Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ4323GLE-AEC1-Z

Overview

MPQ4323GLE-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. It operates from 3.3V to 36V input, tolerates 42V automotive load dump, supports cold-crank down to 3.1V VIN, and features 1μA shutdown current - enabling use in automotive infotainment, clusters, and ADAS power rails.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ4323GLE-AEC1-Z datasheet, MPQ4323GLE-AEC1-Z pinout, MPQ4323GLE-AEC1-Z application, or MPQ4323GLE-AEC1-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include its 350kHz–2.5MHz configurable switching frequency, CISPR25 Class 5 EMI compliance, wettable flank QFN-12 (3mm×4mm) package, and integrated low-dropout mode for automotive cold-crank resilience.

Technical Context

The MPQ4323GLE-AEC1-Z employs peak current mode control with frequency foldback during startup to prevent inductor current runaway. Its advanced asynchronous modulation (AAM) dynamically scales switching frequency under light loads to minimize gate-driving and switching losses, sustaining high efficiency across 10μA–3A output range.

It integrates a precision 0.8V feedback reference (±0.75% over temperature), open-drain power-good (PG) with ±1.5% hysteresis, and robust protection including thermal shutdown (175°C trip), hiccup-mode over-current protection, and 42V input transient tolerance per ISO16750-2.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ4323GLE-AEC1-Z uses a thermally enhanced QFN-12 (3mm×4mm) package with wettable flanks and exposed thermal pad. Pin layout follows symmetric VIN pinout for reduced EMI and optimized PCB layout.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPQ4323GDE-AEC1-Z, the MPQ4323GLE-AEC1-Z offers lower thermal resistance (50°C/W vs. 60°C/W) and improved manufacturability via wettable flanks; versus LM61480QRNXTQ1, it delivers superior EMI performance and ultra-low IQ at lower cost and smaller footprint for 3A-class automotive rails.

Availability

MPQ4323GLE-AEC1-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment systems, digital instrument clusters, and ADAS camera modules requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q100 qualification and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MPQ4323GLE-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 MPQ4323 product line targets automotive power conversion with emphasis on load-dump resilience, ultra-low quiescent current, and EMI-optimized integration - specifically engineered for ASIL-B compliant subsystems in modern vehicles.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required to start up the MPQ4323GLE-AEC1-Z?

The MPQ4323GLE-AEC1-Z requires a minimum VIN of 3.9V to initiate startup due to its internal UVLO rising threshold. Once operational, it sustains regulation down to 3.1V VIN in low-dropout mode - meeting automotive cold-crank requirements per ISO16750-2.

Does the MPQ4323GLE-AEC1-Z require an external bootstrap capacitor?

Yes - a 0.1μF X7R ceramic capacitor must be placed directly between the BOOT and SW pins. This capacitor supplies gate drive energy for the high-side MOSFET and must be located within 2mm of both pins to minimize parasitic inductance and prevent shoot-through.

How does the frequency spread spectrum (FSS) function impact EMI performance?

FSS modulates the switching frequency by ±10% at 15kHz, spreading energy across a bandwidth instead of concentrating at harmonics. This reduces peak conducted and radiated emissions by >10dB, enabling CISPR25 Class 5 compliance without additional filtering or shielding components.

Can the MPQ4323GLE-AEC1-Z be used in fixed-output configurations?

Yes - the MPQ4323GLE-AEC1-Z supports fixed-output variants (e.g., 3.3V and 3.8V) where the FB pin is internally connected to the output divider. For adjustable outputs, external resistors set VOUT = 0.8V × (1 + R1/R2), with FB input current <100nA ensuring minimal divider error.

What is the thermal performance difference between the QFN-12 (3mm×4mm) and (2mm×3mm) packages?

The QFN-12 (3mm×4mm) package has θJA = 50°C/W (JESD51-7) and θJC = 7.5°C/W, while the smaller variant measures θJA = 60°C/W and θJC = 7.3°C/W. The larger package delivers ~10°C lower junction temperature at 3A load on identical 4-layer PCBs, improving long-term reliability in high-ambient environments.

Is the PG (power good) signal compatible with 1.8V logic systems?

Yes - the open-drain PG output can be pulled up to any voltage ≤6V. When used with a 1.8V pull-up, PG asserts high at ≥0.9V (typical) and sinks ≥1mA at ≤0.3V, making it fully interoperable with 1.8V, 3.3V, and 5V logic families without level-shifting.

How is over-current protection implemented in the MPQ4323GLE-AEC1-Z?

OCP uses valley-current sensing on the low-side MOSFET and peak-current limiting on the high-side. Under overload, it enters hiccup mode - latching off for 32ms before retrying - preventing thermal runaway while maintaining system visibility via sustained PG deassertion.