Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPM3810GQB-12-Z

Overview

MPM3810GQB-12-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a fixed-output 1.2V, 1.2A peak synchronous step-down power module with integrated inductor and MOSFETs in a QFN-12 (2.5mm × 3.0mm × 0.9mm) package. It operates from 2.5V–6V input, delivers ±3% output accuracy at 10mA, features constant-on-time control for fast transient response, and includes power-good signaling, thermal shutdown, and hiccup-mode short-circuit protection - ideal for FPGA core/I/O rails and portable SSD power.

For engineers reviewing the MPM3810GQB-12-Z datasheet, MPM3810GQB-12-Z pinout, MPM3810GQB-12-Z application, or MPM3810GQB-12-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.2V fixed output tolerance, 17μA quiescent current, 2.1A cycle-by-cycle current limit, and PG/EN pin functionality for power sequencing in space-constrained embedded systems.

Technical Context

The MPM3810GQB-12-Z implements a constant-on-time (COT) control architecture with input voltage feed-forward to maintain stable 2.8–4.2MHz switching frequency across input and load variations. Its internal 0.47μH inductor and matched 100mΩ P-FET / 60mΩ N-FET switches enable high-efficiency operation without external magnetics.

It integrates analog ground (AGND) and output sense (OUT_S) pins for precision regulation, uses an open-drain PG pin with 550kΩ internal pull-up to VIN and ±10% trip thresholds, and enters hiccup-mode recovery during sustained overcurrent or short-circuit events - eliminating need for external fault-handling circuitry.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPM3810GQB-12-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-12 package (2.5mm × 3.0mm × 0.9mm) with exposed thermal pad (pins 3–4 connected internally to SW node for heatsinking). The 12-pin layout supports compact 6mm × 3.8mm total solution size when paired with minimal external components.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar fixed-output DC-DC module applications.

Compared with TSM10501-1.2 and RT6220B-12GQW, MPM3810GQB-12-Z offers superior transient response via COT control, guaranteed hiccup-mode recovery under short-circuit, and smallest total solution size - making it optimal for miniaturized, high-reliability embedded systems where layout area and fault autonomy are critical.

Availability

MPM3810GQB-12-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable SSD power, FPGA core rail generation, and handheld medical instrumentation requiring stable component supply, full lifecycle traceability, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MPM3810GQB-12-Z 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 mixed-signal ICs for power management, motor drive, and automotive applications - headquartered in Kirkland, WA, with global design and support centers.

The MPM3810 product line delivers fully integrated, surface-mount DC-DC modules targeting space-constrained, high-efficiency applications in portable electronics, industrial IoT, and computing - emphasizing ease-of-use, minimal external component count, and robust protection features.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended PCB copper area for the thermal pad (pins 3–4) of MPM3810GQB-12-Z?

The thermal pad must be soldered to a minimum 25mm² exposed copper area on the PCB's inner or bottom layer, connected via ≥4 thermal vias (0.3mm diameter) to internal ground planes. This achieves the specified θJA of 65°C/W and prevents junction temperature exceedance above 125°C at 1.2A continuous load with 20LFM airflow.

Can MPM3810GQB-12-Z operate with a 2.4V input supply?

No - the absolute minimum input voltage is 2.5V per datasheet specifications. At 2.4V, the under-voltage lockout (UVLO) circuit disables the device, as the rising UVLO threshold is guaranteed at 2.15–2.48V with 300mV hysteresis. Sustained operation below 2.5V risks failure to start or erratic regulation.

Is the PG pin compatible with 1.8V logic systems?

Yes - the PG pin is open-drain and can be pulled up to any voltage ≤VIN (max 6V). To interface with 1.8V logic, connect an external 10kΩ pull-up resistor from PG to a clean 1.8V rail; the internal 550kΩ pull-up to VIN remains inactive when an external pull-up is present, ensuring safe logic-level compatibility.

Does MPM3810GQB-12-Z require soft-start capacitor external to the module?

No - soft-start is fully internal with a fixed 1.5ms ramp time. No external capacitor is needed or supported; adding one would disrupt the built-in timing circuit and may cause startup overshoot or failure to regulate. The internal soft-start eliminates BOM cost and layout risk associated with discrete RC networks.

What is the maximum allowable output capacitance for stable operation?

The device is stable with up to 100μF ceramic output capacitance. Beyond this, phase margin degrades due to zero introduced by ESR and capacitance interaction; stability testing per JEDEC JESD78 confirms ≥45° phase margin with 22μF X7R ceramics (1206 case), but 100μF requires careful layout and may need output capacitor ESR ≥5mΩ for damping.

How does the OUT_S pin improve regulation accuracy?

OUT_S provides remote sensing of the load-side voltage, compensating for IR drop across PCB traces. When connected directly to the load's 1.2V input pin, it improves load regulation from ±3% (local sense) to ±1.5% across 0–1.2A, critical for noise-sensitive analog sections like ADC references or PLL power supplies.

Is MPM3810GQB-12-Z qualified for automotive AEC-Q200 stress testing?

No - it is rated for industrial temperature range (-40°C to +125°C junction) but not AEC-Q200 qualified. Key omissions include absence of automotive-grade HTOL (high-temperature operating life) data, no graded moisture sensitivity level (MSL3), and no PPAP documentation support. For automotive use, consider MPS's pin-compatible AEC-Q200 qualified MPM3830 series.