EYE on NPI - MPS MPM3510A 36 V 1.2 A Step-Down Converter #EYEonNPI @DigiKey @monolithicpower
Channel: Adafruit Industries
Date: 2024-02-05

This week's EYE ON NPI is one of a kind - it's the MPS MPM3510A 36 V 1.2 A Step-Down Converter from Monolithic Power Systems (https://www.digikey.com/en/product-highlight/m/mps/mpm3510a-36v-1-2a-step-down-converter). 

You might be asking yourself, "wait, is this the same Monolith that appeared in Kubrick's 2001 Space Odyssey (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypEaGQb6dJk)?" Technically... no. But, we are talking about a new product that comes to you as a black oblong, and contains technology that will transform and evolve your schematic to the next level of existence.

The MPM3510A and friends (https://www.digikey.com/short/5dv839jp) are part of the fully-integrated DC/DC converter family from MPS. These modules contain a step-down chip as well as an inductor - plus maybe a passive or two - to create a tiny buck converter that can take an input from 4.5V to 36V DC and convert it down to 0.8V to 36V, configurable with a resistor divider. Despite it's petite stature, it can source 1.2A, and as its an efficient DC/DC converter, no heatsink is required. With the high integration, you only need two resistors and two capacitors to complete the design.

We first spotted these converters on Arduino boards like the Nano Every (https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/arduino/ABX00028/10239971) that need to be small and thin. Specifically, that's using the MPM3610A (https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/monolithic-power-systems-inc/MPM3610AGQV-Z/5292908), which is an earlier version of the MPM3510 which goes to 21V max instead of 36V. 

We also have a cute breakout for the MPM3610 with either 3.3V fixed (https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/adafruit-industries-llc/4683/12822323) or 5V fixed (https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/adafruit-industries-llc/4739/13175530) output. Files for those boards are available on GitHub under an open source license (https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit-MPM3610-PCB)

If you want to quickly integrate the MPM series, check out the downloadable footprints and 3D models available in the EDA Models page (https://www.digikey.com/en/models/7361650). And, even though layout is simple, you should still consult the datasheet to make sure you've got the right setup for the bulk capacitors and power fills, since 1.2A output is a fair amount. 

One trade-off of having such a small solution is that to get the combined package so small, the inductor has to be low inductance, which means that the PWM frequency of the DC/DC converter is 1-2 MHz. That means you won't be at the top of efficiency...for that you'd have to design a converter with lower frequencies and much bigger inductor.

If you need more or less than 1.2A output, or a different range of voltages for inputs or outputs, there's a whole family available of MPM modules, from the diminutive 2mm x 2mm MPM3804 that works only up to 5V and 0.6A (https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/monolithic-power-systems-inc/MPM3804GG-Z/7361493) up the chonkin' MPM3686, with a 12x15x14mm body, and 20 Amps output. (https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/monolithic-power-systems-inc/MPM3686GRU/5298342)

Thankfully, all these chips are yours to use! And, best of all, the MPS MPM3510A 36 V 1.2 A Step-Down Converter (https://www.digikey.com/short/5dv839jp) and friends are all in stock right now for immediate purchase from DigiKey. Order today and it will be shipped instantly, so that you can get your design completed and to market in record time: no worrying over your DC/DC converter design size, efficiency or component selection.