Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ2167GD-AEC1-Z

Overview

MPQ2167GD-AEC1-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade-1 qualified synchronous buck converter delivering up to 4A continuous output current, operating from 2.7V–6.0V input, regulating down to 0.606V, with programmable switching frequency (300kHz–2.2MHz), integrated 35mΩ/25mΩ MOSFETs, and dual light-load modes (AAM/FCCM). It serves as the primary power stage in automotive infotainment and cluster systems requiring high efficiency and compact footprint.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ2167GD-AEC1-Z datasheet, MPQ2167GD-AEC1-Z pinout, MPQ2167GD-AEC1-Z application, or MPQ2167GD-AEC1-Z equivalent, key selection considerations include its AEC-Q100 qualification, valley-current-based over-current protection, 100% duty cycle capability for battery-extending operation, PG open-drain indicator with ±15% regulation window, and QFN-11 (2mm × 3mm) thermal performance (θJA = 70°C/W).

Technical Context

The MPQ2167GD-AEC1-Z employs peak-current-mode control with internal compensation, enabling fast transient response without external loop components. Its dual-mode operation-advanced asynchronous mode (AAM) below ~0.5A and forced continuous conduction mode (FCCM) above-is selected via the MODE pin and governed by a fixed VAAM threshold (≈0.5V at COMP node), ensuring optimal efficiency across load range.

It integrates a 35mΩ high-side and 25mΩ low-side MOSFET pair, supports pre-bias start-up, provides 100% duty cycle operation during input droop, and features cycle-by-cycle OCP with valley-current detection (4.7A limit), thermal shutdown at 170°C with 25°C hysteresis, and VIN UVLO with 350mV hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ2167GD-AEC1-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-11 package (2mm × 3mm, 0.5mm pitch), with exposed thermal pad connected to PGND for optimal heat dissipation. The pinout is validated per Monolithic Power Systems Rev. 1.0 datasheet (March 2019).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS62933RGER and LM61480QRNXTQ1, the MPQ2167GD-AEC1-Z uniquely balances AEC-Q100 compliance, 4A capability, ultra-compact QFN-11 footprint, and dual-mode efficiency-making it optimal for space-constrained automotive body electronics where cost, size, and qualification are co-prioritized.

Availability

MPQ2167GD-AEC1-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment, instrument clusters, and telematics modules requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q100-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for MPQ2167GD-AEC1-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 MPQ2167 belongs to MPS's automotive-grade DC/DC converter product line, engineered specifically for demanding automotive subsystems-including infotainment, clusters, and ADAS edge nodes-where small size, high efficiency, and AEC-Q100 reliability are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the minimum recommended output capacitance for stable operation?

The MPQ2167GD-AEC1-Z is characterized with 44µF total output capacitance (e.g., four 10µF X5R 0603 ceramics in parallel). Stability is maintained with ≥22µF low-ESR ceramic capacitance; lower values may cause instability in FCCM mode due to reduced phase margin.

How does the SYNCO pin function in multi-converter systems?

SYNCO outputs a 180° phase-shifted copy of the internal oscillator clock. When used to synchronize a second MPQ2167 or compatible converter, it reduces total input RMS current ripple by up to 30%, allowing smaller input bulk capacitors and lower EMI filter complexity.

Can the MPQ2167GD-AEC1-Z safely power a pre-biased output?

Yes. The device implements pre-bias start-up protection: if VFB > VSS at enable, both HS and LS FETs remain off until VSS rises above VFB, preventing reverse current flow and output voltage collapse during hot-insertion or shared-rail scenarios.

What is the maximum allowable RFREQ resistor value, and what happens beyond it?

The maximum recommended RFREQ is 1.2MΩ, setting FSW ≈ 280kHz. Beyond this, oscillator jitter increases and minimum on-time violation risk rises-potentially causing regulation loss at high VIN/low VOUT. Datasheet specifies 526kΩ (450kHz) to 85kΩ (2.1MHz) as validated range.

Does the PG output require an external pull-up resistor?

No. PG is an open-drain output with an internal pull-up to VIN. An external pull-up is unnecessary and may interfere with proper logic-level signaling; only an external pull-down is required if active-low assertion is needed in the system.

How is thermal performance affected by PCB layout in the QFN-11 package?

Thermal resistance θJA drops from 70°C/W (4-layer JEDEC standard board) to ≤42°C/W with ≥4cm² of 2oz copper connected to the exposed thermal pad. Insufficient thermal pad copper or missing thermal vias increases junction temperature by >25°C at 4A, risking thermal shutdown activation.

Is the 100% duty cycle mode active during all input voltage conditions?

100% duty cycle activates only when the error amplifier commands maximum on-time-specifically when VIN falls near VOUT (e.g., VIN = 2.8V for VOUT = 2.5V). It is disabled in FCCM mode during normal regulation and only engages during undervoltage recovery or battery brownout.