Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ3324GRE-AEC1-P

Overview

MPQ3324GRE-AEC1-P from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified 8-channel WLED driver for automotive lighting and instrument clusters, operating from 4V to 16V input, delivering up to 100mA per channel (VIN ≥ 4.5V), featuring independent 12-bit PWM + 6-bit analog dimming per channel, I2C interface with 10 configurable addresses, and integrated open/short LED and over-temperature protection.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ3324GRE-AEC1-P datasheet, MPQ3324GRE-AEC1-P pinout, MPQ3324GRE-AEC1-P application in automotive displays, or MPQ3324GRE-AEC1-P equivalent for LED backlighting systems, this device supports cascaded multi-IC configurations, programmable refresh signal output, phase-shifted dimming for EMI reduction, and fault-register reporting via open-drain RFSH/FLT pin.

Technical Context

The MPQ3324 implements eight matched internal current sinks with external ISET resistor programming, enabling precise per-channel LED current control. Its dual-dimming architecture decouples amplitude (6-bit analog) and duty-cycle (12-bit PWM) control, allowing flicker-free dimming down to 0.024% duty at 250Hz default frequency.

Configurable protections include user-selectable LED short threshold (2V–5V), hiccup/latch-off fault response modes, and 80μs inter-channel phase shift for EMI spreading. The RFSH/FLT pin operates either as a synchronized LCD refresh signal generator (programmable 0–315Hz) or as active-low fault indicator, controlled by FLTEN bit.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ3324GRE-AEC1-P is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-24 (4mm × 4mm) package with wettable flanks for solder joint reliability in automotive environments. Pin 14 is dedicated GND; pins 7–23 include dual-pinned LED channel outputs (LED1–LED8) for current-sink routing; RFSH/FLT (Pin 1) serves dual-mode function (refresh signal or fault flag); EN (Pin 2) enables global device operation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 8-channel automotive LED driver applications.

Compared with ISL97693RTZ-T7A and TPS61196RHBR, MPQ3324GRE-AEC1-P uniquely combines AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification, dual-dimming resolution, programmable refresh signaling, and EMI-reduction features-making it optimal for safety-critical automotive displays demanding flicker-free dimming and system-level timing coordination.

Availability

MPQ3324GRE-AEC1-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive instrument clusters, center-stack displays, and exterior lighting systems requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 compliance, and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MPQ3324GRE-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 power management ICs, with design focus on efficiency, integration, and automotive-grade reliability.

The MPQ3324 belongs to MPS's automotive LED driver product line, engineered specifically for AEC-Q100-compliant backlighting and signage applications requiring precision current regulation, robust fault handling, and EMI-conscious dimming control.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for full 100mA/channel operation?

The MPQ3324 delivers up to 100mA per channel only when VIN ≥ 4.5V. Below this, current capability scales downward due to internal headroom requirements; at VIN = 4V, maximum current drops to approximately 75mA/channel as specified in electrical characteristics.

How does the RFSH/FLT pin behave during simultaneous open- and short-LED faults?

RFSH/FLT pulls low whenever any fault (open, short, or OTP) is active - regardless of quantity or combination. The pin remains low until all fault bits are read via I²C (in latch mode) or the fault condition clears (in hiccup mode), ensuring unambiguous system-level fault signaling.

Can the 12-bit PWM dimming frequency be changed dynamically during operation?

Yes, but only when EN = 0 (device disabled). Writing to FPWM1:0 register while EN = 1 causes undefined behavior. After setting new FPWM value, a 10μs delay must elapse before writing other registers to prevent glitches in PWM output waveform.

What is the purpose of the dual-pin layout for each LED channel (e.g., LED1 at Pins 7 and 8)?

The duplicated LEDx pins (two per channel) provide parallel current paths to handle full 100mA per channel while minimizing trace resistance and thermal stress. Both pins must be connected to the same LED cathode node; using only one pin halves current capability and risks thermal overstress.

How is the I²C address selected, and what resistor values achieve 0x30 vs. 0x39?

Address is set by resistor ratio RADDR/RISET. For 0x30 (lowest), RADDR/RISET < 0.05 (e.g., RADDR = 1kΩ, RISET = 20kΩ); for 0x39 (highest), RADDR/RISET > 0.85 (e.g., RADDR = 18kΩ, RISET = 20kΩ). Absolute values matter less than ratio; RISET is typically 20kΩ per datasheet recommendation.

Does the MPQ3324 support daisy-chaining without external level-shifting?

Yes - all I²C pins (SCL, SDA, ADDR) operate at standard 1.8V–5.5V logic levels and are fully compliant with I²C bus specifications. No level shifters are needed when cascading multiple MPQ3324 devices, provided total bus capacitance remains ≤400pF and pull-up resistors are appropriately sized.

What happens to LED current during thermal shutdown, and how quickly does recovery occur?

Upon reaching 170°C junction temperature, OTP triggers immediate shutdown of all 8 channels and pulls RFSH/FLT low. Recovery begins automatically when die temperature falls by 20°C (to ~150°C), restoring full operation without requiring power cycle or register reset - enabling graceful thermal throttling in enclosed modules.