Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP4245GVE-0001-P

Overview

MP4245GVE-0001-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a 36V, 6A peak buck-boost DC-DC converter with integrated four-switch topology, I²C/PMBus interface, and two-time programmable (MTP) memory. It delivers up to 60W output power across 4V–36V input and 1V–23V output ranges, supports 250/350/420kHz selectable switching frequency, and features ±12% frequency dithering for EMI reduction. It is designed for USB Type-C PD charging ports requiring programmable constant-current/constant-voltage regulation.

For engineers reviewing the MP4245GVE-0001-P datasheet, MP4245GVE-0001-P pinout, MP4245GVE-0001-P application, or MP4245GVE-0001-P equivalent, this device requires attention to its I²C address configuration via ADD pin, thermal shutdown at 160°C, wettable-flank QFN-21 package layout, and explicit "Not Recommended for New Designs" status per MPS documentation - prompting evaluation of MP4235 as successor.

Technical Context

The MP4245 implements a four-switch buck-boost architecture enabling seamless transition between buck, boost, and buck-boost modes without external mode control. Its internal error amplifier compares FB voltage against programmable reference (0.092–1.600V), while the current-sense amplifier monitors ISENS+/ISENS− to enforce accurate CC limiting (±5% typical) across 1A–20A sensing range using 20mΩ shunt.

Control logic integrates PMBus-compatible I²C (400–1000kHz), MTP storage for register settings (output voltage, frequency spread spectrum, line drop compensation), and dual LDOs: fixed 5.25V VCC (300μA quiescent) and adjustable 5.75–6.25V DRV (1mA load). SYNCI enables external clock synchronization at 250/350/420kHz, and ALT provides open-drain fault alert with 8–20Ω pull-low resistance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP4245GVE-0001-P is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-21 (4mm × 5mm) package with wettable flanks for reliable solder joint inspection. The exposed thermal pad (Pin 21 PGND) must be connected to a large copper pour for optimal thermal performance (θ_JA = 44°C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar buck-boost converter applications.

Compared with MP4245GVE-0001-P, MP4235 offers lower IQ and higher thermal resilience for next-gen designs, while TPS63802 trades configurability for compactness and simplicity - making MP4245 most appropriate only for legacy USB PD systems requiring MTP-retained settings.

Availability

MP4245GVE-0001-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB Type-C PD charging ports, 12V industrial bus converters, wireless charging transmitters, and automotive accessory power supplies requiring stable component supply and full production traceability.

Supply support for MP4245GVE-0001-P includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Monolithic Power Systems (MPS) is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in high-performance power management ICs, with design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan, and global manufacturing partnerships.

The MP4245 belongs to MPS's USB Power Delivery product line, engineered specifically for single-chip, programmable buck-boost conversion in USB-C ecosystems - emphasizing I²C configurability, CC/CV precision, and robust fault handling in compact form factors.

FAQ

Is MP4245GVE-0001-P recommended for new designs?

No. MPS explicitly states "NOT RECOMMENDED FOR NEW DESIGNS, REFER TO MP4235" in the datasheet revision 1.0. The MP4235 offers improved efficiency, lower quiescent current, and extended junction temperature rating while maintaining pin and register compatibility - making it the designated upgrade path.

What is the function of the ADD pin, and how is it configured?

The ADD pin sets the I²C slave address by reading a voltage divider connected to ground. Eight addresses (61h–67h) are supported via resistor values from 0Ω to VCC; for example, 15kΩ yields address 62h. An internal 20μA current source enables precise voltage-based addressing without external biasing.

How does line drop compensation work on MP4245GVE-0001-P?

Line drop compensation uses the ISENS+ and ISENS− signals to measure output current and dynamically increase FB reference voltage proportionally - counteracting IR loss in cables. This ensures target VBUS is maintained at the remote connector, not just at the IC output, critical for USB PD compliance testing.

What protection mechanisms trigger the ALT pin assertion?

The ALT pin goes low for output over-voltage (116–126% VOUT), input over-voltage (40V), thermal shutdown (160°C), constant-current limit violation, and input under-voltage lockout (3.1–3.5V). It remains asserted until the fault clears and the device exits hiccup mode or resets.

Can MP4245GVE-0001-P operate without an external USB PD controller?

Yes - it functions as a standalone buck-boost regulator with fixed output set by FB resistors. However, full USB PD functionality (e.g., contract negotiation, VCONN, SOP messaging) requires an external PD controller (e.g., CYPD3177) communicating via I²C to configure voltage, current, and timing parameters dynamically.

What is the thermal performance of MP4245GVE-0001-P on a standard PCB?

On the EV4245-VE-00A evaluation board (4-layer, 55mm×55mm), θ_JA is 24.6°C/W. In QFN-21 package alone (JESD51-7 test board), θ_JA is 44°C/W. With proper thermal pad connection and 2–4 vias to inner ground planes, sustained 6A operation is achievable at ≤65°C ambient.

Does MP4245GVE-0001-P support spread-spectrum frequency modulation?

Yes. Spread-spectrum dithering (±12%) is programmable via I²C register and reduces peak EMI emissions by distributing energy across a narrow band around the nominal switching frequency - aiding CISPR-32 Class B compliance in compact USB-C adapters.