Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ2013AGQ-18-Z

Overview

MPQ2013AGQ-18-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a fixed-output 1.8 V, 150 mA AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified linear regulator with 2.5 V to 40 V input range, 3.3 µA quiescent current, 620 mV dropout at 150 mA, and ±2% output voltage accuracy in QFN-8 package. It powers ultra-low-power microcontrollers in automotive body control modules where wide VIN and low IQ are critical.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ2013AGQ-18-Z datasheet, MPQ2013AGQ-18-Z pinout, MPQ2013AGQ-18-Z application, or MPQ2013AGQ-18-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include AEC-Q100 qualification, 1.8 V fixed output tolerance, thermal shutdown behavior at 150°C, and compatibility with low-ESR ceramic capacitors ≥0.47 µF.

Technical Context

The MPQ2013AGQ-18-Z uses a PMOS pass transistor architecture enabling low dropout and reverse-voltage protection via external diode. Its internal 1.215 V reference feeds a precision error amplifier that regulates output by adjusting gate drive to maintain stable 1.8 V under load transients up to 150 mA.

EN pin logic control (1.26 V falling threshold) enables system-level power sequencing, while FB pin remains internally connected for fixed-output operation-eliminating external resistor divider requirements but retaining adjustability via optional external feedback network.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ2013AGQ-18-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-8 (3 mm × 3 mm, 0.65 mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad. The package supports high-power-density layout and requires soldering of the exposed pad to a dedicated ground plane for optimal thermal performance (θJA = 48°C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-quiescent-current linear regulator applications.

Compared with TPS7B6718QPWPRQ1 and NCP163AMX180TBG, MPQ2013AGQ-18-Z uniquely combines AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification, 40 V input capability, 150 mA output, and 150°C junction-rated thermal shutdown-making it the only option suitable for under-hood automotive modules with high-temperature and high-voltage constraints.

Availability

MPQ2013AGQ-18-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial sensor nodes, portable medical diagnostics, and telematics control units requiring stable component supply with full AEC-Q100 traceability and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MPQ2013AGQ-18-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 design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan, and global manufacturing partnerships.

The MPQ2013A product line delivers ultra-low-IQ linear regulators engineered specifically for automotive and industrial applications demanding wide input voltage range, AEC-Q100 qualification, and robust thermal protection in compact QFN packages.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable input voltage for MPQ2013AGQ-18-Z?

The absolute maximum input voltage is +42 V, but the recommended operating range is 2.5 V to 40 V. Operation above 40 V risks exceeding absolute maximum ratings and may trigger internal protection circuits or cause permanent damage. For automotive load-dump scenarios, ensure external clamping or TVS devices limit transient spikes to ≤42 V.

Can MPQ2013AGQ-18-Z be used with ceramic output capacitors smaller than 1 µF?

Yes-MPQ2013AGQ-18-Z is explicitly characterized for stability with output capacitors as low as 0.47 µF (X5R/X7R dielectric). Using smaller values reduces board area and cost but requires verification of phase margin under worst-case load transients; 1 µF is recommended for general-purpose designs.

Does MPQ2013AGQ-18-Z require an external diode for reverse-voltage protection?

Yes-due to the internal PMOS pass transistor's body diode, reverse current can flow from OUT to IN if VOUT > VIN. An external Schottky diode (cathode to IN, anode to GND) is recommended in applications with backup batteries or shared-rail configurations to prevent uncontrolled reverse conduction and potential device failure.

How does the EN pin function during power-up sequencing?

The EN pin has a 1.26 V falling threshold and 1.48 V rising threshold, providing 220 mV hysteresis. When tied directly to VIN, the device powers up automatically once input reaches ~1.48 V. For controlled sequencing, use an external resistor divider to set custom UVLO points-e.g., 4.5 V turn-on with R3 = 2 MΩ and R4 = 778 kΩ.

Is the FB pin accessible for output voltage adjustment in MPQ2013AGQ-18-Z?

Yes-the FB pin is brought out and internally biased to 1.215 V. Though configured as a fixed 1.8 V output, it can be overridden using an external resistor divider to achieve voltages from 1.215 V to 15 V. When doing so, account for the internal 1.058 MΩ/1 MΩ divider (per Table 1) in calculations to maintain accuracy.

What thermal derating applies when using MPQ2013AGQ-18-Z in a 4-layer PCB without thermal vias?

In a standard 4-layer board per JESD51-7, θJA is 48°C/W. At 25°C ambient, maximum continuous power dissipation is 2.08 W. With no thermal vias under the exposed pad, junction temperature rise will exceed specifications at >100 mA load-derate output current to ≤90 mA or add ≥6 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter, filled) to maintain TJ ≤125°C.

Does MPQ2013AGQ-18-Z support parallel operation for higher current capability?

No-MPQ2013AGQ-18-Z is not designed for parallel operation. Its internal current-limit architecture and lack of current-sharing control pins make paralleling unstable and potentially destructive. For >150 mA requirements, select MPQ2013AGQ-33-Z (3.3 V) with external resistive feedback or use a higher-current regulator such as MPQ2014.