN drop causes VOUT to fall linearly - enabling operation down to ~3.4V input at 3.3V output.

Does the module support pre-biased output startup?

Yes - the MPM3612GLQ-33 guarantees monotonic startup into pre-biased outputs. If VOUT_S voltage exceeds the internal soft-start capacitor voltage at enable, the BST capacitor refreshes and regulation begins without output voltage reversal or oscillation.

What is the purpose of the VOUT_S pin and how should it be routed?

VOUT_S provides remote voltage sensing to compensate for PCB trace IR drop. It must be connected via dedicated trace to the load-side of the output capacitor, separate from the main VOUT power path. Routing near noisy signals or sharing vias with power planes degrades regulation accuracy.

How does the output discharge function operate when EN is pulled low?

When EN is low, the high-side FET turns off and the low-side FET turns on to sink current from the output capacitor. Discharge continues until LS current reaches –600mA, then pauses briefly before repeating - ensuring rapid VOUT collapse (<5ms for 22µF) without excessive thermal stress.