MP5042 eFuse upper operating voltage limit

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1

Hello,

I am evaluating the MP5042 as the front-end eFuse for a low-power battery monitoring product.

The application is primarily intended for 12 V lead-acid battery systems, but we are also evaluating compatibility with 24 V lead-acid systems. In a typical 24 V installation, the battery voltage may operate around 27.6 V and reach approximately 29–30 V during charging.

I noticed that the MP5042 datasheet specifies:

  • Recommended operating range: up to 28 V

  • Absolute maximum rating: 32 V

Could you provide guidance on the following?

  1. Is continuous operation at 29–30 V considered acceptable for long-term reliability?

  2. What behavior should be expected when operating slightly above the recommended operating range but below the absolute maximum rating?

  3. Is there any characterization data available for operation in 24 V automotive battery systems?

  4. Are there alternative MPS eFuse products that you would recommend for low-quiescent-current operation in both 12 V and 24 V battery applications?

The device will spend most of its life in a low-power shutdown state, so quiescent current is a particularly important consideration, with cost as a close second.

Any supply chain information you can provide for MP5240 would also be appreciated, I noticed it’s low stock on your site and is not available at many distributors.

Thank you for your help.

Benny R

2

Hi @benny.roover ,

An IC is guaranteed to operate per its specs when its voltage is within the recommended operating range. Once the voltage goes above the recommended operating range, we cannot guarantee that the IC will function per its specs (i.e., it may function perfectly fine in the current moment, but then in the next moment the functionality would be degraded). Once the voltage of the IC exceeds the absolute maximum rating, then you risk a high possibility of breakdown at a die level, which can cause dangerous shorts from power to ground.

It is not recommended to design around a voltage level that is between recommended and absolute maximum ratings. Not only there’s a lack of guarantee in performance during steady-state, but transients can easily take the voltage out of spec, causing lethal damage.

If you are using our eFuse in an automotive application, then I highly recommend using an eFuse that is automotive qualified (AEC-Q100). I can help with selecting the eFuse for you, so I would like to know what your expected current is for your 12V battery system and for your 24V battery system? Would you also prefer an eFuse with the FET integrated, or just an eFuse controller?

Thanks,
Rubas

3

Hi Rubas,

Thank you for the advice here. We are relaxing the 24V battery requirement for the first version of the product in order to save cost and simplify the architecture, which would allow us to use the MP5042 in our design. Our application is a consumer product that will go in boats, PWCs, RVs, generators, motorcycles, lawn equipment, classic vehicles, etc, so AEC-Q100 is not a strict requirement; however it would certainly be nice to have if you had any parts that you could recommend.

Thanks,
Benny