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

Overview

MPQ4228GRE-Q-AEC1-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified step-down converter with integrated USB charging port, supporting QC3.0 and USB Type-C 5V@3A DFP mode. It delivers 3A continuous output current across 4.2V–36V input range, features dual LDOs (5V/3.45V), ±8kV ESD on CC1/CC2, and NTC-based thermal load shedding at 145°C. Used in automotive infotainment and center console USB power delivery systems.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ4228GRE-Q-AEC1-Z datasheet, MPQ4228GRE-Q-AEC1-Z pinout, MPQ4228GRE-Q-AEC1-Z application, or MPQ4228GRE-Q-AEC1-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include AEC-Q100 qualification, integrated QC3.0/Type-C DFP support, 3.55A accurate USB current limit, QFN-22 wettable flank package, and independent EN1-controlled USB switch enable.

Technical Context

The device integrates a synchronous buck regulator with a dedicated USB current-limiting switch and full Type-C configuration channel controller. Its dual-mode USB interface supports BC1.2 DCP, Apple 3A divider, 1.2V/1.2V, and QC3.0 handshaking via DP/DM, while Type-C negotiation occurs through CC1/CC2 with VCONN sourcing capability.

Internal protection includes hiccup-mode OCP for both buck and USB paths, 115% output over-voltage protection, DP/DM/CC1/CC2 short-to-battery detection, and thermal shutdown triggered at 165°C with 20°C hysteresis. The NTC input enables external temperature monitoring with programmable load-shedding entry at 145°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ4228GRE-Q-AEC1-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-22 (4mm × 4mm) package with wettable flanks, optimized for automotive PCB assembly and thermal dissipation. Pin functions are validated per Monolithic Power Systems MPQ4228-Q Rev. 1.0 datasheet.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPQ4228GRE-Q-AEC1-Z, the MPQ4228GRE-0000-AEC1-Z sacrifices QC3.0/Type-C flexibility for lower cost, while the NCP81239MNTXG offers greater configurability at the expense of higher BOM count and validation effort.

Availability

MPQ4228GRE-Q-AEC1-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive center console USB ports, infotainment system power supplies, and telematics control units requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification.

Supply support for MPQ4228GRE-Q-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 for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications, with over 20 years of analog design expertise.

The MPQ4228-Q product line is designed specifically for automotive USB power delivery, integrating buck conversion, USB protocol handling, and AEC-Q100-compliant protection in a single QFN package to simplify front-end power architecture.

FAQ

What USB charging standards does MPQ4228GRE-Q-AEC1-Z support?

It supports USB Battery Charging Specification 1.2 (BC1.2) DCP modes, Apple 3A divider mode, 1.2V/1.2V mode, Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 (Class A), and USB Type-C 5V@3A DFP mode with full CC1/CC2 negotiation and VCONN sourcing. All are implemented in hardware without MCU firmware dependency.

How is USB output voltage selected and regulated?

Voltage is set via the ADJ pin, which sinks current from the FB node to adjust the buck output. Default is 5.1V ±2%, with QC3.0 enabling 9V ±1.5% and 12V ±1.5% under handshake. Regulation uses a 792mV internal reference and includes line drop compensation up to 250mV at 3A load.

What protections are included for USB interface pins?

CC1/CC2 pins have ±8kV IEC 61000-4-2 contact discharge ESD rating; DP/DM pins have ±15kV air discharge and ±8kV contact discharge with RC filtering. All four pins feature short-to-battery protection, and FLT pin signals faults including CC/DP/DM shorts, USB OCP, and thermal events.

Can the buck converter and USB switch operate independently?

Yes. The EN1 pin controls only the USB switch (active-low), allowing the buck regulator to remain active and supply VCC1/VCC2 even when USB_OUT is disabled. This enables always-on system power with on-demand USB port activation, reducing standby current in parked vehicle scenarios.

What is the purpose of the NTC pin and how is it configured?

The NTC pin monitors external temperature via a thermistor divider network. When voltage at NTC reaches 0.5V (corresponding to ~145°C), load shedding reduces USB current to 1.5A; at 0.7V (~165°C), thermal shutdown disables USB_OUT and pulls FLT low. Floating or grounding NTC disables this function.

Is MPQ4228GRE-Q-AEC1-Z compatible with standard USB-IF test suites?

Yes. It is USB-IF certified for Type-C 5V@3A DFP operation and has passed Apple MFI certification testing. Compliance covers electrical signaling, CC negotiation timing, VCONN sourcing, detach detection, and fault recovery sequences per USB-IF PD 3.0 and Type-C 2.1 specifications.

What package-related benefits does the QFN-22 wettable flank offer for automotive use?

The wettable flank design enables automated optical inspection (AOI) of solder joints on bottom-side terminations, improving defect detection yield in high-volume automotive PCB assembly. Combined with 4mm×4mm footprint and exposed thermal pad, it achieves θJA = 36°C/W on 4-layer boards for reliable 3A operation at 105°C ambient.