Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ4316AGRE-AEC1-Z

Overview

MPQ4316AGRE-AEC1-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified synchronous step-down DC/DC converter with integrated 48mΩ high-side and 20mΩ low-side MOSFETs, delivering up to 6A output current across a 3.3V–45V input range. It features frequency spread spectrum (FSS), configurable 350kHz–1000kHz switching frequency, 1.7μA shutdown quiescent current, and power-good monitoring - optimized for automotive infotainment, ADAS, and cluster power rails.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ4316AGRE-AEC1-Z datasheet, MPQ4316AGRE-AEC1-Z pinout, MPQ4316AGRE-AEC1-Z application, or MPQ4316AGRE-AEC1-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include cold-crank low-dropout operation, CISPR25 Class 5 EMI compliance, AAM/FCCM mode selection, thermal performance up to +150°C junction temperature, and wettable-flank QFN-20 package suitability for automated optical inspection.

Technical Context

The MPQ4316AGRE-AEC1-Z implements current-mode control with programmable frequency foldback and zero-current detection for stable light-load regulation. Its internal gate drivers support bootstrap high-side drive and feature hiccup-mode over-current protection with 10–16A HS current limit and 8–12A LS valley current limit.

It integrates FSS modulation, out-of-phase SYNC output, and symmetric VIN pinout to suppress conducted/radiated emissions. The device supports external synchronization (350–1000kHz), soft-start via external capacitor, and selectable AAM (light-load efficiency) or FCCM (fixed-frequency noise control) modes - all operating across –40°C to +150°C junction temperature.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ4316AGRE-AEC1-Z uses a wettable-flank QFN-20 (4mm × 4mm) package with exposed thermal pad, supporting automated optical inspection and enhanced thermal dissipation (θJC = 2.5°C/W on EVB).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous step-down converter applications.

Compared with MPQ4316GQ-AEC1-Z, the GRE variant adds wettable flanks and MSL 1 rating for automotive production traceability; versus LM61460-Q1, it delivers superior EMI performance, lower shutdown current, and built-in synchronization capability - directly reducing design validation time and filter component count.

Availability

MPQ4316AGRE-AEC1-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment, ADAS camera systems, and instrument cluster power supplies requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 qualification, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MPQ4316AGRE-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 US, China, and Taiwan.

The MPQ4316A product line targets automotive power conversion, delivering high-efficiency, low-EMI, AEC-Q100-qualified DC/DC solutions for infotainment, ADAS, and body electronics with integrated MOSFETs and advanced control features.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage supported during cold-crank conditions?

The MPQ4316AGRE-AEC1-Z supports input voltages as low as 3.3V with low-dropout mode enabled, maintaining regulation even when battery voltage dips to 6V during engine cranking - verified across –40°C to +150°C junction temperature.

How does the frequency spread spectrum (FSS) function impact EMC testing?

FSS modulates switching frequency over a 20–30kHz bandwidth, reducing peak radiated and conducted emissions by 5–10dB compared to fixed-frequency operation - enabling direct CISPR25 Class 5 compliance without additional ferrite beads or common-mode chokes.

Can the MPQ4316AGRE-AEC1-Z synchronize to an external clock while operating in AAM mode?

No - external synchronization via SYNCIN is disabled in AAM mode. Synchronization is only active in FCCM mode, where the internal oscillator locks to the external clock signal applied to SYNCIN within the 350kHz–1000kHz range.

What is the purpose of the symmetric VIN pinout in the QFN-20 package?

Symmetric VIN pin placement (pins 3 and 12) minimizes high-current loop area between input capacitors and the SW node, reducing magnetic field radiation and improving conducted EMI performance - a key factor in achieving CISPR25 Class 5 compliance.

Is the PG (power-good) signal actively driven or open-drain?

The PG pin is an open-drain output requiring an external pull-up resistor. It asserts high when VOUT is within 95%–105% of the nominal voltage and pulls low for deviations beyond ±6.5%, with 35µs deglitching to prevent false triggering from transient noise.

Does the device support output voltages below 0.815V using resistor divider scaling?

No - the internal feedback reference is fixed at 0.815V. Output voltage is set by the resistor divider ratio (VOUT = 0.815V × (1 + RUP/RDN)) and cannot be scaled below this threshold without external amplification or alternative topology.

What thermal derating applies above 25°C ambient temperature?

Using θJA = 44°C/W, maximum continuous output current decreases linearly: at TA = 85°C, derated IOUT ≈ 4.5A; at TA = 105°C, derated IOUT ≈ 3.7A - assuming standard 4-layer PCB with 2oz copper and adequate thermal vias to the exposed pad.