Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ3367GR-AEC1-Z

Overview

MPQ3367GR-AEC1-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a 6-channel, AEC-Q100 qualified boost WLED driver with peak-current-mode PWM control, integrated 100mΩ/50V MOSFET, and I²C interface. It delivers up to 150mA per channel with 2.5% inter-channel current matching, supports 3.5V–36V input, and achieves 15,000:1 PWM dimming ratio at ≤200Hz for automotive LCD backlighting.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ3367GR-AEC1-Z datasheet, MPQ3367GR-AEC1-Z pinout, MPQ3367GR-AEC1-Z application, or MPQ3367GR-AEC1-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q100 qualification, phase-shifted 6-channel PWM dimming, programmable OVP/STH thresholds, thermal foldback behavior, and QFN-24 4mm×4mm automotive-grade package.

Technical Context

The MPQ3367 employs peak-current-mode control with cycle-by-cycle current limiting and internal slope compensation to stabilize operation above 50% duty cycle. Its six independent cathode-connected current sinks regulate LED string current via an external ISET resistor, using a 1.2V reference and 350–1000mV headroom voltage depending on load.

Dimming is implemented through three configurable modes-direct PWM, analog (8-bit DAC-based), and mix dimming with 25%/12.5% transfer points-selected via MIX/AD pin voltage or I²C register. Phase shift (60° for 6 channels, 90° for 4) reduces EMI and audible noise during synchronized PWM dimming.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ3367GR-AEC1-Z uses a wettable-flank–compatible QFN-24 (4mm × 4mm) package with exposed thermal pad connected to AGND. Pin count and function mapping are validated per MPS MPQ3367 Rev. 1.2 datasheet.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 6-channel automotive WLED driver applications.

Compared with TPS61196RGER and MAX20058ATP/V+T, MPQ3367GR-AEC1-Z uniquely combines AEC-Q100 qualification, I²C configurability, phase-shifted 6-channel PWM, and user-programmable protection thresholds-making it optimal for next-generation automotive displays demanding deep dimming, low noise, and field-serviceable fault diagnostics.

Availability

MPQ3367GR-AEC1-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive instrument clusters, center-stack infotainment displays, and head-up display light engines requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q100 compliance.

Supply support for MPQ3367GR-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) designs high-performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductors for power management, motor drive, and sensing applications, with focus on efficiency, integration, and reliability.

The MPQ3367 belongs to MPS's automotive-grade LED driver product line, engineered specifically for high-reliability LCD backlighting in vehicles-emphasizing AEC-Q100 compliance, thermal robustness, and EMI-controlled dimming.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the STH pin?

The STH pin is a 18μA current source used to set the LED short-protection threshold voltage. Connecting a resistor from STH to GND programs the voltage level that triggers short-detection logic. Floating STH defaults to internal register TH_S1:0 settings, enabling flexible fault sensitivity tuning without hardware changes.

How does phase shift reduce audible noise?

Phase shift staggers the turn-on timing of each LED channel's current sink-60° apart for six strings-distributing input capacitor ripple current over time. This lowers peak inrush current and eliminates mechanical vibration in inductors and capacitors that cause audible coil whine during low-duty PWM dimming.

Can MPQ3367GR-AEC1-Z drive fewer than six LED strings?

Yes. Unused LEDx pins (e.g., LED6 for five-string operation) can be tied to GND with ≤470pF capacitor to auto-disable the channel at startup. Alternatively, the CH2:0 register bits configure active channel count (1–6 strings), allowing dynamic reconfiguration via I²C without PCB changes.

What is the minimum recommended ISET resistor value?

The minimum ISET resistor is determined by maximum LED current: R_ISET = 1.2V / I_LED(MAX). For 150mA full-scale, R_ISET = 8kΩ. Lower values increase current but risk exceeding 2.5% matching spec and thermal limits; 24.9kΩ (50mA) is the typical reference value per datasheet characterization.

Does the device support analog dimming without a PWM input?

No. Analog dimming requires a PWM signal applied to the DIM pin-even though output current is amplitude-modulated. The internal 8-bit DAC interprets DIM duty cycle to scale I_LED linearly from 0.4% to 100%, but the input must be a valid 100Hz–2kHz PWM waveform; DC voltage on DIM is not supported.

How is overvoltage protection configured?

OVP is set using a resistor divider from VOUT to GND, connected to the OVP pin. The internal comparator trips when OVP pin voltage exceeds 2.0V ±5%. With R_TOP and R_BOT, trip point = 2.0V × (1 + R_TOP/R_BOT). Default threshold is ~42V for 12V-input systems; scaling allows adjustment for higher LED string counts.

Is the VCC pin internally regulated?

Yes. VCC is a 5V LDO output derived from VIN, active when VIN > 6V. It powers internal logic and gate drivers. A ceramic capacitor ≥1μF must be placed adjacent to VCC to suppress noise. VCC drops to 0V during shutdown, and the IC remains disabled until VCC rises above its UVLO threshold (~4.2V).