Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ4323CGDE-AEC1-P

Overview

MPQ4323CGDE-AEC1-P from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified, synchronous step-down DC/DC converter with integrated 70mΩ high-side and 50mΩ low-side MOSFETs, delivering 3A continuous output current across a 3.3V–36V input range and surviving 42V automotive load dump transients. It features configurable switching frequency (350kHz–2.5MHz), 1μA shutdown quiescent current, and power-good monitoring - deployed in automotive infotainment, clusters, and ADAS power rails.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ4323CGDE-AEC1-P datasheet, MPQ4323CGDE-AEC1-P pinout, MPQ4323CGDE-AEC1-P application, or MPQ4323CGDE-AEC1-P equivalent, key selection considerations include its QFN-12 (2mm×3mm) wettable flank package, cold-crank support down to 3.1V VIN, CISPR25 Class 5 EMI compliance, and integrated thermal shutdown with 160°C trip point.

Technical Context

The MPQ4323CGDE-AEC1-P implements peak current mode control with frequency foldback during start-up to prevent inductor current runaway. Its dual-VIN pin layout enables symmetric PCB routing for reduced EMI, while MeshConnect™ flip-chip packaging improves thermal resistance (θJC = 3.5°C/W on standard EVB).

It supports forced continuous conduction mode (FCCM), low-dropout operation for cold-crank conditions, and hiccup-mode over-current protection. The open-drain PG signal asserts within ±5.5% of nominal VOUT and deasserts at ±7% deviation, with 70μs rising and 60μs falling deglitch timing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ4323CGDE-AEC1-P uses a QFN-12 (2mm × 3mm) package with wettable flanks and exposed thermal pad. Pin 1 is located at the bottom-left corner adjacent to the marking dot.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPQ4323CGDE-AEC1-P, the GRHE variant offers superior thermal handling in dense ADAS modules, while the GLE variant supports higher steady-state power in industrial vehicles - both retain identical electrical specs, AEC-Q100 Grade 1 rating, and pin-compatible functionality.

Availability

MPQ4323CGDE-AEC1-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment, digital instrument clusters, ADAS camera modules, and industrial vehicle telematics requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and transient-voltage conditions.

Supply support for MPQ4323CGDE-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.

The MPQ4323C product line delivers ultra-compact, AEC-Q100-qualified buck converters optimized for automotive subsystems demanding high efficiency, low EMI, and extreme environmental resilience.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for startup?

The MPQ4323CGDE-AEC1-P requires a minimum VIN of 3.9V to initiate startup due to its UVLO rising threshold of 3.65V typical. Once running, it sustains regulation down to 3.1V VIN - critical for automotive cold-crank operation where battery voltage dips below 6V.

How is switching frequency configured?

Switching frequency is set by connecting an external resistor between the FREQ pin and ground. For example, 86.6kΩ yields 415kHz, 34.8kΩ yields 1MHz, and 15kΩ yields 2.2MHz. The device supports spread-spectrum modulation to reduce EMI peak amplitudes by ±10% around the nominal fSW.

Does the device support adjustable output voltage?

Yes - the FB pin accepts a resistive divider from VOUT to AGND, with an internal 0.8V reference. Output voltage is calculated as VOUT = 0.8V × (1 + R1/R2). Fixed-output versions are also available but require separate part numbers (e.g., MPQ4323CGDE-33-AEC1 for 3.3V).

What thermal metrics apply to the QFN-12 (2mm×3mm) package?

On a standard 4-layer JEDEC board (JESD51-7), θJA is 60°C/W. On the MPS reference EVB (8.3cm×8.3cm, 2oz copper), measured θJC is 3.5°C/W and θJA is 35.5°C/W. Continuous 3A operation requires ≥4 cm² of 2oz copper connected to the exposed thermal pad via ≥9 thermal vias.

Is the PG signal actively driven or open-drain?

The PG pin is open-drain and requires an external pull-up resistor (typically 10kΩ to 5V or VOUT). It pulls low when VOUT falls outside the 94.5%–105.5% window and floats high when in regulation. Deglitch timing is 70μs (rising) and 60μs (falling) to reject noise-induced false triggers.

Can the device operate in forced continuous conduction mode (FCCM)?

Yes - FCCM is enabled by pulling the MODE pin high (not present on MPQ4323CGDE-AEC1-P; FCCM is default behavior in this variant). This eliminates audible switching noise and ensures constant fSW during light loads, improving EMI predictability and transient response.

What is the maximum output voltage achievable?

The maximum output voltage is limited to 0.95 × VIN, enforced by internal circuitry to ensure safe operation of the integrated MOSFETs. At VIN = 36V, VOUT max = 34.2V; at VIN = 12V, VOUT max = 11.4V. This constraint prevents overstress during high-input, low-duty-cycle conditions.