The Future of Analog IC Technology
MP2303 
3A, 28V, 340KHz Synchronous Rectified 
Step-Down Converter 
 
 
transient 
DESCRIPTION 
The MP2303 is a monolithic synchronous buck 
regulator.  The  device 
integrates  power 
MOSFETS  that  provide  3A  continuous  load 
current  over  a  wide  operating  input  voltage  of 
4.75V  to  28V.  Current  mode  control  provides 
fast 
response  and  cycle-by-cycle 
current limit. 
An adjustable soft-start prevents inrush current 
at  turn-on.  In  shutdown  mode,  the  supply 
current drops to 1μA. 
This  device,  available  in  8-pin  SOIC  and  3x3 
10-pin QFN packages, provides a very compact 
system  solution  with  minimal 
reliance  on 
external components. 
EVALUATION BOARD REFERENCE 
Dimensions 
Board Number 
EV2303DN-00A 
2.0”X x 1.5”Y x 0.5”Z 
FEATURES 
•  3A Output Current 
•  Wide 4.75V to 28V Operating Input Range 
• 
Integrated Power MOSFET Switches 
•  Output Adjustable from 0.8V to 25V 
•  Up to 95% Efficiency 
•  Programmable Soft-Start 
•  Stable with Low ESR Ceramic Output Capacitors 
•  Fixed 340KHz Frequency 
•  Cycle-by-Cycle Over Current Protection 
• 
•  Thermally  Enhanced  8-Pin  SOIC  and      
Input Under Voltage Lockout 
3x3 QFN10 Packages 
APPLICATIONS 
•  Distributed Power Systems 
•  Pre-Regulator for Linear Regulators 
•  Notebook Computers 
“MPS” and “The Future of Analog IC Technology” are Registered Trademarks of 
Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. 
 
 
 
TYPICAL APPLICATION 
R4
100kΩ
C5
10nF
VIN
C1
10μF/35V x 2
MP2303 Rev. 0.94 
1/14/2010 
 
C4
0.1μF
R2
10kΩ
1%
R5
47kΩ
C6
NS
C3
3.3nF
R3
6.98kΩ
VOUT
5V/3A
)
%
(
 
I
Y
C
N
E
C
F
F
E
I
100
90
80
70
60
50
Efficiency vs
Load Current
VIN = 12V
VIN = 24V
VOUT = 5V
0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
LOAD CURRENT (A)
MP2303-EC01
BS
SS
EN
IN
MP2303
SW
COMP
GND
FB
R1
52.3kΩ
1%
L1
15μH
C2
22μF/10V x 2
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1 
MP2303 – 3A, 28V, 340KHz SYNCHRONOUS RECTIFIED, STEP-DOWN CONVERTER 
 
ORDERING INFORMATION 
Part Number 
MP2303DN* 
MP2303DQ** 
Package 
SOIC8E (Exposed Pad) 
QFN10 (3mm x 3mm) 
* For Tape & Reel, add suffix –Z (e.g. MP2303DN–Z);  
K2 
Top Marking 
MP2303DN 
Temperature 
–40°C to +85°C 
MP2303DQ 
For RoHS compliant packaging, add suffix –LF (e.g. MP2303DN–LF–Z) 
** For Tape & Reel, add suffix –Z (e.g. MP2303DQ–Z);  
For RoHS compliant packaging, add suffix –LF (e.g. MP2303DQ–LF–Z) 
PACKAGE REFERENCE 
 
TOP VIEW
 
TOP VIEW
BS
IN
SW
GND
1
2
3
4
8
7
6
5
SS
EN
COMP
FB
MP2303_PD01_SOIC8N
SOIC8E (Exposed Pad) 
 
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS (1) 
Supply Voltage VIN .......................–0.3V to +30V 
Switch Voltage VSW ...................................... 31V 
Boost Voltage VBS ..........VSW – 0.3V to VSW + 6V 
All Other Pins.................................–0.3V to +6V 
Junction Temperature...............................150°C 
Continuous Power Dissipation      (TA = +25°C)(2) 
SOIC8E...................................................... 2.5W 
QFN10 (3mmx3mm) .................................. 2.5W 
Lead Temperature ....................................260°C 
Storage Temperature ............. –65°C to +150°C 
IN
SW
GND
GND
GND
1
2
3
4
5
10
9
8
7
6
SS
BS
EN
COMP
FB
EXPOSED PAD
ON BACKSIDE
MP2303_PD02_QFN10
QFN10 (3mm x 3mm) 
Recommended Operating Conditions (3) 
Input Voltage VIN............................ 4.75V to 28V 
Output Voltage VOUT ........................ 0.8V to 25V 
Ambient Operating Temperature ... –40°C to +85°C 
Thermal Resistance (4) 
SOIC8E .................................. 50...... 10... °C/W 
3x3 QFN10 ............................. 50...... 12... °C/W 
θJC 
θJA 
Notes: 
1)  Exceeding these ratings may damage the device. 
2)  The maximum allowable power dissipation is a function of the 
maximum  junction  temperature  TJ(MAX),   the  junction-to-
ambient thermal resistance θJA, and the ambient temperature 
TA.  The maximum allowable continuous power dissipation at 
by 
any 
PD(MAX)=(TJ(MAX)-TA)/   θJA.  Exceeding 
the  maximum 
allowable  power  dissipation  will  cause  excessive  die 
temperature, and the regulator will go into thermal shutdown. 
Internal  thermal  shutdown  circuitry  protects  the  device  from 
permanent damage. 
temperature 
calculated 
ambient 
is 
3)  The device is not guaranteed to function outside of its 
operating conditions. 
4)  Measured on JESD51-7 4-layer board. 
MP2303 Rev. 0.94 
1/14/2010 
 
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© 2010 MPS. All Rights Reserved. 
2 
MP2303 – 3A, 28V, 340KHz SYNCHRONOUS RECTIFIED, STEP-DOWN CONVERTER 
 
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (5) 
VIN = 12V, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted. 
Parameter 
Shutdown Supply Current 
Supply Current 
 
 
Symbol Condition 
Feedback Voltage 
OVP Threshold Voltage 
Error Amplifier Voltage Gain 
Error Amplifier Transconductance 
High-Side Switch-On Resistance 
Low-Side Switch-On Resistance 
High-Side Switch Leakage Current 
Upper-Switch Current Limit 
Lower-Switch Current Limit 
COMP to Current Sense 
Transconductance  
Oscillation Frequency 
Short Circuit Oscillation Frequency 
Maximum Duty Cycle 
Minimum On-Time 
EN Shutdown Threshold Voltage 
EN Shutdown Threshold Voltage 
Hysteresis 
EN Lockout Threshold Voltage 
Min 
 
 
Typ (5) 
0.3 
1.3 
Max 
3.0 
1.5 
Units
μA 
mA 
0.780 
0.800 
0.820 
V 
0.772 
0.90 
 
550 
 
 
 
4.3 
 
 
300 
270 
 
 
 
1.1 
 
2.2 
2.1 
 
0.95 
400 
820 
125 
125 
0 
6.3 
1.25 
9 
340 
 
110 
90 
220 
1.5 
220 
2.5 
 
0.828 
1.00 
 
1100 
 
 
10 
8.3(5) 
 
 
380 
400 
 
 
 
2.0 
 
2.7 
2.8 
VEN = 0V 
VEN = 2.7V, VFB = 1.0V 
4.75V ≤ VIN ≤ 28V, 
TA = +25°C 
–40°C ≤ TA ≤ +85°C 
 
 
ΔIC = ±10μA 
 
 
VEN = 0V, VSW = 0V 
 
From Drain to Source 
VFB 
 
AEA 
GEA 
RDS(ON)1
RDS(ON)2
 
 
 
GCS 
Fosc1 
 
TA = +25°C 
–40°C ≤ TA ≤ +85°C 
Fosc2  VFB = 0V 
DMAX  VFB = 0.7V 
 
 
 
 
 
 
VEN Rising 
 
 
–40°C ≤ TA ≤ +85°C 
 
VIN rising, TA = +25°C 
–40°C ≤ TA ≤ +85°C 
 
V 
V 
V/V 
μA/V
mΩ 
mΩ 
μA 
A 
A 
A/V 
KHz 
KHz 
KHz 
% 
ns 
V 
mV 
V 
V 
mV 
V 
V 
mV 
μA 
°C 
3 
UVLO
EN Lockout Hysteresis 
Input Under Voltage Lockout 
Threshold 
Input Under Voltage Lockout 
Threshold Hysterisis 
Soft-Start Current 
Thermal Shutdown 
Note: 
5)  100% production test at +25°C. Specifications over the temperature range are guaranteed by design and characterization. 
6)  Guaranteed by design 
 
VSS = 0V 
 
210 
4.05 
6 
160 
3.8 
3.5 
210 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.30 
4.70 
 
MP2303 Rev. 0.94 
1/14/2010 
 
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www.MonolithicPower.com 
© 2010 MPS. All Rights Reserved. 
MP2303 – 3A, 28V, 340KHz SYNCHRONOUS RECTIFIED, STEP-DOWN CONVERTER 
 
PIN FUNCTIONS 
SOIC8N 
Pin # 
3x3 
QFN10 
Pin # 
Name  Description 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
1 
2 
3, 4, 5 
6 
7 
8 
10 
MP2303 Rev. 0.94 
1/14/2010 
 
BS 
IN 
SW 
High-Side Gate Drive Boost Input. BS supplies the drive for the high-side N-
Channel MOSFET switch. Connect a 0.01μF or greater capacitor from SW to BS 
to power the high side switch. 
Power Input. IN supplies the power to the IC, as well as the step-down converter 
switches. Drive IN with a 4.75V to 28V power source. Bypass IN to GND with a 
suitably large capacitor to eliminate noise on the input to the IC. See Input 
Capacitor. 
Power Switching Output. SW is the switching node that supplies power to the 
output. Connect the output LC filter from SW to the output load. Note that a 
capacitor is required from SW to BS to power the high-side switch. 
FB 
COMP 
GND  Ground. SOIC8: Connect the exposed pad to pin 4. 3x3 QFN10: Connect to pins 
3, 4 and 5 and ensure that said pins are tied together. 
Feedback Input. FB senses the output voltage to regulate that voltage. Drive FB 
with a resistive voltage divider from the output voltage. The feedback reference 
voltage is 0.8V. See Setting the Output Voltage. 
Compensation Node. COMP is used to compensate the regulation control loop. 
Connect a series RC network from COMP to GND to compensate the regulation 
control loop. In some cases, an additional capacitor from COMP to GND is 
required. See Compensation Components. 
Enable Input. EN is a digital input that turns the regulator on or off. Drive EN higher 
than 2.7V to turn on the regulator, drive it lower than 1.1V to turn it off. Pull up by a 
resistive voltage divider to the IN pin for automatic startup, a 47kΩ resistor from 
EN to Ground and a 100kΩ resistor from EN to VIN. 
Soft-start Control Input. SS controls the soft-start period. Connect a capacitor from 
SS to GND to set the soft-start period. See Soft-Start Capacitor. 
EN 
SS 
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4 
MP2303 – 3A, 28V, 340KHz SYNCHRONOUS RECTIFIED, STEP-DOWN CONVERTER 
 
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS 
VIN = 12V, VO = 3.3V, L = 10µH, C1 = 10µF, C2 = 22µF x 2, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted. 
Efficiency vs
Load Current
95
90
85
80
75
70
65
60
55
50
0
0.5
VIN = 12V
VIN = 24V
VOUT = 2.5V
1.0
1.5 2.0
2.5
LOAD CURRENT (A)
3.0
3.5
)
%
(
 
I
Y
C
N
E
C
F
F
E
I
Feeback Voltage vs. 
Temperature
)
V
(
 
 
E
G
A
T
L
O
V
K
C
A
B
D
E
E
F
0.810
0.805
0.800
0.795
0.790
0.7850
0.780
-40
VIN = 12V
VIN = 28V
VIN = 4.75V
0
-20
TEMPERATURE (oC)
20
40
60
80
MP2303-EC02
MP2303-TPC01
UVLO Rising vs.
Temperature
Enable Lockout Threshold
 vs. Temperature
Oscillator Frequency
)
V
(
 
D
L
O
H
S
E
R
H
T
O
L
V
U
 
4.5
4.4
4.3
4.2
4.1
4.0
3.9
3.8
3.7
-40
2.70
2.65
2.60
2.55
2.50
2.45
2.40
2.35
)
V
(
 
E
G
A
T
L
O
V
E
L
B
A
N
E
 
-20
0
20
60
TEMPERATURE (oC)
40
80
2.30
-40
0
-20
TEMPERATURE (oC)
20
40
345
340
335
330
)
z
H
K
(
 
Y
C
N
E
U
Q
E
R
F
60
80
325
-40
-20
0
20
60
TEMPERATURE (oC)
40
80
MP2303-TPC02
MP2303-TPC03
MP2303 Rev. 0.94 
1/14/2010 
 
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© 2010 MPS. All Rights Reserved. 
MP2303-TPC04
5 
MP2303 – 3A, 28V, 340KHz SYNCHRONOUS RECTIFIED, STEP-DOWN CONVERTER 
 
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS (continued) 
VIN = 12V, VO = 3.3V, L = 10µH, C1 = 10µF, C2 = 22µF x 2, TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted. 
 
Power Off through Enable
VIN = 24V, VOUT = 3.3V, IOUT = 2A
VOUT
1V/div.
IL
1A/div.
VOUT
1V/div.
VEN
5V/div.
IL
1A/div.
VSW
10V/div.
4ms/div.
MP2303-TPC05
MP2303-TPC06
Steady State Test
VIN = 12V, VOUT = 3.3V, IOUT = 1A
Load Transient Test
VIN = 24V, VOUT = 3.3V, 
IOUT = 0A-1A step with CFF = 470pF
Short Circuit Protection
VIN = 24V, VOUT = 3.3V, IOUT = 0A
VIN
200mV/div.
IL
500mA/div.
VOUT
AC Coupled
10mV/div.
VCOMP
200mV/div.
VOUT
100mV/div.
IL
1A/div.
VSW
20V/div.
VOUT
1V/div.
VCOMP
1V/div.
IL
2A/div.
MP2303-TPC07
MP2303-TPC08
MP2303-TPC09
MP2303 Rev. 0.94 
1/14/2010 
 
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© 2010 MPS. All Rights Reserved. 
6 
MP2303 – 3A, 28V, 340KHz SYNCHRONOUS RECTIFIED, STEP-DOWN CONVERTER 
 
OPERATION 
FB
SS
COMP
EN
+
--
+
--
--
+
+
--
+
+
--
0.95V
0.3V
0.8V
2.5V
1.5V
OVP
OSCILLATOR
340KHz
RAMP
CLK
ERROR
AMPLIFIER
EN OK
LOCKOUT
COMPARATOR
SHUTDOWN
COMPARATOR
CURRENT
SENSE
AMPLIFIER
+
--
S
R
Q
Q
CURRENT
COMPARATOR
1.2V
+
--
5V
OVP
IN < 4.1V
IN
INTERNAL
REGULATORS
IN
BS
SW
GND
 
Figure 1—Functional Block Diagram 
 
is  a  synchronous 
rectified, 
The  MP2303 
current-mode, step-down regulator. It regulates 
input  voltages  from  4.75V  to  28V  down  to  an 
output voltage as low as 0.8V, and supplies up 
to 3A of load current. 
The  MP2303  uses  current-mode  control  to 
regulate the output voltage. The output voltage 
is  measured  at  FB  through  a  resistive  voltage 
divider  and  amplified 
internal 
transconductance error amplifier. The voltage at 
COMP  pin  is  compared  to  the  switch  current 
measured 
the  output 
voltage.  
to  control 
internally 
through 
the 
the 
to  step-down 
converter  uses 
internal  N-Channel 
The 
MOSFET  switches 
input 
voltage  to  the  regulated  output  voltage.  Since 
the high-side MOSFET requires a gate voltage 
greater than the input voltage, a boost capacitor 
connected  between  SW  and  BS  is  needed  to 
drive the high-side gate. The boost capacitor is 
charged from the internal 5V rail when SW is low. 
When the MP2303 FB pin exceeds 20% of the 
nominal  regulation  voltage  of  0.8V,  the  over 
voltage  comparator  is  tripped;  the  COMP  pin 
and the SS pin are discharged to GND, forcing 
the high-side switch off. 
MP2303 Rev. 0.94 
1/14/2010 
 
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© 2010 MPS. All Rights Reserved. 
7 
MP2303 – 3A, 28V, 340KHz SYNCHRONOUS RECTIFIED, STEP-DOWN CONVERTER 
 
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION 
COMPONENT SELECTION 
Setting the Output Voltage 
The  output  voltage  is  set  using  a  resistive 
voltage divider from the output voltage to FB pin. 
The  voltage  divider  divides  the  output  voltage 
down to the feedback voltage by the ratio: 
V
FB
=
V
OUT
2R
+
2R1R
 
Thus the output voltage is: 
VOUT
=
2R1R8.0
×
+
2R
 
Where VFB is the feedback voltage and VOUT is 
the output voltage. 
A typical value for R2 can be as high as 100kΩ, 
but a typical value is 10kΩ. Using that value, R1 
is determined by: 
1R
=
V(5.12
×
OUT
−
)k)(8.0
Ω
 
For  example,  for  a  3.3V  output  voltage,  R2  is 
10kΩ, and R1 is 31.3kΩ. 
Inductor 
The  inductor  is  required  to  supply  constant 
current to the output load while being driven by 
the  switched  input  voltage.  A  larger  value 
inductor will result in less ripple current that will 
result  in  lower  output  ripple  voltage.  However, 
the  larger  value  inductor  will  have  a  larger 
physical  size,  higher  series  resistance,  and/or 
lower  saturation  current.  A  good  rule 
for 
determining  the  inductance  to  use  is  to  allow 
the  peak-to-peak  ripple  current  in  the  inductor 
to  be  approximately  30%  of  the  maximum 
switch  current  limit.  Also,  make  sure  that  the 
peak  inductor  current  is  below  the  maximum 
switch  current  limit.  The  inductance  value  can 
be calculated by:  
L
=
V
OUT
ΔI
f
×
S
×
⎛
⎜⎜
⎝
V1
OUT
−
V
IN
⎞
⎟⎟
⎠
 
Where VIN is the input voltage, fS is the 340KHz 
switching  frequency,  and  ΔIL  is  the  peak-to-
peak inductor ripple current. 
 
Choose an inductor that will not saturate under 
the  maximum  inductor  peak  current.  The  peak 
inductor current can be calculated by: 
×
L
S
+
 
⎞
⎟⎟
⎠
=
I
1
−
I
LP
LOAD
V
OUT
V
IN
V
OUT
f2
×
×
⎛
⎜⎜
⎝
Where ILOAD is the load current. 
Optional Schottky Diode 
During  the  transition  between  high-side  switch 
and low-side switch, the body diode of the low-
side  power  MOSFET  conducts  the  inductor 
current. The forward voltage of this body diode 
is  high.  An  optional  Schottky  diode  may  be 
paralleled between the SW pin and GND pin to 
improve overall efficiency. Table 2 lists example 
Schottky diodes and their Manufacturers. 
Table 2—Diode Selection Guide 
Part Number
B130 
SK13 
MBRS130 
Voltage/Current 
Rating 
30V, 1A 
30V, 1A 
30V, 1A 
Vendor 
Diodes, Inc. 
Diodes, Inc. 
International 
Rectifier 
the  DC 
Input Capacitor 
The input current to the step-down converter is 
discontinuous, therefore a capacitor is required 
to  supply  the  AC  current  to  the  step-down 
converter  while  maintaining 
input 
voltage.  Use  low  ESR  capacitors  for  the  best 
performance. Ceramic capacitors are preferred, 
but tantalum or low-ESR electrolytic capacitors 
may  also  suffice.  Choose  X5R  or  X7R 
dielectrics when using ceramic capacitors. 
Since the input capacitor (C1) absorbs the input 
switching current it requires an adequate ripple 
current  rating.  The  RMS  current  in  the  input 
capacitor can be estimated by: 
I
1C
=
I
LOAD
×
V
OUT
V
IN
V1
⎛
OUT
× −
⎜
V
⎜
IN
⎝
⎞
⎟
⎟
⎠
 
The worst-case condition occurs at VIN = 2VOUT, 
where: 
I
1C =
I
LOAD
2
 
 
MP2303 Rev. 0.94 
1/14/2010 
 
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8