Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ4323GDE-38-AEC1-P

Overview

MPQ4323GDE-38-AEC1-P from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified, synchronous step-down DC/DC converter delivering 3A continuous output with 3.3V–36V input range and 42V load dump tolerance. It integrates 70mΩ high-side and 50mΩ low-side MOSFETs, supports adjustable or fixed 3.8V output, and features 1μA shutdown current for automotive battery-sensitive applications including infotainment power rails.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ4323GDE-38-AEC1-P datasheet, MPQ4323GDE-38-AEC1-P pinout, MPQ4323GDE-38-AEC1-P application, or MPQ4323GDE-38-AEC1-P equivalent, key selection criteria include cold-crank support (3.1V min VIN), CISPR25 Class 5 EMI compliance, frequency configurability (350kHz–2.5MHz), wettable flank QFN-12 (2mm×3mm) package, and integrated power-good signaling with ±1.5% threshold hysteresis.

Technical Context

The MPQ4323GDE-38-AEC1-P employs peak current mode control with programmable switching frequency via external resistor on FREQ pin, enabling optimization for efficiency (light-load AAM mode) or EMI (FSS modulation). Its asymmetric internal MOSFET R_DS(on) values (70mΩ HS / 50mΩ LS) and 65ns minimum on-time support high duty-cycle operation during automotive cold-crank conditions down to 3.1V input.

Thermal management is enhanced by MeshConnect™ flip-chip packaging and symmetric VIN pinout, while protection features include hiccup-mode over-current protection, thermal shutdown at 175°C, and 98% maximum duty cycle for low-dropout regulation. The device operates across –40°C to +150°C junction temperature with AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ4323GDE-38-AEC1-P uses a wettable flank QFN-12 package measuring 2mm × 3mm with exposed thermal pad. Pin numbering follows standard top-view orientation with symmetric VIN pins (2, 10) and dedicated PGND (1, 11) for low-impedance return paths.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPQ4323GDE-33-AEC1-P, this 3.8V variant avoids level-shifting for display bias supplies; versus MPQ4323GLE-AEC1-P, it trades thermal headroom for board-area savings in space-constrained modules.

Availability

MPQ4323GDE-38-AEC1-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment systems, instrument clusters, ADAS sensor modules, and industrial gateways requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q100 qualification and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for MPQ4323GDE-38-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 distribution through authorized partners.

The MPQ4323 product line delivers ultra-compact, AEC-Q100 qualified buck converters optimized for automotive subsystems demanding high efficiency, low quiescent current, and robust EMC performance in extreme temperature environments.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the FREQ pin on MPQ4323GDE-38-AEC1-P?

The FREQ pin sets the switching frequency via an external resistor to ground. With 86.6kΩ, it configures 415kHz - balancing efficiency, inductor size, and EMI. Values from 15kΩ to 100kΩ scale f_SW from 2.2MHz down to 350kHz, allowing layout and thermal optimization per application.

Does MPQ4323GDE-38-AEC1-P require external feedback resistors?

No. The "-38" suffix denotes a factory-trimmed fixed 3.8V output version. The FB pin is internally connected to the output divider, eliminating external resistors and reducing BOM count and layout sensitivity compared to adjustable variants.

How does the power-good (PG) signal behave during startup and fault conditions?

PG asserts high when V_OUT reaches 94.5–105.5% of 3.8V and remains high until V_OUT falls below 93% or rises above 107%. It features 70µs rising and 60µs falling deglitch times to reject noise, and floats when unused - no pull-up required unless interfacing with external logic.

What thermal performance can be expected in the QFN-2x3mm package at 3A load?

At 3A, 12V_IN, and 5V_OUT with 415kHz switching, case thermal rise is ~28°C on a 4-layer 2oz copper evaluation board. Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance is 60°C/W (JESD51-7), enabling reliable operation up to +125°C ambient with appropriate PCB copper area.

Is the MPQ4323GDE-38-AEC1-P compatible with lead-free and halogen-free assembly processes?

Yes. The device is RoHS-compliant, lead-free, and halogen-free, qualified for standard Pb-free reflow profiles (JEDEC J-STD-020). Its wettable flank QFN package supports automated optical inspection and achieves >99.9% first-pass yield in automotive SMT lines.

How does the device handle automotive cold-crank conditions?

It supports minimum 3.1V input after startup and enters low-dropout mode with 98% max duty cycle, sustaining regulated 3.8V output even when VIN drops near VOUT. Internal undervoltage lockout has 750mV hysteresis to prevent oscillation during gradual battery recovery.

What protection features are integrated into MPQ4323GDE-38-AEC1-P?

Integrated protections include hiccup-mode over-current (HS peak limit 5.8A, LS valley limit 4.4A), thermal shutdown at 175°C with 20°C hysteresis, input over-voltage lockout at 37.5V, and bootstrap refresh monitoring. No external components are needed to implement these safeguards.