Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ2489DQ-AEC1-LF-P

Overview

MPQ2489DQ-AEC1-LF-P from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified step-down white LED driver IC with 6V–55V input range, ≥1A output current capability, 202mV feedback reference voltage, and integrated 60V MOSFET. It operates in hysteretic control mode for fast transient response and drives high-brightness LEDs in automotive lighting systems requiring robust thermal protection and dimming flexibility.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ2489DQ-AEC1-LF-P datasheet, MPQ2489DQ-AEC1-LF-P pinout, MPQ2489DQ-AEC1-LF-P application, or MPQ2489DQ-AEC1-LF-P equivalent, key selection criteria include its wide-input capability, dual PWM/analog dimming support, open/short LED protection, thermal shutdown behavior, and QFN6 package thermal performance under automotive ambient conditions.

Technical Context

The MPQ2489DQ-AEC1-LF-P implements a hysteretic current-mode control architecture that regulates LED current via high-side sensing without loop compensation-enabling sub-microsecond response to load transients. Its internal 1.275V reference sets both enable threshold (0.2V) and current-sense reference (202mV ±30mV), directly linking EN/DIM voltage to LED current scaling from 25% to 200%.

It integrates a 60V/0.5Ω MOSFET switch with 100ns minimum on/off times, supports 100Hz–2kHz PWM dimming, and delivers >95% efficiency at 550mA output. Thermal shutdown activates at 150°C junction temperature, and inherent open-LED and short-LED fault detection operate independently of external circuitry.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ2489DQ-AEC1-LF-P is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN6 (3mm × 3mm, 0.75mm height) package with exposed thermal pad. The package supports 2.5W continuous power dissipation at TA = 25°C and features θJA = 50°C/W on a 4-layer PCB.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver applications.

Compared with LM3409QMY/NOPB and TPS92630QPWPRQ1, MPQ2489DQ-AEC1-LF-P uniquely combines AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification, integrated 60V MOSFET, 6V–55V input range, and dual dimming in a single QFN6 package - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, high-reliability automotive LED lighting where board space and thermal management are constrained.

Availability

MPQ2489DQ-AEC1-LF-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive headlamps, commercial vehicle interior lighting, emergency warning systems, and industrial HMI backlighting requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MPQ2489DQ-AEC1-LF-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 design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan, and global manufacturing partnerships.

The MPQ2489 belongs to MPS's automotive-grade LED driver product line, engineered specifically for AEC-Q100-compliant, high-efficiency constant-current LED regulation in harsh-temperature vehicle lighting applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous LED current supported by MPQ2489DQ-AEC1-LF-P?

The MPQ2489DQ-AEC1-LF-P supports ≥1A continuous LED current under typical thermal conditions. Its QFN6 package allows up to 1.41A peak switching current, but sustained operation above 1A requires careful PCB thermal design per the datasheet's θJA = 50°C/W specification on a 4-layer board.

Can MPQ2489DQ-AEC1-LF-P operate with input voltages below 6V?

No. The absolute minimum input voltage is 6V per the Recommended Operating Conditions table. Operation below this threshold will prevent proper startup and regulation, as the internal bias circuitry and MOSFET gate drive require sufficient headroom to function reliably.

How does the EN/DIM pin support both PWM and analog dimming simultaneously?

The EN/DIM pin does not support simultaneous modes. It operates in one mode at a time: applying a DC voltage (0.3–2.5V) enables analog dimming; applying a square wave (100Hz–2kHz) enables PWM dimming. The internal 1.25V pull-up defines the reference point for both functions, and external circuitry determines which mode is active.

Is an output capacitor required for stable operation?

An output capacitor is not required for basic regulation, but adding a 2.2µF capacitor across the LED string reduces peak-to-peak current ripple to <30% of average current. This is recommended for flicker-sensitive applications like interior lighting or displays where visual artifacts must be minimized.

What is the purpose of the RS pin, and how is the LED current set?

The RS pin is the high-side current sense input. LED current is set by an external resistor (RSENSE) between IN and RS pins, using the formula ILED = 0.202V / RSENSE. For example, a 0.36Ω resistor sets 550mA output current. Placement of RSENSE near IN and RS pins is critical to minimize measurement error.

Does MPQ2489DQ-AEC1-LF-P require external loop compensation components?

No. The hysteretic control architecture eliminates the need for external compensation components such as resistors or capacitors in the feedback loop. This simplifies design, improves transient response, and enhances stability across input voltage and load variations without tuning.

How is thermal protection implemented, and does it latch off?

Thermal protection shuts down the internal MOSFET when junction temperature reaches 150°C. The device automatically recovers once the die cools below the hysteresis threshold (~140°C). This non-latching behavior ensures graceful recovery after transient overheating without requiring a power cycle.