Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPM3833CGRH-P

Overview

MPM3833CGRH-P from Monolithic Power Systems is an ultra-small, ultra-low-noise 3A step-down power module with integrated MOSFETs and inductor, operating from 2.75V to 6V input and delivering adjustable output down to 0.6V. It achieves <10mV output ripple in forced CCM with only one output capacitor and supports FPGA/ASIC core rail power with fast transient response via constant-on-time (COT) control.

For engineers reviewing the MPM3833CGRH-P datasheet, MPM3833CGRH-P pinout, MPM3833CGRH-P application, or MPM3833CGRH-P equivalent, key selection criteria include its QFN-18 (2.5×3.5×1.6mm) footprint, EN/PG sequencing capability, ±10% power-good window, 1150kHz switching frequency, and compliance with EN55022 Class B radiated emissions.

Technical Context

The MPM3833CGRH-P uses a constant-on-time (COT) control architecture with input voltage feed-forward to maintain stable switching frequency across 2.75–6V input and 0.6–6V output ranges. Its forced continuous conduction mode eliminates audible noise and ensures consistent load regulation and low output ripple under all load conditions.

It integrates dual MOSFETs, a 1μH inductor, and thermal shutdown with 160°C trip point and 30°C hysteresis. Protection includes cycle-by-cycle over-current limiting (6A peak / 1.5A valley), hiccup-mode short-circuit recovery, and under-voltage lockout with 2.5V rising threshold and 400mV hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPM3833CGRH-P is housed in an ultra-compact QFN-18 package (2.5mm × 3.5mm × 1.6mm) with exposed thermal pad for enhanced heat dissipation. The package supports reflow soldering per JEDEC J-STD-020 and features RoHS-compliant, halogen-free construction.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPM3833CGRH-P, the MPM3695-100 offers higher current and input range at the expense of size and pin compatibility, while the TPS826718 sacrifices protection features and sequencing capability to meet aggressive cost targets - making MPM3833CGRH-P optimal for compact, noise-sensitive, and sequenced multi-rail systems.

Availability

MPM3833CGRH-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA core power, optical transceiver bias, and SSD controller rail applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.

Supply support for MPM3833CGRH-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 MPM3833C product line delivers ultra-compact, low-noise power modules targeting space- and EMI-constrained applications such as optical communications, portable computing, and high-density FPGA/ASIC systems.

FAQ

What is the minimum output capacitance required for stable operation?

The MPM3833CGRH-P requires ≥10μF output capacitance for stability, with 22μF recommended for optimal transient response and ripple suppression. Ceramic capacitors with X5R/X7R dielectric and ≤10mΩ ESR are mandatory; tantalum or electrolytic types require parallel 0.1μF ceramic for high-frequency bypass.

Can the MPM3833CGRH-P operate in dropout mode?

Yes - it supports 100% duty cycle operation when input voltage approaches output voltage, maintaining regulation down to V_IN = V_OUT + dropout resistance × load current (R_DR = 130mΩ). At 3A, dropout voltage is ~390mV, enabling use with 2.75V input for 2.36V output.

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

During thermal shutdown, the PG pin is actively pulled low within 100μs of junction temperature exceeding 160°C. It remains low until temperature falls below 130°C (160°C – 30°C hysteresis) and FB voltage returns to within ±10% of 600mV, ensuring downstream logic sees a clean fault indication.

Is the integrated inductor shielded, and what is its saturation current?

The integrated inductor is fully shielded and rated for 4.5A saturation current (I_SAT) at 30% inductance drop. Its 1μH value is characterized at 1MHz and maintains >90% inductance up to 3A DC bias, verified per manufacturer test data on EVM3833C-RH-00A.

What layout practices prevent EMI issues with this module?

Key practices include placing the 22μF input capacitor within 2mm of IN/PGND pins, using solid PGND copper under the thermal pad, routing SW traces wide and short, avoiding vias in high-di/dt paths, and separating AGND and PGND planes except at a single-point star connection near the IC.

Does the soft-start time change with different output voltages?

No - soft-start time is fixed at 1.3ms (typical) regardless of output voltage setting. The internal reference ramps linearly from 0V to 0.6V, so higher output voltages (e.g., 3.3V) require proportionally larger R1/R2 ratios but do not alter ramp duration or slew rate.

Can the EN pin be driven by a microcontroller GPIO without level-shifting?

Yes - the EN pin accepts 1.2V logic-high threshold and draws only 2μA at 2V, making it directly compatible with 1.8V or 3.3V GPIOs. No level shifter is needed; internal 1MΩ pull-down ensures safe disable state if GPIO is tristated during reset.