Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ3369GR-AEC1-Z

Overview

MPQ3369GR-AEC1-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is a 6-channel, AEC-Q100 qualified boost WLED driver with peak-current-mode control, designed for automotive and industrial LCD backlighting. It delivers up to 100mA per channel, achieves 15,000:1 PWM dimming ratio at ≤200Hz, and integrates an internal 100mΩ/50V MOSFET, I²C interface, and phase-shift PWM dimming for noise suppression in vehicle display systems.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ3369GR-AEC1-Z datasheet, MPQ3369GR-AEC1-Z pinout, MPQ3369GR-AEC1-Z application, or MPQ3369GR-AEC1-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q100 qualification, 6-channel current matching (±2.5%), programmable switching frequency (495kHz–2.2MHz), thermal foldback capability, and support for analog/PWM/mix dimming modes with fault flag output.

Technical Context

The MPQ3369GR-AEC1-Z implements peak-current-mode PWM control with cycle-by-cycle current limiting and internal slope compensation to ensure stability at duty cycles >50%. Its six independent cathode-connected current sinks regulate LED string current via an external ISET resistor with 2.5% inter-string matching accuracy across –40°C to +125°C.

It supports three dimming architectures: direct PWM (fixed amplitude, variable duty), analog (variable amplitude, fixed frequency), and mix dimming (25% or 12.5% transfer point) - all selectable via I²C or MIX/AD pin voltage. Phase shift (60° for 6 channels, 90° for 4) eliminates audible noise by staggering channel turn-on timing during PWM dimming.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ3369GR-AEC1-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-24 (4mm × 4mm) package with exposed pad connected to AGND. The package supports high-power dissipation (θ_JA = 42°C/W) and meets AEC-Q100 Grade 1 requirements (–40°C to +125°C T_J).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ISL97693IRTZ-T7A and TPS61197RGER, MPQ3369GR-AEC1-Z uniquely combines AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification, 6-channel phase-shifted PWM dimming, programmable protections, and integrated 50V/100mΩ MOSFET - delivering higher integration, deeper dimming, and lower system-level EMI in automotive-grade LCD backlighting.

Availability

MPQ3369GR-AEC1-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive instrument clusters, infotainment displays, and HUD projection modules requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 compliance, and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MPQ3369GR-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 focus on efficiency, integration, and reliability for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The MPQ3369-AEC1 product line targets AEC-Q100-compliant backlight drivers for automotive displays, emphasizing ultra-deep dimming, EMI resilience, and fault-aware operation in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum number of LED strings supported by MPQ3369GR-AEC1-Z?

The device supports up to six independent LED strings, with dedicated current-sink pins (LED1–LED6). Unused channels can be disabled by grounding their respective pins or configuring the CH2:0 register bits via I²C, enabling flexible use from 1 to 6 strings without hardware changes.

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

By staggering the turn-on timing of LED channels - 60° apart for six strings - the MPQ3369GR-AEC1-Z prevents simultaneous current surges into the boost inductor. This distributes energy delivery over time, eliminating mechanical vibration in magnetics and suppressing coil whine below 20kHz, critical for quiet cabin environments.

Can MPQ3369GR-AEC1-Z operate with input voltage below 6V?

Yes. The device operates from 3.5V to 36V. Below 6V, the internal VCC LDO is disabled and the control circuitry is powered directly from VIN through a charge-pump regulator. The 5V gate drive remains functional down to VIN = 3.5V, ensuring full MOSFET enhancement and stable regulation.

What protection features are latched versus auto-recovering?

OVP, OTP, and LED short faults trigger latched shutdown with FF pin pulled low; recovery requires cycling EN or issuing I²C reset command. LED open, inductor short, and VOUT-to-GND short initiate auto-retry after 7.7ms fault timer expiration, allowing graceful recovery from transient faults without host intervention.

Is external compensation required for the MPQ3369GR-AEC1-Z error amplifier?

Yes. COMP pin requires an external RC network (typically 100pF capacitor + 100kΩ resistor in series) between COMP and AGND to stabilize the current-loop feedback. The exact values depend on selected f_SW, inductor value, and output capacitance - design guidelines are provided in MPS AN-107.

Does the 15,000:1 PWM dimming ratio require specific external components?

No. The 15,000:1 ratio is achieved internally using high-resolution PWM timing and deep-off-time regulation (e.g., <7μs on-time triggers 0.93×OVP clamping). It requires only a clean, low-jitter DIM input signal ≤200Hz and proper PCB layout to maintain signal integrity - no additional passive components are needed.

How is LED current accuracy maintained across temperature and process variation?

Current accuracy relies on matched internal current mirrors and a precision 1.2V ISET reference. The ±2.5% matching specification is guaranteed over –40°C to +125°C and across process corners, verified by production test with statistical process control - no external calibration or trimming is required.