Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ4228GRE-C-AEC1-Z

Overview

MPQ4228GRE-C-AEC1-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified synchronous step-down converter with integrated USB charging port controller supporting both BC1.2 Charging Downstream Port (CDP) and USB Type-C 5V @ 3A DFP mode. It delivers up to 3A continuous output current across a 4.2V–36V input range, features dual LDOs (5V VCC1 and 3.45V VCC2), and integrates a 20mΩ USB switch with ±8kV IEC 61000-4-2 contact ESD protection on CC1/CC2 pins. It is designed for automotive infotainment power delivery and USB-C docking stations.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ4228GRE-C-AEC1-Z datasheet, MPQ4228GRE-C-AEC1-Z pinout, MPQ4228GRE-C-AEC1-Z application, or MPQ4228GRE-C-AEC1-Z equivalent, key selection considerations include its dual-mode USB port configuration (Type-A CDP vs. Type-C DFP), selectable 420kHz/2.2MHz switching frequency with spread spectrum, hiccup-mode OCP for both buck and USB paths, and fault indication via open-drain FLT pin tied to host controller interrupt logic.

Technical Context

The MPQ4228GRE-C-AEC1-Z implements a fixed-frequency peak-current-mode synchronous buck regulator with internal 50mΩ/30mΩ HS/LS MOSFETs and a dedicated USB power path featuring auto-detection of BC1.2 CDP or USB Type-C DFP configurations. Its Type-C control block monitors CC1/CC2 for plug orientation and VCONN sourcing, while the integrated USB2.0 data switch supports bidirectional DP/DM signaling with 900MHz 3dB bandwidth and <2Ω on-resistance.

Protection architecture includes independent hiccup-mode current limiting for buck and USB outputs, 5.85V–6.3V USB_IN over-voltage protection with 5.5V recovery threshold, DP/DM/CC1/CC2 short-to-battery detection, and thermal shutdown at 165°C with 20°C hysteresis. Line drop compensation is adjustable via ADJ pin with ±20% gain accuracy at 3A load.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ4228GRE-C-AEC1-Z is housed in a wettable-flank QFN-22 (4mm × 4mm) package optimized for automated optical inspection (AOI) and high-reliability solder joint formation in automotive PCB assembly.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar USB-C power delivery applications.

Compared with MPQ4228GRE-C-AEC1-Z, MPQ4228GRE-Z lacks automotive qualification and lifecycle assurance, while TPS65987D offers broader PD protocol support but demands additional power conversion stages and increases system BOM cost by ≥$0.85.

Availability

MPQ4228GRE-C-AEC1-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment head units, USB-C docking stations, telematics control units, and ADAS camera modules requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q100 compliance and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MPQ4228GRE-C-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 over two decades of expertise in DC/DC conversion, motor drivers, and USB power delivery solutions.

The MPQ4228 product line targets automotive-grade USB-C power delivery integration, combining buck regulation, USB port control, and robust fault protection into a single AEC-Q100 qualified device for next-generation vehicle connectivity systems.

FAQ

What USB charging protocols does MPQ4228GRE-C-AEC1-Z support?

It natively supports BC1.2 Charging Downstream Port (CDP) for legacy USB-A devices and USB Type-C 5V @ 3A DFP mode for modern USB-C devices. It does not implement USB Power Delivery (PD) 2.0/3.0 variable-voltage negotiation - output is fixed at 5V. Apple MFI R33 and USB-IF Type-C certification test passes confirm interoperability with iOS and Android devices.

How is line drop compensation implemented and calibrated?

Line drop compensation is achieved by sinking current from the FB pin through the ADJ pin. The ADJ pin sinks 2.05 µA per ampere of load current (±20% tolerance), allowing external RC networks to inject compensating voltage into the feedback loop. Calibration is performed by measuring voltage drop across a known USB cable resistance at full 3A load and adjusting the ADJ network to maintain 5.0V ±0.25V at the far-end connector.

Can MPQ4228GRE-C-AEC1-Z operate in Type-A mode without a USB-C connector?

Yes. When CC1 is pulled to GND via a 97.6kΩ resistor, the device enters Type-A mode and repurposes CC2/EN1 as an enable pin. Pulling EN1 high activates the USB switch and data path; pulling it low disables USB output while keeping the buck converter operational - enabling flexible use in hybrid USB-A/USB-C designs.

What is the purpose of the FLT pin and how should it be interfaced?

The FLT pin is an open-drain fault indicator that pulls low during USB over-current, USB input over-voltage, DP/DM/CCx short-to-battery, or thermal shutdown events. It must be externally pulled up to 3.3V or 5V with a 10kΩ resistor and connected to a microcontroller GPIO configured as an interrupt input. The 2ms deglitch time prevents false triggers from transient faults.

Does MPQ4228GRE-C-AEC1-Z require external bootstrap components?

Yes. A 220nF X7R ceramic capacitor must be placed between SW and BST pins to form the floating gate-drive supply for the high-side MOSFET. This capacitor must be located within 2mm of the pins with low-inductance traces. No external bootstrap diode is needed - the IC integrates active charge-pump circuitry for reliable high-side drive across the full input range.

How does the device handle USB-C plug insertion detection and VCONN sourcing?

CC1 and CC2 pins monitor voltage levels to detect plug attachment and orientation. Upon Type-C connection, one CC pin is dynamically reassigned to provide 5V VCONN power (up to 1W) to active cables. VCONN is sourced from the buck output through internal series resistance, eliminating need for external VCONN regulators while meeting USB-C specification timing and current limits.

What thermal performance can be expected on a standard 4-layer automotive PCB?

On a 4-layer 57.4mm × 57.4mm PCB with 2oz copper on outer layers, case temperature rise is 14.5°C at 3A load and 12V input (420kHz). At 2.2MHz, rise increases to 28°C due to higher switching losses. The 145°C internal load-shedding entry temperature triggers automatic current reduction before thermal shutdown (165°C), preserving system uptime during transient overloads.