Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPM3824CGPA-P

Overview

MPM3824CGPA-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a synchronous step-down power module with integrated inductor, delivering 2A continuous output current across a 2.75V–6V input range and regulating output down to 0.6V. It operates in forced continuous conduction mode (FCCM), achieves ≤8 mV output ripple with one 22µF ceramic capacitor, and integrates EN and open-drain PG for precise power sequencing-ideal for FPGA core rails and optical transceiver biasing.

For engineers reviewing the MPM3824CGPA-P datasheet, MPM3824CGPA-P pinout, MPM3824CGPA-P application, or MPM3824CGPA-P equivalent, key selection criteria include ultra-small ECLGA-14 footprint (2.5mm × 2.5mm × 1.2mm), COT control for sub-2ms soft-start and <140mV load transient deviation, and full protection including hiccup-mode short-circuit response and thermal shutdown at 150°C.

Technical Context

The MPM3824CGPA-P employs constant-on-time (COT) control with input voltage feed-forward, maintaining stable ~1.25MHz switching frequency across VIN = 2.75V–6V and VOUT = 0.6V–6V. Its integrated 0.47µH inductor and dual MOSFET power stage (PCH peak limit 4–5.2A, NCH valley limit 2.5A) enable FCCM operation for consistent ripple performance under all load conditions.

It features separate AGND and PGND pins with internal isolation, requiring single-point PCB connection; the OUT_S sense pin enables remote feedback compensation; and the SW test pin must be left floating. Thermal design relies on θJB = 25.5°C/W and θJC_TOP = 6.85°C/W for accurate junction estimation in space-constrained layouts.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ECLGA-14 package (2.5mm × 2.5mm × 1.2mm) with exposed thermal pad on bottom; requires solder paste stencil opening matching land pattern per MPS document rev. 1.0.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPSM84203 and LTM4622, the MPM3824CGPA-P delivers optimal trade-off of ultra-small footprint, ultra-low ripple, and integrated sequencing signals-making it uniquely suited for optical, FPGA, and portable applications where board area and noise margin are primary constraints.

Availability

MPM3824CGPA-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA core voltage rails, optical transceiver bias supplies, and space-constrained SSD power management requiring stable component supply, full lifecycle traceability, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MPM3824CGPA-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 power management ICs and modules, headquartered in Kirkland, WA, with global design and support centers.

The MPM3824C product line targets ultra-compact, low-noise DC/DC conversion for next-generation optical interconnects, AI edge accelerators, and portable electronics-emphasizing integration, thermal resilience, and ease of layout.

FAQ

What is the minimum recommended output capacitance for stable operation at 2A?

The datasheet specifies 10µF–22µF ceramic output capacitance for 2A operation. Using a single 22µF X7R 0805 capacitor placed within 3mm of OUT/PGND pins ensures ≤8mV ripple and maintains phase margin above 45° across temperature and load. Lower values risk instability under fast load transients.

Can the MPM3824CGPA-P operate with only ceramic input capacitors?

Yes-22µF X7R ceramic input capacitor is sufficient for most applications. Place it as close as possible to IN/PGND pins (≤2mm trace length) to minimize high-frequency loop inductance. For VIN < 3.3V, add a second 10µF ceramic in parallel to maintain RMS current rating above 1A.

How does the OUT_S pin improve regulation accuracy?

OUT_S provides Kelvin sensing of the output voltage at the load point, rejecting voltage drop across PCB traces and connectors. When routed directly to the FPGA VCCINT or laser driver VDD pin, it enables ±0.5% load regulation accuracy-even with 100mΩ trace resistance-by closing the feedback loop at the actual load node.

What happens during thermal shutdown, and how does recovery work?

At 150°C junction temperature, the device disables switching and holds EN inactive until die cools by 30°C (to 120°C). No external reset is needed-the internal soft-start circuit automatically ramps VOUT upon recovery, preventing output overshoot and ensuring safe re-engagement of downstream logic.

Is the SW pin required to be connected, and what is its function?

No-the SW pin is a test point only and must remain floating. Connecting it risks injecting noise into the critical switch-node timing path, degrading COT regulation accuracy and potentially causing erratic frequency shifts or startup failure.

Does the MPM3824CGPA-P support output voltages above 3.3V?

Yes-output is adjustable up to 6V using the FB resistor divider. For VOUT > 3.3V, increase output capacitance to 47µF to maintain stability and reduce ripple; verify that external components (especially R1/R2) are rated for the full output voltage swing.

How is power sequencing implemented using EN and PG pins?

EN enables the regulator; PG asserts high (pulled to IN) only when FB voltage is within ±7%/−12% of target. Cascade multiple MPM3824CGPA-P units by connecting upstream PG to downstream EN through an RC delay network-enabling precise, self-timed rail sequencing without external controllers.