Monolithic Power Systems Inc. MPQ4415AGQB-AEC1-Z

Overview

MPQ4415AGQB-AEC1-Z from Monolithic Power Systems is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified, synchronous step-down DC/DC converter delivering 1.5A continuous output current across a 4V–36V input range. It integrates 90mΩ high-side and 50mΩ low-side MOSFETs, operates at a default 2.2MHz switching frequency with 450kHz–2.2MHz sync capability, and features power good (PG), internal soft start, and valley-current OCP-used in automotive infotainment power rails.

For engineers reviewing the MPQ4415AGQB-AEC1-Z datasheet, MPQ4415AGQB-AEC1-Z pinout, MPQ4415AGQB-AEC1-Z application, or MPQ4415AGQB-AEC1-Z equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q100 qualification, wettable flank QFN-13 package, forced CCM operation, CISPR25 Class 5 compliance, and thermal shutdown at 170°C with 30°C hysteresis.

Technical Context

The MPQ4415AGQB-AEC1-Z employs peak-current-mode control with internal compensation, enabling stable regulation across 0.8V–VIN×0.85 output voltages. Its fixed-frequency architecture supports external synchronization and enters frequency foldback (to 1.1MHz) above ~21V input or during short-circuit events.

It integrates a 4.9V internal bias regulator powered from VIN, bootstrap charging circuitry with 2.2V UVLO on BST, and dual OCP mechanisms: cycle-by-cycle peak limiting and valley-current detection with hiccup mode recovery. PG asserts high after VFB reaches 88% of 0.807V reference, with 90μs typical delay.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MPQ4415AGQB-AEC1-Z is housed in a space-saving, AEC-Q100-qualified QFN-13 (2.5mm × 3mm) package with wettable flanks for automated optical solder inspection. Thermal performance is optimized via exposed PGND pad (θ_JA = 60°C/W, θ_JC = 13°C/W on 4-layer PCB).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPQ4415AGQB-Z, the AEC1 variant adds qualification evidence and process controls for automotive use; versus TPS543320RTWR, it trades current headroom for smaller footprint, lower EMI, and guaranteed automotive-grade reliability in a single-chip solution.

Availability

MPQ4415AGQB-AEC1-Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment systems, ADAS camera modules, and body control modules requiring stable component supply with full AEC-Q100 traceability and long-term production support.

Supply support for MPQ4415AGQB-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 analog and power ICs, with design centers in the US, China, and Taiwan, and global distribution.

The MPQ4415A product line delivers compact, AEC-Q100-qualified DC/DC converters targeting automotive subsystems requiring high efficiency, small form factor, and robust protection in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the BST pin and what capacitor value is recommended?

The BST pin supplies the floating gate driver for the high-side MOSFET via a bootstrap capacitor connected between BST and SW. A 0.1µF to 1µF X7R ceramic capacitor is recommended, placed directly between BST and SW with a 20Ω series resistor to dampen ringing. This configuration ensures reliable high-side drive across the full duty cycle range, especially critical above 65% duty.

Does MPQ4415AGQB-AEC1-Z support external synchronization, and what frequency range is acceptable?

Yes, the EN/SYNC pin accepts an external clock signal for synchronization. The supported range is 450kHz to 2.2MHz, with pulse width <350ns and off-time <1.9µs. When synchronized, the internal oscillator locks to the rising edge of the external clock, enabling deterministic EMI reduction and multi-rail phase alignment in complex automotive power systems.

How does the valley-current OCP differ from standard peak-current limiting in this device?

Valley-current OCP monitors inductor current during the low-side FET conduction phase. If valley current remains above threshold when the next clock pulse arrives, the high-side FET is suppressed-forcing frequency foldback to 1.1MHz. This dual-stage protection prevents inductor saturation and thermal runaway during sustained overload, unlike basic peak limiting which only responds per cycle.

Is the PG signal active-high or open-drain, and what pull-up is required?

The PG pin is an open-drain NMOS output requiring an external pull-up resistor to VCC or another logic-compatible voltage (e.g., 3.3V or 5V). A 100kΩ resistor is typical. PG pulls low during startup, thermal shutdown, or EN/SYNC deactivation, and pulls high only after VFB exceeds 88% of 0.807V with 90μs delay-ensuring valid power sequencing.

Can MPQ4415AGQB-AEC1-Z operate with input voltage below 4V, and what happens at UVLO thresholds?

No-it is not specified to operate below 4V. The internal UVLO has a rising threshold of 3.5V (±0.3V) and falling threshold of 3.17V, with 330mV hysteresis. Below 3.17V, the device shuts down; above 3.5V, it initiates soft start. Operation outside the 4V–36V range risks undefined behavior or latch-up, per absolute maximum ratings.

What is the significance of the "wettable flank" feature in the QFN-13 package?

Wettable flanks expose solderable metal on the vertical side walls of the QFN package. This enables automated optical inspection (AOI) of solder joints during SMT reflow-critical for zero-defect automotive manufacturing. It provides direct visual confirmation of fillet formation and voiding, improving process yield and field reliability in safety-critical applications.