Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-Z

Overview

MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 automotive-qualified synchronous buck converter with integrated dual USB Type-C 5V@3A charging ports, 6A output capability, 6V–36V input range, and configurable 200kHz–2.2MHz switching frequency. It delivers regulated 5.1V/5.17V/5.3V output via internal 21mΩ/15mΩ MOSFETs and supports automatic PFM/PWM mode transition for high light-load efficiency in vehicle infotainment power rails.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-Z datasheet, MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-Z pinout, MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-Z application, or MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-Z equivalent, key selection considerations include its dual USB port fault indication (FLT1/FLT2), CC1–CC4 configuration channel support for VCONN sourcing, load-shedding at 135°C, ±8kV HBM ESD rating on USB outputs, and QFN-26 (5mm×5mm) package thermal performance.

Technical Context

The MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-Z implements peak-current-mode control with internal error amplifier, line-drop compensation, and programmable soft-start (2ms). Its buck stage uses a monolithic synchronous rectified architecture with cycle-by-cycle over-current protection and hiccup-mode recovery, while USB switches integrate 18mΩ R_DS(ON), 5A current limiting, and independent EN1/EN2 active-low enable logic with internal 1MΩ pull-down resistors.

USB Type-C DFP mode is enabled automatically when CC1/CC2/CC3/CC4 are connected-no external microcontroller required-and VCONN is sourced directly from the buck output through internal series resistance. Thermal regulation includes 165°C shutdown with 20°C hysteresis and 135°C load-shedding to maintain USB port functionality under sustained high-temperature conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-Z is housed in a thermally enhanced QFN-26 (5mm × 5mm, 0.5mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad. The package supports ≥6.25W continuous power dissipation at T_A = 25°C (θ_JA = 20°C/W on 4-layer EVB) and requires solder paste stencil design per JEDEC J-STD-020.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-Z, MPQ4272GJ-AEC1-Z sacrifices USB-C certification and dual-port capability for lower unit cost, while TPS65987D adds USB PD protocol stack overhead and external power stage dependency - neither matches the integrated 6A buck + dual-certified USB-C functionality in a single AEC-Q100 package.

Availability

MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment head units, passenger-seat USB charging hubs, telematics control units, and ADAS camera modules requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q100 qualification and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MPQ4276AGU-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 design centers in the U.S., China, and Taiwan, and global manufacturing partnerships.

The MPQ4276A belongs to MPS's automotive-grade buck converter product line, engineered specifically for infotainment, telematics, and body electronics applications demanding AEC-Q100 reliability, USB-C integration, and thermal robustness in harsh environments.

FAQ

What USB-IF and Apple MFI certifications does MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-Z hold?

The MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-Z has passed full USB-IF Type-C Certification Test and Apple MFI Certification Test, validating interoperability with certified cables, accessories, and host devices. These certifications cover electrical compliance, connector insertion cycles, and DFP mode handshake timing - eliminating need for customer-level re-certification in end products.

How does the MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-Z handle USB port faults, and what signals indicate them?

Each USB port has dedicated open-drain fault pins (FLT1 for USB1, FLT2 for USB2) that pull low during over-current or over-temperature events. Both pins include 5ms deglitch filtering to reject transient noise. Fault condition persists until the root cause (e.g., shorted cable) is removed and the device recovers from hiccup mode.

Can the MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-Z operate without a microcontroller for USB-C detection?

Yes - the MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-Z implements autonomous USB Type-C DFP detection using its CC1–CC4 pins. When any CC pin detects a valid sink (e.g., 5.1kΩ pull-down), it automatically enables the corresponding USB port and sources VCONN without MCU involvement, supporting true "plug-and-play" charging.

What is the minimum off-time and on-time specification, and why do they matter at 2.2MHz?

The MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-Z specifies t_{OFF_MIN} = 110ns and t_{ON_MIN} = 130ns. At 2.2MHz (454ns period), these limits constrain achievable duty cycle range - especially at low input voltages - and require careful inductor DCR and layout optimization to avoid pulse-skipping or instability.

Does the MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-Z support pre-biased output startup?

Yes - the MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-Z disables HS-FET and LS-FET switching during startup if the OUT pin is pre-biased above the internal soft-start reference. This prevents reverse current flow and ensures controlled ramp-up, critical for hot-swap or multi-rail sequencing in automotive systems.

How is VCONN powered, and what is its maximum output capability?

VCONN is sourced directly from the buck converter output (OUT) through internal series resistance, delivering up to 1W at 5V. This eliminates need for external LDO or charge pump, simplifying design while meeting USB Type-C spec requirements for plug-side power.

What is the significance of the 135°C load-shedding feature versus standard thermal shutdown?

At 135°C, the MPQ4276AGU-AEC1-Z reduces USB port current limit (not full shutdown), allowing continued low-power operation of core functions. This maintains system responsiveness during thermal stress - unlike 165°C shutdown which halts all output - improving driver experience in parked-car charging scenarios.