Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ2560DN-LF

Overview

MPQ2560DN-LF from Monolithic Power Systems is an industrial-grade, non-synchronous step-down DC/DC converter with integrated 220mΩ high-side MOSFET, delivering up to 2.5A output current across a 4.5V–42V input range and supporting adjustable output voltages from 0.8V to 39V. It operates at up to 4MHz switching frequency, features current-mode control for fast transient response, and includes thermal shutdown, UVLO, and internal soft-start-enabling use in automotive power rails and high-voltage industrial supplies.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ2560DN-LF datasheet, MPQ2560DN-LF pinout, MPQ2560DN-LF application, or MPQ2560DN-LF equivalent, key selection criteria include its 42V max input rating, 12μA shutdown quiescent current, programmable oscillator via FREQ pin, SOIC8E thermally enhanced package, and compatibility with ceramic output capacitors without external current-sense resistors.

Technical Context

The MPQ2560DN-LF implements peak-current-mode control with a 200V/V error amplifier gain and 8A/V current-sense transconductance, enabling stable regulation under wide load and line variations. Its programmable oscillator uses an external resistor on the FREQ pin to set switching frequency between 1.55MHz and 4.85MHz, while frequency foldback prevents inductor current runaway during startup.

It integrates a 2.6V internal regulator powered from VIN, supports bootstrap charging via BST–SW capacitor, and clamps COMP voltage between 0.9V and 2.0V for loop stability. Thermal shutdown activates at 150°C with 15°C hysteresis, and EN pin enables positive-logic control with 1.2V falling and 1.5V rising thresholds.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ2560DN-LF is housed in a thermally enhanced SOIC8E package (8-pin, exposed pad), optimized for high-power density and PCB heat dissipation. The exposed pad must be soldered to a ground plane for thermal and electrical integrity.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MP2560DN-LF, MPQ2560DN-LF adds guaranteed industrial temperature operation and tighter parametric limits over –40°C to +125°C; versus LM5164QPWPRQ1, it trades higher current (2.5A vs. 1.5A) and simpler compensation for lower input voltage ceiling (42V vs. 65V) and no AEC-Q100 certification.

Availability

MPQ2560DN-LF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC power supplies, automotive body electronics, and distributed telecom systems requiring stable component supply with full RoHS compliance and traceable lot data.

Supply support for MPQ2560DN-LF 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 expertise in DC/DC conversion, motor drivers, and LED lighting controllers.

The MPQ2560 belongs to MPS's industrial-grade buck converter product line, designed specifically for robust operation in harsh environments including automotive, factory automation, and outdoor infrastructure equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable input voltage for MPQ2560DN-LF?

The absolute maximum input voltage is +45V, but the recommended operating range is 4.5V to 42V. Exceeding 42V may trigger UVLO or cause overstress during transients; sustained operation above 42V voids industrial-grade reliability guarantees and risks permanent damage.

Does MPQ2560DN-LF require an external bootstrap capacitor?

No - the SOIC8E package version (MPQ2560DN-LF) uses an internal bootstrap charge path and does not expose a BST pin. Unlike the QFN10 variant (MPQ2560DQ), it eliminates the need for external BST capacitor placement and routing, simplifying layout for cost-sensitive industrial designs.

Can MPQ2560DN-LF operate with 100% duty cycle?

No - the device has a minimum off-time of 100ns, limiting maximum achievable duty cycle to approximately 99.5% at 4MHz. For applications requiring true 100% conduction (e.g., dropout mode), an LDO post-regulator or alternative architecture is necessary.

How is switching frequency set on MPQ2560DN-LF?

Frequency is set by connecting a resistor (R_FREQ) from the FREQ pin to GND. For 4MHz operation, a 18kΩ resistor is specified. The relationship is f_SW(kHz) ≈ 180,000 / R_FREQ(kΩ), enabling precise EMI tuning without changing inductors or capacitors.

Is MPQ2560DN-LF compatible with ceramic output capacitors?

Yes - the control loop is internally compensated for stability with ceramic capacitors (low ESR). No additional damping components are needed, unlike many older buck controllers that require tantalum or electrolytic caps with defined ESR for phase margin.

What thermal performance can be expected in SOIC8E package at 2.5A load?

With the exposed pad soldered to ≥2 cm² copper area, θ_JA is 50°C/W. At 2.5A, 12V input → 3.3V output (75% efficiency), power dissipation is ~2.2W, resulting in ~110°C junction rise above ambient - well within the 125°C max T_J limit at 25°C ambient.

Does MPQ2560DN-LF support synchronous rectification?

No - it is a non-synchronous buck converter requiring an external Schottky diode. The integrated high-side MOSFET is paired with a discrete low-V_F diode; synchronous operation would require a second actively controlled FET and gate driver not present in this device.