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MP1518DG-LF-Z LED Driver IC Equivalent & Substitute Parts
Part Overview
The MP1518DG-LF-Z is an active LED driver IC manufactured by Monolithic Power Systems Inc., designed for backlight applications. This single-output DC-DC regulator features step-up (boost) topology with internal switching capability, delivering 350mA output current at 25V with analog and PWM dimming control. The device operates across a 2.5V to 6V supply range with a switching frequency of 1.3MHz and is housed in an 8-QFN (2x2) package.
Substitute parts are necessary when the primary part experiences supply constraints, extended lead times, or when design requirements necessitate alternative package formats, output current ratings, or control interfaces while maintaining functional compatibility for backlight LED driver applications.
Substiute Parts
Key Parameters
| Parameter | MP1518DG-LF-Z |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Monolithic Power Systems Inc. |
| Category | Power Management (PMIC) |
| Type | DC DC Regulator |
| Topology | Step-Up (Boost) |
| Number of Outputs | 1 |
| Voltage Supply (Min) | 2.5V |
| Voltage Supply (Max) | 6V |
| Voltage Output | 25V |
| Current Output / Channel | 350mA (Switch) |
| Frequency | 1.3MHz |
| Dimming Control | Analog, PWM |
| Applications | Backlight |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ 125°C (TJ) |
| Package / Case | 8-TFDFN Exposed Pad |
| Supplier Device Package | 8-QFN (2x2) |
| RoHS Status | ROHS3 Compliant |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level | 1 (Unlimited) |
| Product Status | Active |
Substitute Part Grouping Explanation
Substitution logic for the MP1518DG-LF-Z is based on the following critical parameters that define functional equivalence:
Primary Substitution Criteria:
- Topology: Step-Up (Boost) DC-DC regulator
- Number of Outputs: Single output
- Dimming Control: Analog and/or PWM capability
- Applications: Backlight LED driver
- Supply Voltage Range: Minimum 2.5V to 6V input tolerance
- Output Current: 350mA or greater switch current capacity
- Internal Switch: Required
- RoHS3 Compliance: Required
Secondary Compatibility Factors:
- Operating Temperature Range: -40°C minimum to 85°C or higher
- Package Type: Surface mount (QFN, DFN, WLCSP, SOT-23, DSBGA formats acceptable)
- Moisture Sensitivity: MSL 1-3 acceptable for standard assembly processes
Substitute parts are grouped into two categories: parametric equivalents (identical specifications with different packaging or lead format) and manufacturer-recommended alternatives (functionally compatible with allowable parameter variations within the specified ranges).
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | MP1518DG-LF-Z | MP1518DG-LF-P | ADP1649ACBZ-R7 | AP5725FDCG-7 | AP5726FDCG-7 | HV9918K7-G | IS31BL3506B-STLS2-TR | LM3519MK-20/NOPB | LM3530UME-25A/NOPB | LM3530UME-40B/NOPB | LM3553SDX/NOPB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | MPS | MPS | ADI | Diodes | Diodes | Microchip | Lumissil | NSC | TI | TI | TI |
| Topology | Boost | Boost | Boost | Boost | Boost | Buck | Boost | Boost | Boost | Boost | Boost |
| Voltage Supply Min | 2.5V | 2.5V | 2.7V | 2.7V | 2.7V | 4.5V | 2.7V | 2.7V | 2.7V | 2.7V | 2.7V |
| Voltage Supply Max | 6V | 6V | 5V | 5.5V | 5.5V | 40V | 5.5V | 5.5V | 5.5V | 5.5V | 5.5V |
| Voltage Output | 25V | 25V | 4.575V ~ 5.425V | 26V | Not Specified | Not Specified | Not Specified | 20V | 40V | 40V | Not Specified |
| Current Output / Channel | 350mA | 350mA | 1A (Flash) | 750mA | 750mA | 30mA | 2.2A | 20mA | 30mA | 30mA | 1.2A (Flash) |
| Frequency | 1.3MHz | 1.3MHz | 1.5MHz, 3MHz | 1.2MHz | 1.2MHz | 2MHz | 1MHz | 5.4MHz | 500kHz | 500kHz | 1.2MHz |
| Dimming Control | Analog, PWM | Analog, PWM | I2C | PWM | PWM | Analog, PWM | Analog, PWM | PWM | PWM | PWM | I2C |
| Applications | Backlight | Backlight | Camera Flash | Backlight | Backlight | Lighting, Signage | Backlight | Backlight | Backlight | Backlight | Backlight, Camera Flash |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ 125°C (TJ) | -40°C ~ 125°C (TJ) | -40°C ~ 85°C (TA) | -40°C ~ 85°C (TA) | -40°C ~ 85°C (TA) | -40°C ~ 125°C (TA) | -40°C ~ 85°C (TA) | -40°C ~ 85°C (TA) | -40°C ~ 85°C (TA) | -40°C ~ 85°C (TA) | -30°C ~ 85°C (TA) |
| Package / Case | 8-TFDFN Exposed Pad | 8-TFDFN Exposed Pad | 12-WFBGA, WLCSP | 6-UDFN Exposed Pad | 6-UDFN Exposed Pad | 8-WDFN Exposed Pad | SOT-23-6 | SOT-23-6 Thin, TSOT-23-6 | 12-XFBGA, DSBGA | 12-XFBGA, DSBGA | 12-WFDFN Exposed Pad |
| RoHS Status | ROHS3 Compliant | ROHS3 Compliant | ROHS3 Compliant | ROHS3 Compliant | ROHS3 Compliant | ROHS3 Compliant | ROHS3 Compliant | Not Specified | ROHS3 Compliant | ROHS3 Compliant | ROHS3 Compliant |
| Product Status | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active | Not For New Designs | Active | Active | Active | Active |
Engineering Selection Recommendations
Parametric Equivalent (Direct Replacement):
MP1518DG-LF-P is a parametric equivalent to MP1518DG-LF-Z, differing only in lead format (Tape & Reel packaging variant). Both devices share identical electrical specifications, topology, and thermal characteristics. This part is suitable for direct substitution when supply of the primary part is constrained. Both are Active status products with ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 rating.
Manufacturer-Recommended Alternatives (Functional Substitutes):
The following parts are manufacturer-recommended alternatives that maintain boost topology and backlight application focus while accommodating design flexibility:
AP5725FDCG-7 and AP5726FDCG-7 (Diodes Incorporated): Both devices feature boost topology with higher output current capability (750mA) compared to the MP1518DG-LF-Z (350mA). Supply voltage range (2.7V to 5.5V) overlaps with the primary part. AP5725FDCG-7 specifies 26V output; AP5726FDCG-7 output voltage is not specified. Both are Active status with ROHS3 compliance. Package format is 6-UDFN, requiring PCB layout modification. Switching frequency is 1.2MHz, comparable to the primary part.
LM3530UME-25A/NOPB and LM3530UME-40B/NOPB (Texas Instruments): Both variants are Active status boost regulators with identical electrical specifications. Supply range (2.7V to 5.5V) and output current (30mA) differ from the primary part. Output voltage is specified at 40V. Switching frequency is 500kHz. Package is 12-DSBGA, requiring significant PCB redesign. ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 rating.
LM3519MK-20/NOPB (National Semiconductor): Active status boost regulator with 2.7V to 5.5V supply range and 20V output. Output current is 20mA, significantly lower than the primary part. Switching frequency is 5.4MHz. Package is TSOT-23-6. RoHS status not specified in provided data.
IS31BL3506B-STLS2-TR (Lumissil Microsystems): Boost topology with 2.2A output current (higher than primary part). Supply range 2.7V to 5.5V. Marked as "Not For New Designs" status, limiting suitability for new product development. Package is SOT-23-6. MSL 3 rating requires controlled moisture handling during assembly.
ADP1649ACBZ-R7 (Analog Devices Inc.): Boost regulator with I2C dimming control (differs from analog/PWM control of primary part). Output current is 1A (Flash mode). Supply range 2.7V to 5V. Primary application is camera flash, not backlight. Package is 12-WLCSP (1.5x2). Operating temperature range is -40°C to 85°C. ROHS3 compliant.
LM3553SDX/NOPB (Texas Instruments): Boost regulator with I2C dimming control and dual-mode operation (backlight and camera flash). Output current is 1.2A (Flash mode). Supply range 2.7V to 5.5V. Operating temperature is -30°C to 85°C (lower minimum than primary part). Package is 12-WFDFN. ROHS3 compliant with MSL 3 rating.
HV9918K7-G (Microchip Technology): Buck topology (step-down), not boost. Supply range 4.5V to 40V (higher minimum than primary part). Output current is 30mA. Primary applications are lighting and signage, not backlight. This part is not functionally equivalent due to topology difference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can MP1518DG-LF-P be used as a direct replacement for MP1518DG-LF-Z?
A: Yes. MP1518DG-LF-P is a parametric equivalent with identical electrical specifications, topology, and thermal performance. The difference is packaging format (lead configuration). No circuit redesign is required. Both are Active status with ROHS3 compliance.
Q: What is the primary difference between the MP1518DG-LF-Z and the Diodes AP5725FDCG-7?
A: The AP5725FDCG-7 provides higher output current (750mA versus 350mA) and higher output voltage (26V versus 25V). Both use boost topology and support PWM dimming for backlight applications. The AP5725FDCG-7 package is 6-UDFN instead of 8-QFN, requiring PCB layout modification. Supply voltage ranges overlap (2.7V to 5.5V for AP5725 versus 2.5V to 6V for MP1518).
Q: Why is IS31BL3506B-STLS2-TR marked "Not For New Designs"?
A: The IS31BL3506B-STLS2-TR carries a "Not For New Designs" product status designation, indicating the manufacturer is discontinuing or has discontinued active support for this part. While functionally compatible, it is not recommended for new product development due to potential future unavailability and lack of ongoing manufacturer support.
Q: Can I use ADP1649ACBZ-R7 as a substitute if my application requires analog dimming control?
A: No. The ADP1649ACBZ-R7 uses I2C digital dimming control, not analog or PWM control. If your circuit design requires analog or PWM dimming, this part is not compatible. Additionally, the ADP1649ACBZ-R7 is optimized for camera flash applications, not backlight LED drivers.
Q: What package format changes are required when switching from MP1518DG-LF-Z to LM3530UME-25A/NOPB?
A: The MP1518DG-LF-Z uses 8-QFN (2x2) package, while the LM3530UME-25A/NOPB uses 12-DSBGA package. This requires significant PCB redesign, including new footprint layout, via placement, and thermal management considerations. The DSBGA package has different thermal and electrical characteristics than QFN.
Q: Are all substitute parts ROHS3 compliant?
A: Most substitute parts listed are ROHS3 compliant. The exception is LM3519MK-20/NOPB, for which RoHS status is not specified in the provided data. Verify RoHS compliance with the manufacturer before design implementation if regulatory compliance is required.
Q: What is the operating temperature difference between MP1518DG-LF-Z and its substitutes?
A: The MP1518DG-LF-Z operates from -40°C to 125°C (junction temperature). Most substitutes operate from -40°C to 85°C (ambient temperature), providing a narrower high-temperature range. The LM3553SDX/NOPB has a lower minimum operating temperature of -30°C. Verify temperature requirements for your application before substitution.
Q: Can HV9918K7-G replace the MP1518DG-LF-Z?
A: No. The HV9918K7-G uses step-down (buck) topology, while the MP1518DG-LF-Z uses step-up (boost) topology. These are fundamentally different circuit architectures. The HV9918K7-G also has a higher minimum supply voltage (4.5V versus 2.5V) and is designed for lighting and signage applications, not backlight LED drivers. This part is not functionally equivalent.
Q: What moisture sensitivity level (MSL) considerations apply to substitutes?
A: The MP1518DG-LF-Z has MSL 1 (unlimited shelf life). Most substitutes also have MSL 1. The IS31BL3506B-STLS2-TR and LM3553SDX/NOPB have MSL 3 (168 hours), requiring controlled moisture handling during storage and assembly. MSL 3 parts must be baked before reflow soldering if moisture absorption occurs. Verify MSL requirements with your assembly process specifications.
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