Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ2171GJ-AEC1-P

Overview

MPQ2171GJ-AEC1-P from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified, synchronous step-down DC/DC converter delivering up to 1A continuous output current from a 2.5V–5.5V input, with 0.6V minimum output voltage, 2.6MHz nominal switching frequency, and constant-on-time (COT) control for fast transient response in automotive power rails.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ2171GJ-AEC1-P datasheet, MPQ2171GJ-AEC1-P pinout, MPQ2171GJ-AEC1-P application, or MPQ2171GJ-AEC1-P equivalent, key selection considerations include its TSOT23-8 package footprint, integrated 90mΩ/50mΩ MOSFETs, ±10% power-good window, 100% duty-cycle capability in dropout, and automotive-grade thermal shutdown at 170°C.

Technical Context

The MPQ2171GJ-AEC1-P implements constant-on-time (COT) control with input-voltage feed-forward to maintain stable switching frequency across 2.5V–5.5V input and 0.6V–(VIN−0.5V) output ranges. Its internal high-side PCH (90mΩ) and low-side NCH (50mΩ) MOSFETs enable synchronous rectification without external components.

It integrates EN logic-level control (1.2V threshold), open-drain PG with 500kΩ internal pull-up, soft-start (1.3ms typical), hiccup-mode short-circuit protection, and cycle-by-cycle over-current limiting at 4A - all operating within −40°C to +125°C junction temperature range per AEC-Q100 Grade 1.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ2171GJ-AEC1-P is housed in a thermally enhanced TSOT23-8 package (2.9mm × 1.6mm × 0.85mm), optimized for high-density automotive PCB layouts with exposed PGND pad for thermal dissipation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPQ2171GJ-AEC1-P, MPQ2177GJ-AEC1-P offers higher efficiency and broader input range while maintaining drop-in compatibility, whereas TPS62840DLCR trades automotive reliability for ultra-low IQ in non-qualified systems.

Availability

MPQ2171GJ-AEC1-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment, instrument cluster, and telematics applications requiring stable component supply under AEC-Q100 Grade 1 compliance and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MPQ2171GJ-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 analog and mixed-signal ICs for power management, motion control, and automotive systems.

The MPQ2171 belongs to MPS's automotive-qualified DC/DC converter product line, designed specifically for demanding power-rail applications in infotainment, ADAS, and body electronics where small size, high efficiency, and AEC-Q100 reliability are mandatory.

FAQ

Is MPQ2171GJ-AEC1-P still recommended for new designs?

No - the official datasheet states "NOT RECOMMENDED FOR NEW DESIGNS, REFER TO MPQ2177". MPQ2177GJ-AEC1-P is the designated successor with improved efficiency, lower quiescent current, and extended input voltage range while maintaining identical TSOT23-8 packaging and pin compatibility.

What is the maximum allowable output capacitance to avoid VIN overvoltage during soft-stop?

Per datasheet Equation (11), C2 must satisfy C2 < (C1 × (VIN − VOUT)²) / 36. For example, with C1 = 20µF, VIN = 5V, and VOUT = 3.3V, C2 must be less than 20µF. Exceeding this risks VIN exceeding its 6V absolute maximum rating during EN-driven shutdown.

Does MPQ2171GJ-AEC1-P require external compensation components?

No - the constant-on-time (COT) control architecture eliminates the need for external compensation networks. Stability is inherently achieved with low-ESR ceramic output capacitors (e.g., 22µF X7R), simplifying layout and reducing BOM count.

How does the power-good (PG) signal behave during output overvoltage or undervoltage conditions?

PG is an open-drain output pulled high by an internal 500kΩ resistor to VIN when FB is within ±10% of 600mV (i.e., 540mV–660mV). If FB falls outside that window - due to overvoltage (>110% nominal) or undervoltage (<90% nominal) - PG is actively pulled low by an internal MOSFET.

Can MPQ2171GJ-AEC1-P operate with 100% duty cycle, and under what conditions?

Yes - it supports 100% duty cycle in dropout mode when VOUT ≥ VIN − 0.1V. This occurs when input voltage drops near the output setpoint (e.g., 3.0V input for 2.9V output), allowing continued regulation without switching until VIN recovers or falls below UVLO (2.2V).

What is the thermal resistance (θ_JA) of the TSOT23-8 package, and how does it impact power dissipation?

The datasheet specifies θ_JA = 100°C/W for the TSOT23-8 package on a 4-layer JEDEC PCB. At 125°C max junction temperature and 25°C ambient, maximum continuous power dissipation is limited to 1.25W - corresponding to ~1.2A at 1V output or ~0.8A at 1.8V output with typical losses.

Is the EN pin internally pulled down, and what is its leakage current?

Yes - an internal 1MΩ resistor pulls EN to ground. Leakage current is specified as 0.1–0.2μA at 0V and 2–4μA at 2V, enabling reliable disable behavior when left floating or driven by weak GPIOs without external pull-down resistors.