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

Overview

MPQ4323CGRHE-5-AEC1-Z 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 ADAS camera modules requiring cold-crank operation down to 3.1V VIN.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ4323CGRHE-5-AEC1-Z datasheet, MPQ4323CGRHE-5-AEC1-Z pinout, MPQ4323CGRHE-5-AEC1-Z application, or MPQ4323CGRHE-5-AEC1-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include its QFN-14 (2.5mm×3.5mm) wettable flank package, 65ns minimum on-time for high-duty-cycle operation, CISPR25 Class 5 EMI compliance, and integrated thermal shutdown with 175°C trip point.

Technical Context

The MPQ4323CGRHE-5-AEC1-Z employs peak current mode control with frequency foldback during start-up to prevent inductor current runaway. Its dual-VIN pin configuration reduces PCB routing impedance, while symmetric VIN pinout and spread-spectrum modulation suppress conducted and radiated emissions.

It supports forced continuous conduction mode (FCCM) for low-noise operation and includes low-dropout mode enabling stable 5V output even when input drops to 5.2V at 3A load - critical for automotive cold-crank conditions. The device uses internal VCC regulation (5V ±1%) and open-drain PG signaling with ±1.5% hysteresis relative to VFB.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ4323CGRHE-5-AEC1-Z is housed in a wettable flank QFN-14 (2.5mm × 3.5mm) package with exposed thermal pad. Pin 1 is marked by dot; top-side marking includes "BTQ" production code.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPQ4323CGDE-AEC1-Z, this QFN-14 variant offers 22% lower thermal resistance and 5% higher power handling; versus TPS62933RQWR, it delivers certified automotive robustness at the cost of slightly larger footprint and programmable frequency flexibility.

Availability

MPQ4323CGRHE-5-AEC1-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment, ADAS camera modules, instrument clusters, and industrial HMIs requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q100 Grade 1 assurance and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MPQ4323CGRHE-5-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, and global manufacturing partnerships.

The MPQ4323C product line targets automotive power conversion with emphasis on load dump survivability, cold-crank operation, and EMI-compliant packaging - engineered specifically for ADAS, infotainment, and body electronics subsystems.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required to start up the MPQ4323CGRHE-5-AEC1-Z?

The device requires a minimum VIN of 3.9V to initiate startup, per its UVLO rising threshold specification. Once operational, it sustains regulation down to 3.1V input - enabling functionality during automotive cold-crank events where battery voltage dips below 6V.

Does the MPQ4323CGRHE-5-AEC1-Z require an external bootstrap capacitor?

Yes - a 0.1μF X7R ceramic capacitor must be placed between BOOT and SW pins. This capacitor supplies gate drive energy for the high-side MOSFET and must be located adjacent to the IC with minimal trace length to avoid ringing and shoot-through risk.

How is the switching frequency configured on this part?

Switching frequency is set by connecting a resistor from the FREQ pin to AGND. For example, 86.6kΩ yields 415kHz, 34.8kΩ yields 1MHz, and 15kΩ yields 2.2MHz. The device supports ±10% spread-spectrum modulation by default to reduce EMI peaks.

Can the MPQ4323CGRHE-5-AEC1-Z operate in forced continuous conduction mode (FCCM)?

Yes - FCCM is enabled by pulling the MODE pin high (not present on this variant; FCCM is the default mode for MPQ4323C). This eliminates audible switching noise and maintains constant frequency under light loads, improving EMI predictability.

What is the purpose of the NC pin (Pin 14) on the QFN-14 package?

Pin 14 is a no-connect terminal. It may be tied to GND for mechanical reinforcement or left floating - it has no electrical function and does not affect operation, thermal performance, or EMI behavior.

Is the PG signal actively driven or open-drain?

The PG pin is open-drain. It requires an external pull-up resistor (typically 10kΩ to VOUT or VCC) to assert a logic-high signal when output voltage is within 94.5%–105.5% of the target. When out-of-regulation, PG pulls low via internal NMOS.

Does this part support adjustable output voltage?

Yes - the FB pin accepts feedback from an external resistor divider to set output voltage from 0.8V to 0.95×VIN. Fixed-output variants exist (e.g., MPQ4323C-33-AEC1-Z for 3.3V), but this specific part number is the base adjustable version.