Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPM3810GQB-18-P

Overview

MPM3810GQB-18-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a fixed-output 1.8V, 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 ±1.5% output accuracy at 10mA, features constant-on-time control for fast transient response, and includes EN, PG, thermal shutdown, and hiccup-mode short-circuit protection - deployed in space-constrained portable SSDs and FPGA I/O rails.

For engineers reviewing the MPM3810GQB-18-P datasheet, MPM3810GQB-18-P pinout, MPM3810GQB-18-P application, or MPM3810GQB-18-P equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.8V fixed output tolerance, 17μA quiescent current, 100% duty-cycle dropout capability, open-drain PG with 550kΩ internal pull-up, and thermal shutdown at 150°C - all critical for low-power, high-density embedded power sequencing.

Technical Context

The MPM3810GQB-18-P implements constant-on-time (COT) control with input-voltage feedforward to maintain stable 2.8–4.2MHz switching frequency across input and load variations. Its integrated 0.47μH inductor and matched 100mΩ/60mΩ P/N-FETs enable full regulation down to 0.6V reference while supporting 100% duty cycle in dropout.

It uses a dedicated analog ground (AGND), Kelvin-sense output (OUT_S), and open-drain power-good (PG) with ±10% trip window referenced to internal 0.6V feedback threshold. Protection includes cycle-by-cycle current limiting (typ. 2.1A), thermal shutdown with 30°C hysteresis, and hiccup-mode recovery from short circuits.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPM3810GQB-18-P uses a thermally enhanced QFN-12 package (2.5mm × 3.0mm × 0.9mm) with exposed thermal pad (pins 3–4 connected internally to SW node and tied to copper pour for heatsinking). The 12-pin layout supports compact 6mm × 3.8mm total solution size.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS826718 and LTM8003-1.8, MPM3810GQB-18-P uniquely balances 1.2A capability, 100% dropout, OUT_S sensing, and minimal 6mm × 3.8mm footprint - making it optimal for 2.5–6V, space-constrained 1.8V applications where precision and thermal headroom are critical.

Availability

MPM3810GQB-18-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable SSDs, FPGA I/O power, wearable electronics, and industrial sensor nodes requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MPM3810GQB-18-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 over 20 years of expertise in DC-DC conversion, motor drivers, and LED lighting solutions.

The MPM38xx series was designed specifically for space-constrained, high-efficiency point-of-load regulation in portable and embedded systems - integrating inductors to eliminate layout sensitivity and accelerate time-to-market.

FAQ

What is the recommended input capacitor for MPM3810GQB-18-P?

A 10μF X5R/X7R ceramic capacitor placed directly between VIN and PGND is recommended for most applications. For higher output voltages or high-ripple environments, a 22μF unit improves stability. The capacitor must have RMS current rating exceeding half the maximum load current (≥600mA) and be located within 2mm of the VIN and PGND pins to suppress switching noise.

Does MPM3810GQB-18-P require external feedback resistors?

No. MPM3810GQB-18-P is a fixed-output variant with internal resistor divider set to 1.8V; pin 10 (FB) is NC and must remain unconnected. Only input and output capacitors are required - eliminating tuning errors and reducing bill-of-materials count.

How does the OUT_S pin improve regulation accuracy?

OUT_S provides Kelvin sensing by connecting directly to the load point, bypassing PCB trace resistance between the module's OUT pin and the powered device. This compensates for IR drop up to 50mΩ, maintaining ±1% output accuracy at the load even with 1A current flow through narrow traces.

What thermal management practices are required for 1.2A continuous operation?

For 1.2A continuous load at 6V input, solder the exposed thermal pad (pins 3–4) to ≥100mm² of 2oz copper with ≥4 thermal vias (0.3mm diameter) to inner ground plane. Maintain ambient temperature ≤85°C; derate output current by 10% per 10°C above 85°C ambient per thermal characterization data.

Can MPM3810GQB-18-P operate with input voltage equal to output voltage?

Yes. Its 100% duty-cycle capability allows regulation down to VIN = VOUT (1.8V), sustaining output during brownout conditions where input sags to the nominal output level - a key advantage over PWM-controlled converters that require minimum VIN–VOUT differential.

Is the PG pin compatible with 1.8V logic systems?

PG is an open-drain output with internal 550kΩ pull-up to VIN, not VOUT. When VIN = 5V, PG pulls up to ~4.9V; when VIN = 2.5V, it pulls up to ~2.4V. To interface with 1.8V logic, add an external level-shifter or use a pull-down resistor to clamp PG high-state voltage to 1.8V.

What is the soft-start duration and how is it implemented?

Soft-start time is 1.5ms typical, achieved via internal current source charging an external capacitor on the SS pin (not used in GQB-18-P - internal SS is fixed). This controls output voltage ramp rate to prevent inrush current and overshoot during power-up, ensuring clean sequencing with downstream devices.