Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ4340GLE-33-AEC1-Z

Overview

MPQ4340GLE-33-AEC1-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified, synchronous step-down DC/DC converter delivering up to 4A output current at fixed 3.3V with ultra-low 1µA shutdown current and 3µA sleep-mode quiescent current. It integrates 60mΩ high-side and 35mΩ low-side MOSFETs, supports 3.3V–36V input (42V load dump tolerant), and operates from –40°C to +150°C junction temperature - designed for automotive infotainment power rails.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ4340GLE-33-AEC1-Z datasheet, MPQ4340GLE-33-AEC1-Z pinout, MPQ4340GLE-33-AEC1-Z application, or MPQ4340GLE-33-AEC1-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include cold-crank LDO mode support (down to 3.1V VIN), multi-phase capability via ICS pin, zero-delay PWM control for fast transient response, and CISPR25 Class 5 EMI compliance with spread-spectrum modulation.

Technical Context

The MPQ4340GLE-33-AEC1-Z implements a configurable-frequency (350kHz–2.5MHz) zero-delay PWM controller with integrated power FETs and advanced asynchronous modulation (AAM) for light-load efficiency. Its architecture includes dedicated pins for phase synchronization (SYNCO), external clock sync (SYNCIN/MODE), and current sharing (ICS), enabling precise timing coordination in multi-phase configurations.

Thermal management is enforced via internal thermal shutdown (150°C trip, 20°C hysteresis) and optimized thermal resistance (θJA = 44.7°C/W on JESD51-7 board). The device supports both forced CCM and AAM modes, with programmable soft-start (10µA constant-current source), open-drain power-good monitoring (94–106% VOUT window), and hiccup-mode overcurrent protection.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ4340GLE-33-AEC1-Z is housed in a wettable-flank QFN-17 (3mm × 4mm) package with exposed thermal pad, optimized for automotive reflow and automated optical inspection (AOI).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous buck converter applications.

Compared with MPQ4340JGLE-33-AEC1-Z, the MPQ4340GLE-33-AEC1-Z offers identical regulation performance in a smaller QFN-17 footprint, while TPS62933RTER trades automotive robustness for lower quiescent current in non-automotive use cases.

Availability

MPQ4340GLE-33-AEC1-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment, ADAS camera modules, and instrument cluster power supplies requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MPQ4340GLE-33-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 for automotive, industrial, and cloud computing markets.

The MPQ4340 product line targets AEC-Q100-compliant automotive power conversion, emphasizing ultra-low IQ, multi-phase scalability, and robust operation under harsh electrical and thermal conditions.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the ICS pin on MPQ4340GLE-33-AEC1-Z?

The ICS (Current Sharing) pin enables parallel operation of multiple MPQ4340 devices by connecting ICS pins together. This forces equal current distribution across phases, reducing per-phase thermal stress and output ripple. For single-phase use, connect ICS to VCC - floating this pin will cause undefined behavior.

Does MPQ4340GLE-33-AEC1-Z support external frequency synchronization?

Yes. The SYNCIN/MODE pin accepts an external clock signal (90–115% of internal fSW) to synchronize switching. When pulled high, it forces FCCM mode; when pulled low, it enables AAM for light-load efficiency. An external clock must be applied directly - no level-shifting or buffering is required.

How does the PG/PHASE pin function in master vs. slave configuration?

In master mode (SYNCO floating), PG/PHASE acts as an open-drain power-good signal asserting high when VOUT is within ±6% of 3.3V. In slave mode (SYNCO grounded), it becomes a phase-shift control: a resistor to AGND sets relative phase delay versus master, enabling interleaved operation.

What is the minimum input voltage required to maintain regulation during cold-crank?

The device maintains regulation down to 3.1V input in low-dropout (LDO) mode, verified across –40°C to +150°C. This allows uninterrupted operation during automotive cold-crank events where battery voltage dips below 6V, provided output current remains ≤4A and thermal limits are observed.

Can MPQ4340GLE-33-AEC1-Z be used without an external soft-start capacitor?

No. The SS pin requires an external capacitor to ground to set soft-start time. Without it, the internal 10µA current source has no path, causing uncontrolled inrush and potential overvoltage on VOUT. Typical values range from 1nF to 100nF depending on desired ramp time (e.g., 47nF ≈ 2.3ms).

Is the BST capacitor mandatory, and what value is recommended?

Yes. A 0.1µF ceramic capacitor must be placed between BST and SW pins to charge the high-side gate driver. This capacitor sustains gate voltage during HS-FET conduction. Use X7R dielectric with 10V+ rating and place it as close as possible to BST/SW pins to minimize loop inductance.

What PCB layout considerations are critical for EMI performance?

Key practices include: (1) placing input bulk capacitor within 3mm of VIN/PGND pins; (2) using solid PGND plane under IC with thermal pad soldered to ≥2 vias to inner ground layers; (3) routing BST/SW traces as short and wide as possible; (4) separating analog (AGND) and power (PGND) grounds with single-point connection near VCC decoupling cap.