MP38873
15A, 16V, High Frequency Step-Down
Converter with Synchronous Gate Driver
MP38873 Rev. 0.9 www.MonolithicPower.com 1
9/17/2009 MPS Proprietary Information. Unauthorized Photocopy and Duplication Prohibited.
© 2009 MPS. All Rights Reserved.
The Future of Analog IC Technology
DESCRIPTION
The MP38873 is a monolithic step-down switch
mode converter with a built in internal power
MOSFET. It achieves 15A continuous output
current over a wide input supply range with
excellent load and line regulation.
Current mode operation provides fast transient
response and eases loop stabilization.
Fault condition protection includes cycle-by-cycle
current limiting and thermal shutdown.
The MP38873 requires a minimum number of
readily available standard external components
and is available in a 20-pin 3mm x 4mm QFN
package.
The MP38873 is ideal for a wide range of
applications including distributed power systems,
pre-regulator for linear regulators, compact DC-
DC regulators for PCB space limited platforms.
FEATURES
• Wide 4.5V to 16V Operating Input Range
• 15A Output Current
• 25m Internal Power MOSFET Switch
• Synchronous Gate Driver
• Synch from 300KHz to > 1MHz External Clock or
400KHz Fixed Switching Frequency
• Synch Output to Drive Another Regulator in
Phase-Shift Operation
• Feedback Voltage Accuracy: 2%
• Programmable Soft-Start
• Startup Tracking
• EN and Power Good for Power Sequencing
• Cycle-by-Cycle Over Current Protection
• Thermal Shutdown
• Output Adjustable from 0.8V to 12V
• Stable with Low ESR Output Ceramic
Capacitors
• Available in a 3mm x 4mm QFN Package
APPLICATIONS
• Distributed Power Systems
• Pre-Regulator for Linear Regulators
• Compact DC-DC Regulator for PCB Space
Limited Platforms
“MPS” and “The Future of Analog IC Technology” are Registered Trademarks of
Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.
TYPICAL APPLICATION
MP38873
SW
BG
FB
BST
GND
IN
VCC
COMP
PG
EN
V
OUT
1.2V/15A
V
IN
OFF ON
V
CC
R3
C3
M2
C6
System
SS/TRK
SYNCIN
SYNCOUT
Efficiency vs. Output Current
V
IN
=12V,V
OUT
=1.2V
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
95
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
OUTPUT CURRENT(A)
EFFICIENCY (%)