Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ2172GJ-AEC1-P

Overview

MPQ2172GJ-AEC1-P from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified, synchronous step-down DC/DC converter with integrated 80mΩ high-side and 45mΩ low-side MOSFETs. It delivers up to 2A continuous output current from a 2.5V–5.5V input, regulates output down to 0.6V, operates at 2.6MHz (typ.) with COT control, and supports automotive infotainment power rails.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ2172GJ-AEC1-P datasheet, MPQ2172GJ-AEC1-P pinout, MPQ2172GJ-AEC1-P application, or MPQ2172GJ-AEC1-P equivalent, key selection considerations include its TSOT23-8 package footprint, ±10% power-good window, 1.3ms soft-start time, cycle-by-cycle OCP, and hiccup-mode short-circuit protection for automotive-grade reliability.

Technical Context

The MPQ2172GJ-AEC1-P uses 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 power stage integrates complementary PCH/NCH MOSFETs with 80mΩ/45mΩ R_DS(on), enabling high efficiency at light and full load.

It implements dual ground separation (PGND and AGND), open-drain PG with 500kΩ internal pull-up, EN logic thresholds (1.2V high, 0.4V low), and thermal shutdown at 170°C with 30°C hysteresis - all validated per AEC-Q100 Grade 1 requirements (−40°C to +125°C T_J).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ2172GJ-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 MPQ2172GJ-AEC1-P, MPQ2178GJ-AEC1-P offers higher current capability and broader input range while maintaining pin compatibility - making it the recommended drop-in upgrade. TPS62840DLCR trades automotive qualification and PG functionality for ultra-low quiescent current, limiting its use to consumer-grade portable electronics.

Availability

MPQ2172GJ-AEC1-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment, instrument cluster, and telematics module designs requiring stable component supply and AEC-Q100 compliance.

Supply support for MPQ2172GJ-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 power ICs, with global design centers and manufacturing partnerships focused on energy-efficient power conversion.

The MPQ2172 belongs to MPS's automotive-qualified DC/DC converter product line, engineered specifically for demanding automotive subsystems including infotainment, ADAS, and body electronics where reliability, thermal performance, and AEC-Q100 compliance are mandatory.

FAQ

What does "NOT RECOMMENDED FOR NEW DESIGNS" mean for MPQ2172GJ-AEC1-P?

This designation indicates Monolithic Power Systems has released a functional successor (MPQ2178GJ-AEC1-P) with improved specifications and long-term supply assurance. While MPQ2172GJ-AEC1-P remains fully qualified and supported for existing designs, new projects should adopt the MPQ2178 for enhanced performance and guaranteed availability beyond 2027.

Can MPQ2172GJ-AEC1-P operate with 100% duty cycle, and why is that important?

Yes - it supports 100% duty cycle operation during input voltage dropout conditions. This ensures uninterrupted output regulation when input voltage falls close to the desired output (e.g., 3.3V input → 3.3V output), critical for automotive cold-crank scenarios where battery voltage dips below nominal levels without causing system reset.

How does the dual-ground (PGND/AGND) separation improve performance?

Separating power ground (PGND) and analog ground (AGND) prevents high di/dt switching currents from injecting noise into the feedback reference path. This preserves regulation accuracy, reduces output voltage ripple, and improves stability - especially vital in automotive environments with high EMI and stringent EMC requirements.

What is the purpose of the soft-stop feature, and what design caution applies?

Soft-stop linearly discharges the output capacitor through the internal power stage when disabled via EN, preventing abrupt voltage collapse. However, energy transfer back to VIN can cause overvoltage if input capacitance is insufficient - designers must ensure C_IN ≥ C_OUT × (V_IN − V_OUT)² / 36 to avoid exceeding VIN's 6V absolute maximum rating.

Does MPQ2172GJ-AEC1-P require an external bootstrap capacitor?

No - it uses an internal charge pump to drive the high-side MOSFET gate, eliminating the need for an external bootstrap capacitor. This simplifies layout, reduces component count, and improves reliability in high-vibration automotive applications where capacitor solder joint integrity is critical.

How is power-good (PG) logic implemented, and what is its trip threshold?

PG is an open-drain output with internal 500kΩ pull-up to VIN. It asserts high when FB voltage is within ±10% of 600mV (i.e., 540mV–660mV), providing accurate rail validation. The 5% hysteresis between upper (115%) and lower (90%) thresholds prevents chatter during marginal conditions.

What is the minimum off-time specification, and how does it affect light-load operation?

Minimum off-time is 30ns (typ.) at 5V_IN/1.2V_OUT. This limits the lowest achievable switching frequency in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM), preventing sub-harmonic oscillation and ensuring stable regulation even at very light loads (<10mA), which is essential for always-on automotive modules.