Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MP4410GQ-Z

Overview

MP4410GQ-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a 36V, 100mA synchronous step-down DC/DC converter with integrated 42V high-side/low-side MOSFETs (R_DS(on) = 2.25Ω / 0.7Ω), 1.0V feedback reference, and programmable peak current limit. It operates from 4.5V to 36V input, delivers up to 100mA output, and supports automotive and industrial power rails requiring stable low-quiescent-current regulation.

For engineers reviewing the MP4410GQ-Z datasheet, MP4410GQ-Z pinout, MP4410GQ-Z application, or MP4410GQ-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include its 5μA shutdown current, adjustable UVLO hysteresis, ceramic-capacitor compatibility, and bootstrap-based high-side gate drive architecture for reliable 42V-rated operation.

Technical Context

The MP4410GQ-Z implements a constant-frequency PWM control scheme with zero-current detection and precision peak current limiting-no external sense resistor required. Its internal 1V reference compares against FB voltage to regulate output, while ILIM pin sets current limit from 55mA to 260mA via resistor-to-GND.

Bootstrap charging is managed by an internal regulator that maintains ~5V across BST–SW using VIN when SW is low; thermal shutdown (160°C) and UVLO (4.2V rising / 3.5V falling) provide fault protection. BIAS pin enables efficiency optimization by powering internal circuitry and LS driver from regulated output (2.9–5.5V).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP4410GQ-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced 3mm × 3mm QFN-10 package with exposed thermal pad. Pin 1 is marked by a dot or notch; the exposed paddle must be soldered to a dedicated GND copper plane for thermal and electrical integrity.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous step-down converter applications.

Compared with TPS62130ARGTR and LMR14010ADRCR, MP4410GQ-Z uniquely balances 36V input capability, ultra-low shutdown current, and fully integrated 100mA solution in a 3mm×3mm footprint-making it optimal for space- and power-constrained automotive and industrial point-of-load applications where full integration and transient resilience are mandatory.

Availability

MP4410GQ-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 4–20mA current loops, automotive body electronics, and industrial sensor nodes requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and voltage ranges.

Supply support for MP4410GQ-Z 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 analog and power ICs, with core expertise in DC/DC conversion, motor drivers, and LED lighting controllers.

The MP4410 product line targets cost-sensitive, space-constrained industrial and automotive subsystems requiring robust, integrated, low-I_Q buck regulation without external MOSFETs or complex compensation.

FAQ

What is the minimum recommended inductor value for MP4410GQ-Z?

The minimum inductor value is derived from the 100ns minimum on-time and maximum input voltage: L_MIN = V_IN(MAX) × T_ON(MIN) / I_PEAK. For 36V input and 260mA peak current, L_MIN ≈ 13.8μH. Typical designs use 100μH for 3.3V/100mA output to maintain CCM and reduce ripple.

Can MP4410GQ-Z operate with no external soft-start capacitor?

Yes-when SS pin is left floating, the device uses an internal 1ms soft-start period. This is the shortest possible ramp time; adding a capacitor (e.g., 10nF for ~3.3ms) extends ramp duration to prevent overshoot in high-gain feedback systems.

How does the BIAS pin improve efficiency?

When BIAS is supplied with 2.9–5.5V (e.g., from regulated output), it powers the internal 2.6V regulator and LS-FET driver, bypassing VIN-derived losses. This reduces total quiescent current and improves light-load efficiency by up to 8% versus VIN-only operation.

Is the ENHY pin required for basic operation?

No-ENHY is optional. It provides an open-drain indicator of EN state (low when EN < 1.2V) and can extend UVLO hysteresis when combined with external resistors. Basic enable/disable functionality works with EN alone.

What is the role of the feedforward capacitor between VOUT and FB?

A 39pF capacitor between VOUT and FB suppresses switching frequency jitter caused by FB node noise. It stabilizes the PWM comparator's timing edge during light-load conditions where output ripple is minimal, ensuring consistent F_SW and reduced EMI.

Does MP4410GQ-Z require a minimum load to maintain regulation?

No-it operates stably down to zero load. The adaptive frequency scaling under light load (reducing F_SW) maintains regulation without external dummy loads, enabled by zero-current detection and valley-switching control.

How is thermal performance affected by the exposed paddle connection?

The QFN-10's exposed thermal pad must be soldered to a ≥100mm² GND copper area with ≥4 thermal vias (0.3mm diameter). Without this, θ_JA degrades from 50°C/W to >85°C/W, risking thermal shutdown above 65°C ambient at full load.