Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ4323CGRHE-5-AEC1-P

Overview

MPQ4323CGRHE-5-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 supports configurable switching frequency (350kHz–2.5MHz), operates down to 3.1V during cold-crank, and features power-good indication, frequency foldback, and thermal shutdown - deployed in ADAS camera modules requiring robust, compact power conversion.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ4323CGRHE-5-AEC1-P datasheet, MPQ4323CGRHE-5-AEC1-P pinout, MPQ4323CGRHE-5-AEC1-P application, or MPQ4323CGRHE-5-AEC1-P equivalent, key selection criteria include load-dump tolerance, cold-crank support, QFN-14 (2.5mm×3.5mm) wettable flank package compatibility, CISPR25 Class 5 EMI compliance, and integrated FET R_DS(on) values for thermal design validation.

Technical Context

The MPQ4323CGRHE-5-AEC1-P uses peak current mode control with programmable frequency via external resistor on the FREQ pin, enabling optimization for efficiency (e.g., 415kHz) or size (e.g., 2.2MHz). Its symmetric VIN pinout and MeshConnect™ flip-chip QFN-14 package reduce parasitic inductance and improve EMC performance.

It implements forced continuous conduction mode (FCCM), low-dropout operation below V_OUT, hiccup-mode over-current protection, and a 1μA shutdown quiescent current - all validated across –40°C to +150°C junction temperature for automotive under-hood deployment.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ4323CGRHE-5-AEC1-P is housed in a wettable flank QFN-14 (2.5mm × 3.5mm) package with exposed thermal pad, optimized for automated optical inspection (AOI) and enhanced thermal dissipation (θ_JA = 48.6°C/W on JEDEC board).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPQ4323CGDE-AEC1 and MPQ4323CGLE-AEC1, the MPQ4323CGRHE-5-AEC1-P balances compact size (2.5mm×3.5mm), superior thermal resistance (θ_JA = 48.6°C/W), and wettable flank AOI capability - making it optimal for high-volume automotive modules requiring both manufacturability and thermal headroom.

Availability

MPQ4323CGRHE-5-AEC1-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment, ADAS camera modules, digital instrument clusters, and industrial HMI systems requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 qualification, and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for MPQ4323CGRHE-5-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 design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan, and global manufacturing partnerships.

The MPQ4323C series belongs to MPS's automotive-qualified DC/DC converter product line, engineered specifically for demanding automotive environments - emphasizing load-dump survivability, cold-crank operation, EMI robustness, and extended temperature reliability.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable input voltage transient the MPQ4323CGRHE-5-AEC1-P can withstand?

The device is rated for 42V load dump transients per ISO 16750-2 Pulse 5a, with absolute maximum VIN = 42V. It survives this stress without latch-up or parametric shift, eliminating the need for external TVS diodes in most automotive front-end designs.

Does the MPQ4323CGRHE-5-AEC1-P support fixed-output voltage versions?

Yes - fixed-output variants (e.g., 3.3V, 5V) are available under separate part numbers. The MPQ4323CGRHE-5-AEC1-P is the adjustable version; its FB pin accepts an external resistor divider to set V_OUT from 0.8V to 0.95×V_IN, with 0.8V reference accuracy of ±1.25% over temperature.

How is the switching frequency configured, and what resistor values correspond to common frequencies?

Frequency is set by connecting a resistor from the FREQ pin to GND. Typical values: 86.6kΩ yields 415kHz, 34.8kΩ yields 1MHz, and 15kΩ yields 2.2MHz. The relationship is inverse and linear per datasheet Figure 22, with ±10% spread spectrum enabled by default.

What thermal performance can be expected in a standard 4-layer PCB layout?

On an MPS-recommended 8.3cm×8.3cm, 4-layer, 2oz copper evaluation board (EVQ4323C-RH-00A), θ_JA = 33.6°C/W and θ_JC = 3.6°C/W. At 3A load and 12V input, case temperature rise is typically ≤22°C - well within the +150°C max junction limit.

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 to the monitored rail (e.g., V_OUT). It asserts low when V_OUT falls below 93% or exceeds 107% of nominal, and high when within 94.5%–105.5%, with 70µs deglitch timing to reject noise-induced false triggers.

What is the minimum recommended output capacitance for stable operation?

MPS specifies ≥47µF total output capacitance (e.g., two 22µF X5R ceramics) for 415kHz operation and ≥22µF for 2.2MHz. Lower values risk instability or excessive ripple; use low-ESR capacitors placed close to V_OUT and PGND pins.

Does the MPQ4323CGRHE-5-AEC1-P support synchronization to an external clock?

No - the device does not support external clock synchronization. Frequency is set solely by the FREQ pin resistor. For synchronized multi-rail systems, designers must use frequency-select resistors that yield harmonically aligned switching frequencies or accept slight beat-frequency artifacts.