Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ3431AGL-AEC1-P

Overview

MPQ3431AGL-AEC1-P from Monolithic Power Systems is a fully integrated, AEC-Q100 qualified synchronous boost converter with 21.5A internal switch current limit, 450kHz fixed switching frequency, and configurable input current limit. It operates from 0.8V to 13V input, delivers up to 16V output, and supports 20W average / 40W peak load from 3.3V input-enabling automotive backup power and supercapacitor charging in start-stop systems.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ3431AGL-AEC1-P datasheet, MPQ3431AGL-AEC1-P pinout, MPQ3431AGL-AEC1-P application, or MPQ3431AGL-AEC1-P equivalent, this device offers adaptive COT control for fast transient response, selectable PSM/FCCM/USM light-load modes, programmable UVLO, and integrated 6mΩ/9.5mΩ MOSFETs in a thermally enhanced QFN-13 (3mm×4mm) package.

Technical Context

The MPQ3431AGL-AEC1-P implements constant-off-time (COT) control with adaptive off-time modulation, enabling sub-10μs load transient recovery while maintaining quasi-fixed 450kHz operation under heavy loads. Its dual-MOSFET architecture eliminates external Schottky diodes and integrates cycle-by-cycle peak-current limiting via low-side FET sensing.

Three distinct light-load operating modes are selected via the MODE pin: pulse-skip mode (PSM) for maximum efficiency at ultra-light loads, forced continuous conduction mode (FCCM) for low-output-ripple fixed-frequency operation, and ultrasonic mode (USM) to suppress audible noise by clamping minimum frequency to >23kHz without disabling switching.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ3431AGL-AEC1-P is housed in a thermally optimized QFN-13 (3mm × 4mm, 0.5mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad (PGND-connected) for low θ_JA = 31°C/W on 4-layer PCBs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous boost converter applications.

Compared with TPS61288EVM-012 and RTQ2132BGQW, MPQ3431AGL-AEC1-P uniquely combines AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification, 21.5A switch current, programmable ILIM, and ultrasonic mode - making it the only option qualified for safety-critical automotive power rails requiring both robustness and acoustic silence.

Availability

MPQ3431AGL-AEC1-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive start-stop systems, ADAS camera modules, supercapacitor backup power, and infotainment display backlighting requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for MPQ3431AGL-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 core expertise in DC/DC conversion, motor drivers, and LED drivers for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The MPQ3431A product line targets high-reliability automotive power conversion, specifically engineered to replace discrete boost solutions in start-stop, ADAS, and body electronics with AEC-Q100 qualified, fully integrated, thermally robust converters.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for startup?

The MPQ3431AGL-AEC1-P starts up from as low as 2.7V when powered solely from VIN, or from 0.9V when an external VDD bias ≥3.4V is applied. This dual-start capability ensures reliable operation during severe cold-crank events per ISO 16750-2, where battery voltage can drop below 6V for extended periods.

How does the ILIM pin configure input current limit?

The ILIM pin accepts a resistor-to-AGND network where current limit (I_IN(LIM)) = 4μA/kΩ × R_ILIM. For example, a 22kΩ resistor sets ~88μA into ILIM, yielding 22A input current limit. A 1kΩ series resistor is mandatory to suppress noise coupling into this sensitive analog node.

Can the MPQ3431AGL-AEC1-P operate without external compensation?

No - the COMP pin requires an external RC network (resistor + capacitor to AGND) for loop stability. The typical design uses 6.8kΩ and 4.7nF, but values must be adjusted based on output capacitance, inductance, and load range to achieve ≥45° phase margin across −40°C to +125°C.

What thermal derating applies above 85°C ambient?

With θ_JA = 31°C/W on a 4-layer EVB, maximum continuous power drops linearly: at 85°C ambient, max dissipation is (150°C − 85°C) / 31°C/W = 2.1W, supporting ~15W output at 95% efficiency. For full 20W operation above 85°C, additional copper area or airflow is required.

Is the BST capacitor value critical for reliability?

Yes - the BST capacitor must be ≥0.1μF X7R ceramic with ≤100mΩ ESR and placed within 2mm of BST/SW pins. Insufficient BST capacitance causes HS-FET gate underdrive, leading to shoot-through, excessive conduction loss, and thermal runaway during high-current pulses.

Does the device support output voltages above 16V?

No - the internal overvoltage protection triggers at 16.5V, and absolute maximum VOUT rating is 18V. Attempting >16V output violates the OVP threshold and may cause uncontrolled shutdown or latch-up; external OVP clamping is not supported by the architecture.

How does ultrasonic mode prevent audible noise?

USM forces minimum switching frequency >23kHz by forcing LS-FET turn-on after 30μs off-time, eliminating the 1–20kHz pulse-bursting behavior of PSM. This avoids mechanical resonance in inductors and PCBs that generate audible coil whine in passenger compartments.