Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ3364GR-AEC1-Z

Overview

MPQ3364GR-AEC1-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a 4-channel, AEC-Q100 Grade 1 automotive-qualified boost WLED driver with peak-current-mode PWM control, integrated 100mΩ/50V low-side MOSFET, 3.5–36V input range, and 150mA per channel current regulation accuracy of ±2.5% between strings. It drives white LED backlight arrays for automotive displays and medium-size LCD panels.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ3364GR-AEC1-Z datasheet, MPQ3364GR-AEC1-Z pinout, MPQ3364GR-AEC1-Z application, or MPQ3364GR-AEC1-Z equivalent, key selection considerations include its 15000:1 PWM dimming ratio (≤200Hz), I²C address configurability (0x38/0x39/0x3A), phase-shifted PWM dimming to suppress audible noise, and robust fault protection including LED short/open, OVP, OTP, and inductor short detection.

Technical Context

The MPQ3364GR-AEC1-Z implements a fixed-frequency, peak-current-mode boost converter with four independent cathode-referenced current sinks. Its internal 5V LDO powers gate drive and logic, while the error amplifier regulates output voltage by selecting the highest active LED string voltage to maintain headroom.

Dimming is implemented via three modes-direct PWM, analog, and mix-with mode selection via I²C register or MIX/AD pin voltage (0.3V/0.65V/1.15V thresholds). Phase shift across up to four channels (90° per channel) reduces EMI and eliminates acoustic noise during PWM dimming.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ3364GR-AEC1-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-24 (4mm × 4mm) package with exposed pad tied to AGND for optimal power dissipation and EMI reduction.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 4-channel automotive WLED driver applications.

Compared with ISL97694AIRTZ-T7A and LM3409QMYX/NOPB, MPQ3364GR-AEC1-Z delivers superior integration (integrated 50V MOSFET, I²C, phase shift), automotive qualification, and 15000:1 dimming - making it the only single-package solution meeting ASIL-B display subsystem requirements.

Availability

MPQ3364GR-AEC1-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive instrument clusters, center infotainment displays, and digital rearview mirrors requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q100 compliance.

Supply support for MPQ3364GR-AEC1-Z 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 centers in the US, China, and Taiwan, and global manufacturing partnerships.

The MPQ3364 belongs to MPS's automotive-qualified LED driver product line, engineered specifically for high-reliability backlighting in automotive displays where EMI, thermal stability, and functional safety are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable LED string voltage supported by MPQ3364GR-AEC1-Z?

The device regulates output voltage dynamically to meet the highest forward voltage among active LED strings. With its 50V internal MOSFET and OVP threshold configurable up to ~2.1V × (R1+R2)/R2, typical V_OUT capability exceeds 45V - sufficient for 12-series white LED strings at 3.6V each (43.2V), plus margin for ripple and thermal droop.

Can MPQ3364GR-AEC1-Z drive fewer than four LED strings without modification?

Yes. Unused LEDx pins (e.g., LED4 for a 3-string design) can be grounded to trigger automatic channel disable during startup. Alternatively, the CH2:0 register bits (via I²C) can configure active channels: 011 = LED1–LED3 only, 100 = LED1–LED2 only, etc. No external circuit changes are needed.

How does the phase-shift function reduce audible noise in automotive displays?

By staggering the PWM on-time of each LED channel by 90° (for 4 strings), the MPQ3364GR-AEC1-Z distributes inrush current peaks across the switching cycle. This lowers peak current slew rate (di/dt), suppressing mechanical vibration in inductors and capacitors - eliminating the 1–3 kHz "coil whine" commonly heard in unphased LED drivers.

Is the 15000:1 dimming ratio achievable across the full operating temperature range?

Yes. The 15000:1 PWM dimming ratio is specified at f_PWM ≤ 200Hz and applies across the full AEC-Q100 Grade 1 range (−40°C to +125°C junction). It relies on precise timing control and fast current-sink settling - both validated in MPS characterization reports under thermal stress.

What failure conditions trigger the SD pin to activate?

The SD pin pulls low during over-temperature (T_J ≥ 170°C), LED open/short, OVP, inductor short, or internal current-limit fault. It drives an external P-channel MOSFET gate to disconnect VIN from the LED strings - providing hardware-level fault isolation independent of microcontroller response time.

Does MPQ3364GR-AEC1-Z support synchronization to an external clock source?

Yes. The FREQ/SYNC pin accepts an external CMOS clock signal (0.5–2.5MHz) to synchronize the internal boost switching frequency. This enables EMI reduction through frequency alignment with other system clocks and eliminates beat frequencies in multi-rail power systems.

How is current matching maintained across channels under varying thermal gradients?

Current matching (±2.5%) is achieved via matched on-chip current-sink transistors and shared ISET reference. Layout best practices - such as symmetrical trace routing, common AGND plane, and thermal coupling of LEDx pins - minimize thermal-induced mismatch. No external calibration is required.