Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ4253AGU-AEC1-P

Overview

MPQ4253AGU-AEC1-P from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified, monolithic synchronous step-down converter with integrated dual USB charging ports (one Type-C DFP @ 5V/3A and one Type-A supporting BC1.2/Apple/1.2V modes), 6V–36V input range, 5.17V default output, and QFN-26 (5mm×5mm) package. It delivers up to 6A buck output current while providing independent 3A current-limited USB1/USB2 outputs with automatic load-shedding and CC pin reconfiguration.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ4253AGU-AEC1-P datasheet, MPQ4253AGU-AEC1-P pinout, MPQ4253AGU-AEC1-P application, or MPQ4253AGU-AEC1-P equivalent, key selection criteria include automotive-grade USB power delivery coordination, Type-C/Type-A coexistence logic, buck+USB thermal co-design, and AEC-Q100-compliant fault response timing (hiccup OCP, 165°C thermal shutdown, ±10% spread-spectrum EMI control).

Technical Context

The MPQ4253AGU-AEC1-P implements peak-current-mode-controlled synchronous buck regulation with auto-transition between PWM and PFM at light load. Its internal 18mΩ/15mΩ HS/LS MOSFETs support 91–99% duty cycle and 250kHz–1MHz programmable switching frequency, including factory-default 480kHz spread-spectrum operation for CISPR-25 compliance.

USB port control integrates dedicated analog front-ends: CC1/CC2 detect Type-C attachment and trigger VCONN sourcing; ISENS+/ISENS− monitor USB2 current to dynamically reduce USB1's advertised Type-C capability from 3A to 1.5A when USB2 is active; DP1/DM1 and DP2/DM2 implement BC1.2 DCP, Apple Divider 3, and 1.2V/1.2V handshaking without external components.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ4253AGU-AEC1-P is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-26 (5mm×5mm) package with exposed thermal pad. Pin numbering follows top-view orientation per MPS standard; PGND pins (1,5,13) and SW pins (8,9,26) are multi-bonded for low-inductance high-current routing.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPQ4252AGU-AEC1-P, the MPQ4253AGU-AEC1-P adds Type-C autonomy and coordinated load management; compared with TPS65987D, it trades PD flexibility for integration simplicity and lower system-level EMI risk.

Availability

MPQ4253AGU-AEC1-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment head units, ADAS camera modules, and telematics control units requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q100 qualification and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MPQ4253AGU-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 for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets, with design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan.

The MPQ4253A product line targets automotive USB power delivery integration, combining buck conversion, USB protocol handling, and AEC-Q100 reliability into a single chip to simplify Tier-1 module design and reduce system-level validation effort.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the ISENS+ and ISENS− pins?

ISENS+ and ISENS− form a differential current-sense input that monitors USB2 output current. When the sensed current exceeds ~3.55A, the IC automatically changes USB1's Type-C pull-up resistance (RP) from 56kΩ to 22kΩ, signaling reduced source capability (1.5A instead of 3A) to connected devices - enabling coordinated load management between ports.

How does the MPQ4253AGU-AEC1-P achieve AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification?

The MPQ4253AGU-AEC1-P meets AEC-Q100 Grade 1 through rigorous characterization across -40°C to +125°C junction temperature, including HTOL (1000h at 125°C), temperature cycling (1000 cycles), ESD (±6kV HBM on CC pins), and EMC stress testing per ISO 11452-2/4. All parameters in the datasheet are guaranteed across this full range.

Can the output voltage be adjusted to values other than 5.1V, 5.17V, or 5.3V?

No - the MPQ4253AGU-AEC1-P provides only three factory-trimmed output voltages set by the OUT_SEL pin logic state (low/floating/high). External resistor dividers are not supported; the internal feedback network is fixed and trimmed during production for USB compliance and stability.

What happens to USB1 when USB2 detects a device insertion?

When USB2 detects a device via its ISENS or DP2/DM2 handshake, the MPQ4253AGU-AEC1-P immediately changes USB1's CC pin pull-up resistance from 56kΩ to 22kΩ, advertising a maximum source capability of 1.5A instead of 3A. This load-shedding prevents total output current from exceeding the 6A buck limit under dual-port full-load conditions.

Is external bootstrap capacitor required for the high-side MOSFET driver?

Yes - a 0.22µF ceramic capacitor must be placed between BST and SW pins to provide floating gate drive voltage for the internal high-side MOSFET. This capacitor must be located within 2mm of the IC with low-inductance traces; failure to install it causes immediate buck regulation failure.

Does the MPQ4253AGU-AEC1-P support USB-C Power Delivery (PD) communication?

No - it supports only USB-C DFP (Downstream Facing Port) 5V/3A mode with basic CC detection and VCONN sourcing. It does not implement USB PD protocol stack, BMC encoding/decoding, or variable-voltage negotiation (e.g., 9V/15V/20V). For full PD compliance, a dedicated PD controller like TPS65987D is required.

What is the minimum recommended input capacitance for stable operation?

A minimum of 100µF low-ESR (≤50mΩ) aluminum or polymer electrolytic capacitor is required at the IN pin, placed within 5mm of the IC. This capacitance suppresses high-frequency ripple from alternator transients and ensures stable UVLO behavior during cold-crank events down to 6V.