Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPM3806CGLE-18-AEC1-P

Overview

MPM3806CGLE-18-AEC1-P from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified, fully integrated synchronous step-down power module delivering 1.8V fixed output at up to 1A continuous current. It features integrated MOSFETs (75mΩ HS / 45mΩ LS), 2.4MHz switching frequency, constant-on-time control, and power-good signaling - designed for automotive camera modules and ADAS sensors operating from 2.5V–5.5V input.

For engineers reviewing the MPM3806CGLE-18-AEC1-P datasheet, MPM3806CGLE-18-AEC1-P pinout, MPM3806CGLE-18-AEC1-P application, or MPM3806CGLE-18-AEC1-P equivalent, key selection criteria include its wettable-flank QFN-15 package, ±1.5% output voltage accuracy over -40°C to +150°C junction temperature, FCCM operation across full load, and integrated soft-start with external capacitor control.

Technical Context

The MPM3806CGLE-18-AEC1-P implements constant-on-time (COT) control with input voltage feed-forward to maintain stable 2.4MHz switching across 2.5V–5.5V input and 0–1A load. Its internal 470nH inductor and dual MOSFETs enable compact layout while supporting 100% duty cycle for low-dropout operation.

Fault management includes cycle-by-cycle peak current limiting (2.5A typ), valley current limiting (1A typ), hiccup-mode short-circuit protection, thermal shutdown at 170°C, and output over-voltage protection triggered at 115% of V_FB. The open-drain PG signal asserts high when V_FB ≥ 90% of 0.6V reference and deasserts at ≤85%.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPM3806CGLE-18-AEC1-P uses a 15-pin QFN-15 (3mm × 4mm × 1.6mm) wettable flank package with exposed thermal pad. Pin 15 (DNC) is internally connected to SW and must remain unconnected on PCB.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS82084 and LTM8071, MPM3806CGLE-18-AEC1-P uniquely combines AEC-Q100 Grade 1 compliance, 1A capability, integrated PG, and wettable flank packaging - making it the only drop-in solution for production automotive camera and radar modules requiring zero derating at 125°C ambient.

Availability

MPM3806CGLE-18-AEC1-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive camera modules, ADAS sensors, and infotainment displays requiring stable component supply with full AEC-Q100 traceability and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MPM3806CGLE-18-AEC1-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 and modules, with design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan.

The MPM3806C product line delivers fully integrated, AEC-Q100-qualified DC-DC modules targeting space-constrained automotive subsystems where reliability, thermal performance, and EMI robustness are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable input voltage for MPM3806CGLE-18-AEC1-P?

The absolute maximum input voltage is +6.5V per absolute maximum ratings, but the recommended operating range is 2.5V to 5.5V. Input over-voltage protection triggers at 6.15V (rising) and disables switching until VIN drops below 6.0V - ensuring safe operation during automotive load-dump transients up to ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a.

Does MPM3806CGLE-18-AEC1-P require external compensation components?

No. The device integrates a complete compensation network optimized for its internal power stage and 2.4MHz switching frequency. No external RC networks or type-II/type-III compensators are needed - simplifying design and eliminating tuning iterations during validation.

How does the power-good (PG) signal behave during startup and fault conditions?

PG remains low during soft-start and asserts high only after V_FB reaches ≥90% of 0.6V (i.e., ≥540mV). It pulls low again if V_FB falls ≤85% of 0.6V (≤510mV), indicating output undervoltage due to overload, short circuit, or input dropout - enabling real-time system-level fault response.

Can MPM3806CGLE-18-AEC1-P operate with pre-biased outputs?

Yes. It supports pre-biased start-up: when EN rises above 0.9V, the converter initiates soft-start regardless of initial VOUT voltage. This feature is essential for hot-swap scenarios and multi-rail sequencing where downstream capacitance may retain charge from prior power cycles.

What thermal performance can be expected in a standard 4-layer automotive PCB?

On a 6.3cm × 6.3cm, 4-layer, 2oz copper evaluation board, θ_JC is 10°C/W (top-side) and θ_JA is 53°C/W. At 1A load and 3.3V input, case temperature rise is ≤0.8°C - confirming suitability for sealed enclosures without forced airflow in automotive cabin applications.

Is the OUT_S pin mandatory for all designs?

No. OUT_S provides a 150Ω discharge path during shutdown but can be disabled by placing a capacitor (e.g., 100nF) between OUT and OUT_S. Disabling discharge is appropriate when fast VOUT decay conflicts with downstream hold-up requirements or causes reset glitches.

What is the minimum soft-start capacitor value, and how does it affect startup time?

The minimum recommended CSS is 1nF. With ISS = 3µA, t_SS ≈ (CSS × 0.6V) / 3µA - so 1nF yields ~200µs ramp time. Larger values extend soft-start linearly (e.g., 10nF → ~2ms), preventing inrush into large downstream capacitance while maintaining monotonic VOUT rise.