Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-P

Overview

MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-P from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified 36V, 6A synchronous buck converter with integrated dual USB Type-C 5V@3A charging ports, peak current-mode control, PFM/PWM auto-switching, and 21mΩ/15mΩ internal MOSFETs. It delivers regulated 5.1–5.3V output across 6–36V input for automotive infotainment power rails and USB-C accessory hubs.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-P datasheet, MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-P pinout, MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-P application, or MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-P equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual-USB fault indication (FLT1/FLT2), configuration channel (CC1–CC4) support for VCONN sourcing, adjustable 200kHz–2.2MHz switching frequency, and ±8kV HBM ESD rating on USB pins - all validated in automotive-grade thermal and reliability testing.

Technical Context

The MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-P integrates a monolithic synchronous buck stage with two independent USB current-limit switches and full USB Type-C DFP (Downstream Facing Port) logic. Its peak current-mode controller uses internal compensation and supports line drop compensation up to 120mV at 2.4A load.

It implements automatic transition between fixed-frequency PWM (up to 2.2MHz) and pulse-frequency modulation (PFM) under light loads, achieving >95% efficiency at 1A and >85% at 10mA with VIN=12V. Thermal protection includes 165°C shutdown with 20°C hysteresis and 135°C load-shedding behavior.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-P is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-26 (5mm × 5mm, 0.5mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad. Pin 1 is marked by dot; top-side marking includes "MP4276A" and date code.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-USB buck converter applications.

Compared with MPQ4276AGU-Z, the AEC1-P variant adds automotive qualification, extended temperature validation, and tighter parametric limits on OVP and thermal hysteresis. Versus TPS65987D, it eliminates dependency on external 5V supplies and simplifies design for fixed-voltage USB-C charging - at the cost of PD protocol flexibility.

Availability

MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment systems, vehicle-mounted USB-C hubs, and commercial telematics gateways requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q100 assurance and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for MPQ4276AGU-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 over 20 years of expertise in DC-DC conversion, motor drivers, and USB power delivery solutions.

The MPQ4276A product line targets automotive and industrial USB-C power applications, integrating buck regulation, USB switch control, and Type-C interface logic into a single AEC-Q100-qualified device to reduce system complexity and improve time-to-market.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required to maintain regulation at full 6A load?

The MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-P maintains regulation down to 6V input at full 6A load, with under-voltage lockout (UVLO) releasing at 4.6V (rising threshold). Below 6V, output current capability degrades linearly due to reduced duty cycle margin; at 5.5V input, maximum sustainable output current drops to approximately 4.2A while maintaining 5.17V ±2%.

How does the device handle USB-C plug insertion without host MCU involvement?

The MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-P autonomously detects USB-C plug attachment via CC1–CC4 pins, configures VCONN sourcing, asserts VBUS, and enables the corresponding USB port - all without external firmware. When CC1/CC2 or CC3/CC4 are pulled to ground through 5.1kΩ resistors (standard UFP detection), the IC activates EN1 or EN2 internally and begins current limiting at 3A.

Can OUT_SEL be left floating in production designs?

Yes - floating OUT_SEL configures the buck output to 5.17V (±1% over -40°C to +125°C), which satisfies USB-IF 5V ±5% and Apple MFI 5.1V–5.3V requirements. This is the recommended setting for dual-USB applications where both ports share the same rail and certification compliance is critical.

What is the purpose of the 135°C load-shedding feature?

The 135°C load-shedding threshold reduces USB port current limit from 3A to 1.5A when die temperature exceeds 135°C - preserving system functionality while preventing thermal shutdown. This allows continued operation in thermally constrained enclosures (e.g., sealed dash mounts) where full 6A load would otherwise trigger 165°C shutdown and system reset.

Is external compensation required for the buck converter feedback loop?

No - the MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-P uses an optimized internal compensation network that eliminates the need for external type-II or type-III compensators. Only standard output capacitors (100µF bulk + 2.2µF ceramic) and input filtering are required, simplifying layout and reducing component count versus traditional current-mode controllers.

How does the device behave during cold-crank conditions (e.g., 4.5V battery)?

During cold-crank, VIN may dip to 4.5V - below the 4.6V UVLO rising threshold. The MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-P remains latched off until VIN rises above 5.4V (UVLO hysteresis), then soft-starts normally. If already operating, it shuts down when VIN falls below 4.35V (falling threshold) and will not restart until the full UVLO window is satisfied - preventing unstable brownout oscillation.

What is the maximum allowable trace length between CC pins and USB-C receptacle?

CC pin traces should be ≤50mm in length with controlled 90Ω differential impedance and routed away from noisy SW or IN nodes. Longer traces increase susceptibility to ESD-induced false detection; the ±7kV HBM rating on CC pins assumes proper PCB layout per MPS AN-127 guidelines, including guard rings and minimized loop area.