The MP24971 is a monolithic, step-down, switch-mode converter with a programmable output-current limit. It has a fixed 5V/1.5A continuous output over a wide input supply range, and has excellent load and line regulation. It has an internal 2ms-to-4ms soft-start that prevents inrush current at start-up, and compensates for output line drop.  MP24971 achieves a low EMI signature with well-controlled switching edges.  It has fault-condition protections including hiccup-mode current limit protection, short-circuit protection, output over-voltage protection, and thermal shutdown.  The MP24971 requires a minimal number of readily-available standard external components, and is available in SOIC8 and SOIC8E packages.