Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ2143HGD-Z

Overview

MPQ2143HGD-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a monolithic synchronous step-down DC/DC converter with integrated 80mΩ high-side and 40mΩ low-side MOSFETs, delivering up to 3A continuous output current from a 2.5V–5.5V input. It regulates output down to 0.6V with constant-on-time control, 2.0MHz switching frequency, and power-good signaling-designed for FPGA core/I/O rail regulation in portable instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ2143HGD-Z datasheet, MPQ2143HGD-Z pinout, MPQ2143HGD-Z application, or MPQ2143HGD-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include its QFN-10 (2mm×3mm) thermal performance, EN-controlled sequencing capability, hiccup-mode short-circuit protection, and compatibility with low-ESR ceramic output capacitors in space-constrained battery-powered systems.

Technical Context

The MPQ2143HGD-Z implements constant-on-time (COT) control with input-voltage feed-forward to maintain stable 1.7–3.0MHz switching across input and output voltage ranges, enabling fast transient response without external compensation. Its valley-current sensing and internal 0.6V reference enable precise feedback regulation.

It integrates dual MOSFETs with matched R_DS(on) (80mΩ/40mΩ), supports 100% duty-cycle operation in dropout, and features an open-drain PG pin with 500kΩ internal pull-up and ±10% trip hysteresis-enabling reliable power sequencing in multi-rail systems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ2143HGD-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-10 package (2mm × 3mm, 0.5mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad (Pin 5 NC may be connected to PGND for improved heat dissipation).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS62130ARGTR and RT7297BZSP, the MPQ2143HGD-Z uniquely combines 3A output, integrated PG, QFN-10 size, and 65°C/W thermal resistance-making it optimal for thermally dense FPGA and portable instrumentation designs requiring rail sequencing and long battery runtime.

Availability

MPQ2143HGD-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable instrumentation, FPGA power delivery, and wireless network card applications requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and long-term production availability.

Supply support for MPQ2143HGD-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.

The MPQ2143H belongs to MPS's high-frequency synchronous buck converter product line, engineered for space-constrained, battery-powered applications demanding fast transient response, low quiescent current, and robust fault protection.

FAQ

What is the minimum recommended output capacitor value for stable operation?

The MPQ2143HGD-Z is stable with ≥22μF X7R ceramic output capacitors (1206 or larger). Lower values risk instability under heavy load transients; 22μF ensures <1% output ripple at 3A with 0.47μH inductor and 2.0MHz switching. Avoid tantalum or aluminum electrolytics due to ESR-induced phase shift.

Does the MPQ2143HGD-Z require an external bootstrap capacitor?

No. The MPQ2143HGD-Z uses a charge-pump-based gate drive architecture for its high-side MOSFET and does not require an external bootstrap capacitor. This simplifies layout and eliminates a common failure point in high-frequency buck converters.

How does the constant-on-time control affect light-load efficiency?

Under light load (<100mA), the MPQ2143HGD-Z automatically enters pulse-frequency modulation (PFM) mode, skipping cycles to maintain regulation while reducing switching losses. This achieves >85% efficiency at 1mA load with 3.3V input and 1.2V output-critical for battery standby operation.

Can the EN pin be driven directly from a microcontroller GPIO?

Yes. With a logic-high threshold of 1.2V and maximum EN input current of 2μA at 2V, the EN pin is compatible with 1.8V and 3.3V GPIOs without series resistance or level shifting. Internal 1MΩ pulldown ensures safe disable on power-up or reset.

What is the maximum allowable PCB temperature rise for continuous 3A operation?

At ambient 25°C with 2-layer 2oz copper and 1in² thermal pad area, the MPQ2143HGD-Z reaches ~95°C junction temperature at 3A-within its 150°C limit. For continuous 3A, keep PCB temperature rise below 45°C using thermal vias to inner layers and minimizing trace resistance to PGND/VIN.

Is the PG pin compatible with 1.8V logic systems?

Yes. When asserted, PG is pulled up to VIN via 500kΩ internal resistor; with VIN ≥2.5V, PG high-level voltage exceeds 2.0V-sufficient for 1.8V logic thresholds. For guaranteed 1.8V compatibility, add a 10kΩ external pull-up to 1.8V and configure PG as active-low interrupt input.

How does the hiccup-mode protection behave during sustained short-circuit?

Upon short-circuit detection, the MPQ2143HGD-Z disables the power stage, discharges the soft-start capacitor, waits 1ms (soft-stop), then re-attempts startup. Each attempt lasts ≤10ms; if short persists, it repeats every ~15ms. This limits average power dissipation to <150mW, preventing thermal damage while maintaining detectability.