Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ2918GF-AEC1-P

Overview

MPQ2918GF-AEC1-P from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade-1 qualified, high-voltage synchronous step-down controller for automotive and industrial DC/DC conversion. It operates from 4V to 40V input, delivers precise 0.8V ±1.5% reference regulation, supports 100–1000kHz programmable switching frequency, and drives dual N-channel MOSFETs in current-mode PWM architecture with cycle-by-cycle current limiting - deployed in engine control units and ADAS power rails.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ2918GF-AEC1-P datasheet, MPQ2918GF-AEC1-P pinout, MPQ2918GF-AEC1-P application, or MPQ2918GF-AEC1-P equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q100 qualification, dual gate drive capability (TG/BG), 99.5% max duty cycle for cold-crank operation, programmable soft-start, and integrated OVP/OCP/thermal shutdown protections.

Technical Context

The MPQ2918GF-AEC1-P implements a current-mode PWM control architecture with slope-compensated peak-current sensing, enabling stable regulation across wide VIN and load transients. Its error amplifier features 70dB open-loop DC gain and 500μS transconductance, interfacing directly with external R-C compensation on COMP to tune loop bandwidth and phase margin.

It integrates two independent gate drivers: TG (2Ω pull-up / 1Ω pull-down) and BG (3Ω pull-up / 1Ω pull-down), supporting dead-time-controlled synchronous rectification. The CCM/AAM pin selects between continuous conduction mode and advanced asynchronous mode - the latter enabling variable-frequency light-load operation with 28μs PG delay and 180° out-of-phase SYNCO output for multi-phase synchronization.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ2918GF-AEC1-P is packaged in TSSOP-20EP with exposed thermal pad, optimized for automotive PCB layouts requiring high thermal reliability and wettable flank solder inspection. Pin numbering follows standard TSSOP-20 top-view orientation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM5116QPWPRQ1 and TPS546D24RSAR, the MPQ2918GF-AEC1-P uniquely combines AEC-Q100 Grade-1 compliance, wettable flank TSSOP-20EP, 4–40V cold-crank support, and AAM light-load optimization - making it the only drop-in solution for next-generation automotive ECU and ADAS power stages requiring zero-defect manufacturability.

Availability

MPQ2918GF-AEC1-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive engine control units, ADAS camera modules, industrial PLC I/O subsystems, and infotainment display power supplies requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and lifecycle demands.

Supply support for MPQ2918GF-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 core expertise in DC/DC conversion, motor drivers, and LED lighting controllers.

The MPQ2918 belongs to MPS's automotive-grade synchronous controller product line, designed specifically for AEC-Q100-compliant power conversion in engine management, chassis, and driver-assistance systems where reliability, thermal robustness, and EMI control are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for MPQ2918GF-AEC1-P to start switching?

The MPQ2918GF-AEC1-P has an input UVLO rising threshold of 4.5V (typical) with 800mV hysteresis. It begins switching once VIN rises above 4.5V and remains active down to 3.7V before shutting down - enabling reliable operation during automotive cold-crank events where battery voltage dips to 4.0–4.5V.

Can MPQ2918GF-AEC1-P operate without an external VCC2 supply?

Yes. When VCC2 is left unconnected or held below 4.7V, the internal VCC1 regulator derives power from VIN, delivering 5V ±5% to gate drivers and analog circuitry. However, connecting VCC2 (4.7–12V) improves efficiency by reducing VIN-related dissipation - especially beneficial in high-input-voltage or high-duty-cycle applications.

How does the ILIM pin configure current limit thresholds?

The ILIM pin selects one of three fixed current-sense voltage thresholds: 25mV (ILIM = SGND), 50mV (ILIM = VCC1), or 75mV (ILIM = floating). These correspond to peak inductor current limits determined by external sense resistor value - e.g., 75mV with 5mΩ shunt yields 15A max current - enabling precise overcurrent protection tuning.

Is the SYNCO pin functional in Advanced Asynchronous Mode (AAM)?

No. The SYNCO pin outputs a 180° out-of-phase clock only when the device operates in Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM). In AAM, the switching frequency becomes variable and unsynchronized, so SYNCO is inactive. To use SYNCO, CCM/AAM must be tied to VCC1 or left floating - not pulled low.

What thermal performance can be expected from the TSSOP-20EP package?

In a standard 4-layer JEDEC PCB layout, the TSSOP-20EP package exhibits θJA = 40°C/W and θJC = 8°C/W. With the exposed pad soldered to both SGND and PGND copper planes, it sustains 3.1W continuous power dissipation at 25°C ambient - sufficient for 5A–8A output designs with proper heatsinking and airflow.

Does MPQ2918GF-AEC1-P support output voltages higher than 5V?

Yes. While commonly used for 3.3V/5V rails, the MPQ2918GF-AEC1-P supports output voltages up to 25V (per recommended operating conditions), provided external MOSFETs and passive components are rated accordingly. The 0.8V feedback reference and precision error amplifier maintain regulation accuracy across this full range.

How is the soft-start time calculated for a given external capacitor?

Soft-start time tSS (ms) = (CSS in nF × 0.8V) / 4μA. For example, a 100nF SS capacitor yields tSS ≈ 20ms. This linear ramp overrides the internal 0.8V reference during startup, preventing output overshoot and controlling inrush current into downstream capacitance.